COUNSELING, REHABILITATION, AND STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

• Department Embraces ePortfolio™ Project
• A Framework for Professional Development

Department Embraces ePortfolio™ Project

School Counseling student Theresa Hawkins wanted a place to gather educational artifacts and store course materials to help her study for her comprehensive exams. She also wanted to develop a portfolio for future use in obtaining employment and professional evaluation. And she wanted to find a way to pull all this together in a central location electronically and inexpensively.

So, using the College’s innovative technology developed for teacher education students and school administrators, she built her own Digital BackPack™, ePortfolio™, and Cyber Toolbox™.

Soon other School Counseling students wanted their own ePortfolio™. Hawkins offered workshops, taught the “Technology for the Helping Professions” course, and found her fellow students as interested and excited about the practical applications of web technology as she was.

“ For me, the most remarkable aspect of the project is the positive feedback I’ve received,” Hawkins said. “Students are recognizing the importance of gaining technical skills and infusing them into their professional lives.”

Now, not only School Counseling, but also Rehabilitation Counseling and Student Development programs are able to use these innovative technologies to promote the integration of theory and knowledge to practice, link required course work to professional standards, and improve their technological proficiencies. Students understand and learn how to meet accreditation standards. In addition, employers are able to view the student’s work and professional interests, which facilitates communication during the interview process.

“ Theresa is an outstanding peer educator responsible for teaching CRSD students the necessary skills to transition from graduate training into the workforce,” Assistant Professor Tarrell Portman said.

Practicing school counselors are taking the next step by sharing their technical skills with the community. One example is a school counselor posting guidance lessons on the Internet describing the developmental activities second graders learn about working in groups.

“ When parents access the plan online,” Hawkins said, “counselors become more successful in their personal interactions with the parents.”

Hawkins will present applications of the ePortfolio™ process at national American Counseling Association and American School Counselor Association conferences.

“This form of web development helps build community relations,” she said. “The interest in this aspect of technology is overwhelming.”

John Achrazoglou (BA ‘81/MA ‘94/PhD ‘03), director of the Educational Technology Center and co-developer of the ePortfolio™ concept said he is extremely impressed with Hawkins’ hard work and commitment to the College.

“Theresa has done some remarkable things,” he said. “She single-handedly took materials and technologies from our teacher education ePortfolio process and applied them to her program. She spends a great deal of time consulting with faculty, putting together templates for ePortfolio™, and setting up a support system and website to guide students. Along with her outstanding teaching, Theresa’s efforts have distinguished herself and the College among our peers and constituents.”

Becky Mooss, one of Hawkins’ school counseling students, nominated her for the University’s Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award. “Theresa opened my eyes to the teaching and helping potentials of technology,” she said, “and I am actively seeking employment with this revolutionary tool.”