Through Portfolios with a Purpose, rising 5 and 6 graders worked in Google Workspace while creating digital portfolios during a two-week summer technology boot camp. Throughout the year scholars will see themselves and their efforts through the continued curation of their portfolios, supporting the reflective practices of self-awareness and self-expression and further establishing a desire for personal growth. Concurrently, students learned socially responsible use of technology as they became more resilient in using applications, sites, and programs. Students were challenged to be more attentive to technology’s integration into all fields of their learning and build the critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to advance independently as technology evolves.

"We are excited for our scholars to have the experiences and actions involved in creating and maintaining a digital portfolio. This will allow them to capitalize on their middle school efforts when attending broader high school and workforce communities. It will also provide a sense of inclusion based on their high-level technical understanding and its many applications for producing work that contributes to continued prosperity.”

– Robin Fisher, 

St. Regis Academy Principal

“A                      At St. Regis Academy, we refer to                             our students as scholars because we believe embedded inside them lives the idea that from the beginning of their learning, higher education and a career that brings fulfillment and economic stability are what is sought after - becoming lifelong learners and civic leaders. Unfortunately, at times, outside St. Regis, our scholars experience biases and are viewed as lesser learners or potential achievers because they do not always come with an established toolbox of skills often supported by resources and experiences in their homes. We want our scholars to see themselves as we see them.” 

Used the ISTE standards, a framework for the  teaching and learning of technology, as their guidelines for  gaining knowledge and reflecting.

The St. Regis Boot Tech Campers were diligently engaged in empowering themselves as learners for all 40 hours of camp.

Empowered Learner

During this process, I have become better at editing and formatting on the computer.  I discovered that using keyboard shortcuts worked really well for me.  I used to think that editing on the computer was very hard because I didn't understand it.  Now, I think that editing on the computer is easy and  makes a lot of  sense.

During this process, I  have become better at typing. I have learned how to paste, copy, and how to use Google Slides. One challenge that I had was  staying positive. I will  overcome this by practice.

I have significantly developed my knowledge of computers. However, I have not sufficiently improved my ability to type effectively.

Digital Citizen

The Scholars at Boot Tech Camp shared learning about the responsibilities needed to stay safe while online.

Because I know that my digital media will be shared globally I have to be careful  what I post.

I used to think that some things on the computer were 100% real.  Now I realize that nothing on the internet is 100% real.  There is always some filter applied.

Having discussed Digital Citizenship I now realize to NEVER click on ads, share your password, or talk to people I don’t know.

Knowledge Constructor

Student created artifacts using the Google Platform, Jamboard. 

 This particular student shared with us that he went home and created a Fantasy Football league for his family using this platform.

Having learned about technology, I now  feel like I am smarter in the use of the tools in Google Workspace.

Having experienced  the tools in google workspace l now know how to copy and paste by myself without any help.

Having experienced technology  l now question why there are so many steps in technology to this day.

Having used different platforms I now use digital tools to plan and manage a design process.

Creative Communicator

Scholars  used the many platforms, tools, and digital media to create their "Portfolio With a Purpose."  During our Graduation Ceremony they loved showing off their creations and new skills to family and friends.

Having experienced  the tools in google workspace l now know how to copy and paste by myself without any help.

Having experienced using different platforms I know that I can use digital tools to plan.

"My son loved talking about his portfolio."

-St Regis Academy Parent

Were introduced to plaftorms, websites, extensions, and ADDon's that they can use to produce artifacts.

St. Regis Scholars engaged in using a number of platforms in which they can use throughout the year to share their learning as tech produced artifacts.

Platforms to Create Artifacts

Storyboard That

Jamboard

Google Drawings

Google

Slides

Canva