Portfolio of Professional Products

As you proceed through the program, you will participate in a number of projects that are relevant to a variety of applied settings. You will compile and document your work into a portfolio. The purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate your ability to apply skills and knowledge in the following areas:

• Understand how technology can support learning.
• Plan for the implementation of technology within classrooms, schools, or other learning settings.
• Design and develop instructional innovations using technology.
• Implement technology-supported instruction within a learning setting.
• Evaluate technology-based programs, systems, or materials in terms of their design and potential for learning.
• Manage technology resources and projects.
  

You should prepare your portfolio to be useful to prospective employers. The portfolio will include:

• A 1-2 page letter to the ILT program chair introducing your portfolio. Reflect on what you have learned from the program. Describe how the portfolio items relate to your professional goals.
• A copy of a current résumé.
• At least three products that, taken together, represent the breadth and quality of your accomplishments in the program. Each product should include a product report (see discussion below). Examples of products include internship reports, class projects and papers, grant proposals, literature reviews and bibliographies, case studies, evaluations, multimedia programs, or instructional-design reports. Each product is introduced by a short (1-2 page) description, rationale, and objective critique.
• One product showcased as your Master's Project. You should submit a thorough product report adhering to the product-report guidelines below, as well as the product itself. The product report is more extensive and thoroughly documents your design and development activities. Cite papers and books in the professional literature that support your approach. Your Master's Project may be:
  • -an extension of previous work completed in class;
  • -a report of an internship or practicum experience; or
  • -an independent project.
    
• Cite the professional literature that relates to your projects. Show how your work relates to other projects reported in the literature, or how you apply sound principles of technology use and instructional design.

Scope, Credit, and Logistics

You must submit your Masters Portfolio for formal review during your final semester. We recommend the following procedure:

1. Throughout your program, complete work suitable for inclusion in your portfolio. Keep in mind the six responsibilities from the ILT knowledge base as you approach your coursework and field experiences.
2. Toward the end of your program, consult with your advisor concerning a good Master's Project. Submit a 1-3 page (see Chapter 9) proposal to your advisor concerning your project and have it approved in concept. Include in your proposal a statement of purpose and objectives, scope, products to be delivered, evaluation plan, and timeline.
3. Arrange to meet and consult with other students as you compile your portfolio. Compare and share ideas, approaches, formatting, etc. Provide feedback and support to other students, and seek out feedback and support for your own work.
4. Submit your portfolio to your advisor. The deadline for submission is the same date that written comps are held for the School, usually about 7 weeks before the end of semester. This allows time to faculty for review before notifying the School of your passing comps. For more information see the Graduation FAQ.
5. At the beginning of your graduating semester, call 303-556-5274 and request the graduation packet. Find out the deadline for submission of this packet back to the School (see the Graduation FAQ linked to the ILT website). The graduation packet includes forms for your diploma, comprehensive exams (in the form of your portfolio), and your completed coursework. Complete and return these forms to your advisor, who will sign and forward everything to the School. If you miss this deadline, the School will not allow you to graduate.
6. You will be formally notified of your exam results after the end of the semester. In cases where notice of your graduation affects your employment status, you may ask your advisor to write a letter indicating your successful completion of all program requirements.

Portfolio Evaluation

Portfolios are evaluated on content and production values. Both areas must receive a passing score in order to satisfy comprehensive-exam requirements. The review form used by faculty incorporates the criteria outlined below.

Portfolio Content

Goals letter and résumé. Your introductory letter should be clearly explain your professional goals and how the portfolio items relate to those goals. The letter should be clear, concise, and to the point. The résumé should detail your experience and credentials for assuming the responsibilities of an information and learning technologist.

Product reports. The three (or more) products and the Master's Project represent your best work. They should be well-written or produced, focusing on issues of importance to practice. A coherent selection of items will provide a strong case that you have mastered key skills and knowledge relating to becoming an information and learning technologist.

Analysis, synthesis, and evaluation skills. Portfolio projects should show your ability to engage in higher-order cognitive processes. They are your opportunity to demonstrate the skills necessary to function independently as an effective information and learning technologist.

Production Values

Overall presentation. The portfolio should be presented in a professional and understandable format. It should look good and be easy to use. Strive for clarity and unity.

Design. Text, media presentations, or other formats should clearly represent high-quality design. Thoughtfully pre-planning and incorporating graphic, visual, and oral design principles will result in qualify portfolios. The résumeé should be a maximum of two pages with easy to find information on education and experience.

Organization. The portfolio organization should make it easy for the read/viewer to proceed through the materials in an orderly fashion. Dividers or other organizing devices should be used effectively.



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