One of the features I have always liked about Edmodo that provides students with a way to organize their cornucopia of uploaded digital goodness (i.e. files and links attached to assignments and posts) is the Edmodo library. If you're already an Edmodo user, you know how fabulous the library is, with its ability to upload all types of files to it, shareable folders (for teachers), Google Docs integration, and sorting by anything attached to posts. I admit that last year I did not take full advantage of this fabulousness, as I was more concerned with my students learning how to use the basics of Edmodo. Thus the library got second billing to things like turning in assignments (and the right document into the right assignment), reading class announcements, and logging in to Edmodo outside of class time to turn in assignments and read class announcements.
I plan on having my students use the features in the Edmodo library from the start of the school year this year, so I started poking around in there. As I scanned the page, I noticed something I had not seen before today: (Click to see a larger image)
Students could develop ePortfolios using folders in the Library. (After another quick Google search, I realize I'm not the only one who has had this thought, but I can't find any references to anyone who has actually done this. If you have, let me know!)
Students would have to create a folder in their accounts (preferably with the word "portfolio" in the name somewhere) first. Then, as they create artifacts or evidence throughout the semester or entire school year, they can upload those to their library as links or files and put them in their portfolio folder. This folder could be a working portfolio containing all possible artifacts until it is time to turn in the portfolio for assessment; then, students could remove or add pieces before the final due date, turning it into a final assessment portfolio.
How would they turn in this portfolio? They would turn it in to an assignment you as the teacher would create--and they would submit the link to their folder after clicking "Turn in" on the assignment. (They have to mark the check box next to the word "Public" for you to be able to view the contents of this folder.) Personally, I would have students turn in the link as soon as they created the folder so I could take a peek at what they have all semester long, giving them formative feedback along the way. In Edmodo, you can leave feedback in the comments box provided when you click on the student's turned-in portfolio, or you can leave it in the actual artifact itself using the "Play View" function of the folder. Just click on the name of the folder after the student turns in the assignment, and the "Play View" function is in front of you in full Edmodo glory: (click for a larger picture)
I think using Edmodo for portfolios in this way would be a great start for teachers who want to dip their toes in the ePortfolio waters. However, if you're looking for a portfolio that students can take with them after they leave your classroom or school where all of their evidence is arranged in a more professional manner for public consumption, this might not be the best option. I was toying with the idea of having students keep these folders as working portfolios for most of the semester, and then transferring their artifacts to a Google site towards the end of the first semester, allowing them to pick and choose what they would like to put on their final Google site assessment portfolio. As a nice side-effect, they will learn to use the great features available in the Edmodo library to help themselves organize all of their digital stuff.
Like I said, I know I'm not the only one who has thought of this. So, if you have used Edmodo for portfolios (or have used Edmodo in any other fantastical way), please feel free to share what you've done and how it's worked-or not worked-for you.