Chalk and Wire

Chalk and Wire, a seemingly simple idea, has become a major discussion between Luther College's education majors.  This online portfolio is a way for teachers to track students developments, and for students to provide examples of how they are developing as an upcoming teacher.  I think this online portfolio is a great idea.  With the world already focused on the internet, how great it will be for future employers to learn about you before they even meet you!

I have come to realize that not many people on campus think this is a good idea.  Honestly, I think most of the reasoning is because they don't want to do the work.  But if you think about it, we all need to put together a portfolio anyway.  Why not do it online?  Our presentation in class was very helpful in helping us actually use Chalk and Wire.  So why are people still against it?

Some reasons why people do not want to fulfill this requirement are the cost, and the vague nature of the portfolio itself.  This program is very expensive for a seemingly low amount of benefit.  If it was not required to pass the class, I know some people would not invest this money.  However, for me the main reason it is so difficult to understand is the limited information students have received.  I looked up Chalk and Wire at other schools, and here are what their websites show. The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee has an education program webpage devoted to chalk and wire.  This website answers questions as to why Chalk and Wire is required.  Similarly,  Hope College has a website which introduces the "Tech Team" who is available for any help needed with Chalk and Wire.

In order to make Chalk and Wire a beneficial tool for students, Luther needs to implement its use more strategically.  Communication between the department and students would help bridge the gap that is currently formed between students and Chalk and Wire.  If more information were available, more students would realize how this portfolio can be very useful to them in the future.  There is no doubt that face to face meeting is superior to any online activity, this portfolio is simply a way to start a more personal interaction.

Please feel free to check out the above links to other Chalk and Wire pages.