Introduction to the Portfolio

You’ve     done a lot of work this semester already, and I’ve been reading and responding to all of it as the semester has progressed, but now is the time to compile all your into a manageable form.  Of course, you'll need to introduce the portfolio with a formal introduction.
 
The introduction serves the rhetorical purpose of telling me how I should read this work.  It lets me know what you think is most important and where you need to finesse a weakness or limitation.  It explains without making excuses any unusual circumstances for your work.  It provides an overall tone and brings up themes that you will be developing throughout the portfolio. As the author of this body of work, you get to set the expectations of how I should read.  Your introduction will provide me the guidance and direction I need to do just that.
 
In order to meet the target goals in the portfolio introduction, you should:
coherently introduce and contextualize the portfolio.

• demonstrate the use of technology to enhance your productivity and professional practice (NETS*T Standard 5).            
• explain how the course will influence your future teaching. You will be asked to do so during screening in your junior year. If you are unable to talk quite specifically about what you learned in your pedagogy courses about teaching, chances are you will not pass screening.  This introduction provides you with a chance to practice articulating your teaching ideas and philosophy and how this course has impacted them.
• explicitly reflect on pedagogical theories.  Use specific names of learning theories or scholars that have or will influence your teaching.
• exhibit positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity.

Write your formal introduction with these purposes in mind.