Jerry Andersen

Andersen's "See and Hear Us Shine / An Electronic Portfolio" is an ongoing project to create individual electronic portfolios for each of the school's students. Students and teachers use digital cameras, scanners and audio recorders to document the ongoing development of the students' reading, writing and other core skills. The portfolios are combined into presentations that can be viewed by visitors, burned on CD and shown during assemblies. By creating these electronic records, both students and teachers are learning key technology skills that can help them in the future. The program builds interest and participation in learning, as well as self-esteem, among students in this inner-city school. The program also helps teachers become more comfortable with technology, and gives parents an understanding of their children's academic progress.