From Culture Shock to Culture Shift: Implementing an ePortfolio Culture Tunxis Community College How does an institution transition from culture shock to a sustained ePortfolio paradigm? At Tunxis, we are in the midst of this culture shift as we move to incorporate ePortfolio into our degree programs. Our presentation will focus on shifting the culture from teaching to learning, making learning visible, and integrating ePortfolio at the course and program level. • Laura Gambino, Professor of Computer Information Systems • Rafaele Fierro, Assistant Professor of History • George Sebastian-Coleman, Assistant Professor of English

1. RafaeleFierro Laura Gambino George Sebastian-Coleman Tunxis Community College Culture Shock to Culture Shift:Implementing an ePortfolio Culture

2. Background 2004 – Tunxis received a Title III grant Five-year grant Focus on Outcomes Assessment Two main initiatives ePortfolio Ability-Based Education

3. Ability-Based Education Ten General Education Abilities and Rubrics Communication, Critical Thinking, Technology Literacy, etc Every course has at least one General Education Ability embedded in it Instructor is responsible for assessing that ability Goal: When students graduate from Tunxis, they will have demonstrated achievement of the 10 General Education Abilities

4. Ability-Based Education Degree Programs Program Abilities and rubrics Embedded in course syllabi Assessed in courses Benefit to students Make connections between Gen Ed courses and program courses Make connections between/among courses in the program Focus on students and their learning

5. ePortfolio and Career Programs Currently used in Computer Information Systems, Dental Hygiene, Business Office Technology, Early Childhood Goals Increase student success Connection and reflection Increased retention Showcase ePortfolio To create a comprehensive assessment system for programs General Education Abilities Program Outcomes

6. Liberal Arts and Sciences The vision: The transcript is the school’s declaration that the student has completed degree requirements. The portfolio is the students’ proof that they have done so. Student will create the portfolio in developmental, FYE, or Composition courses First-year writing section will exemplify the extension of course-to-course use of abilities Capstone course will be used to develop a graduation portfolio

8. Culture Shock Tunxis’ Goal: Students graduating will demonstrate General Education and Program Abilities The issue: Convincing faculty that ePortfolio is the best way to achieve this goal

9. Culture Shock Quotes “ I teach in a content-heavy discipline..I don’t have time to fit this in my course” “I don’t see how this is going to benefit my students in my course” “This is way too much extra work” “Laura’s making everyone do this”

10. Culture Shock Issues Individual Course/Faculty level Two types of resistance Faculty who follow the traditional teaching model Faculty who are opposed to change Faculty feel vulnerable Program Level Additional “burden” of Program Outcomes Coordination/education of all faculty Adjunct faculty issue

11. Culture Shock Issues Institution level Confusion between ABE and ePortfolio Assessment and ePortfolio Trying to do too much at once Faculty-driven project Time/effort to lead and support the project Rumor mill/hallway conversations ePortfolio is mandated

12. Culture Shift…Things to Remember Timeline is key Move the project along at a reasonable pace Everyone adapts to change at a different pace Need various types of support/buy in Administration Early adopters Tech support Students Fall 2009 Survey Results: 82% of students surveyed will maintain their ePortfolio in the upcoming semesters

13. Culture Shift…Ideas Seminar series Focus on ePortfolio pedagogy and reflection/hands-on training Small group workshops Shared workspace – learning community On-going conversations Large group Small group Listening/acknowledging concerns

14. Culture Shift…Ideas On-going support and training ePortfolio Project ePortfolio FAQ, Handouts, Videos Dedicated ePortfolio Lab Faculty Mentor Program Have a well-defined entry-point or points Faculty-driven effort

15. Culture Shift…Ideas Keep the focus on students and learning Mohamed Izzy Steven Chasity