Learning portals…  A simple yet very effective way to integrate technology into the classroom—one that engages students in learning while teaching them essential “every century” skills!

So, what is a learning portal anyway?  In the educational arena, it’s a web site or wikispace that offers students consolidated anytime, anywhere access to information, resources, materials and/or assignments pertaining to a particular course.  Instead of teaching content in isolation, learning portals can be integrated to create powerful instruction and authentic learning opportunities for students.  In addition to addressing the four lens of learning, this blended approach provides a hub to foster skills in the following areas:  innovation, communication, collaboration, problem solving and critical thinking while simultaneously teaching the use of technology in an effective and productive manner.

To see a learning portal in action, check out my Multimedia I wikispace located at http://batechjf20.wikispaces.com.  Not only do I utilize this space as a paperless classroom, but it is also used as an electronic portfolio in which students can share their projects with a global audience.

Classroom Connection:

Technology skills are crucial for today’s digital natives and their future employment needs.  With that said, develop a learning portal to teach your students how to use technology as an important tool for learning, both now and in the future.

For additional information about learning portals and the advantages of using them in the classroom, be sure so check out the following wikispace created by my friends/colleagues Laura Cipriano and Andrew Halter:  http://learningportals.wikispaces.com.  It contains tons of information, instructional strategies, samples and research about learning portals as well as a links to Andrew’s Digital Tools for Digital Learners and The Digital Shift wikis that are packed with technology integration tools and ideas.  Laura also maintains a very resourceful library wiki for Riverside High School in Western PA.