Assessing Preservice Teachers Confidence Level in Using e-Portfolio Within the Elementary Science Methods Classroom

Julianne Miranda, Butler University
Meredith Beilfuss
Li-Ling Yang

Abstract

E-Portfolios: Is this just an electronic ‘in-box’? A survey was conducted on preservice teachers level of technology self-efficacy when using LiveText in a methods course to create lesson plans using templates, reflections, and creating portfolio’s. Survey results indicate a strong self-knowledge of LiveText components, such as templates, artifacts, tools/resources, and activities associated with assessment of artifacts. A high level of e-portfolio efficacy among these preservice teachers was observed, especially when uploading artifacts and creating lesson plans. Work still remains on effectively training preservice teachers on the extensive resources available through LiveText and using those tools to promote a reflective practitioner. This study has implications for the implementation and training of preservice teachers to use electronic portfolios in methods courses and moving from the view of e-portfolios as assessment of learning to assessment for learning.