Looking Back Into The Abyss

Like most people my age who were educated in American schools, I spent my school career being given assignments with strict guidelines and expectations: “Read this book, and write a 5-paragraph essay on the author’s use of metaphor.” In luckier circumstances, some choice was offered: “Choose one of these four books, read it, and write a 5-paragraph essay on the author’s use of metaphor.” In the best-case scenarios, these assignments involved an activity that interested me, or at least seemed useful. I loved reading and exploring the art of writing, and I saw the practical value in learning the science of how the world works.

Who Owns The Eportfolio?

I bought two sewing machines yesterday.

The reason for buying one sewing machine has little or nothing to do with my graduate coursework. The reason for buying two explains a great deal about why student ownership of the ePortfolio is so important.

I have worn a particular pant size for the past 20+ years. Recently I've discovered that I have...expanded my operations. I'm okay with this on a personal level--my waistline, while larger, is still perfectly healthy. But, while I am healthy, I am also cheap. I don't want to buy new pants.