Capstone Portfolio FAQ
What should a Portfolio entry look like?
The best way to get an idea about Portfolio entries is to review the Exemplary Exhibits. You will notice that no two exhibits are exactly the same. You are encouraged to create your exhibit in the way that will best showcase your talents and mastery of the NETS*T. As you create your Portfolio, do not hesitate to ask your Coach questions as needed.
I am not sure what some of the terms in the NETS*T mean, is there a Glossary?
Many of the terms are defined in the Portfolio Forms. Here is the complete list of definitions.
The lesson plan I had approved in the Capstone Introduction course will not work during this course. What can I do?
This is not unusual. Review your approved Lesson Plan and look at what you will be teaching between now and Session 5 of this Capstone course. Can you adapt the approved lesson? If not, think about what else you can do. Contact your Coach for further information and approval.
What is the difference between Share and Submit?
When you "Share" your exhibit, you are providing a link for someone to view your exhibit and you may continue to work on it. When you "Submit" your exhibit, you have completed all the required entries and the exhibit is locked until your Coach has reviewed it and provided feedback. If you Submit by mistake, you must contact your Coach to have it unlocked so you may continue working.
How do I Share my Exhibit with my Coach?
On the first page you see when you open your Portfolio, Share is to the right of Build. Select Share, then select the checkbox next to your Coach's name. You may add a Message. Select SEND INVITATION and your Coach will receive an email that your exhibit is ready for review. You may continue to Build your exhibit as you wait for feedback from your Coach.
How do I Submit my Exhibit?
See the document Submitting Portfolio for Review for detailed directions
Why is my "Build" button gone?
The "Build" button is not available if you have submitted your exhibit. If your exhibit is Approved it remains locked. If your Coach requests further revisions, it will be unlocked it for you to continue working. All exhibits are locked at the completion of the course. If your exhibit has not been approved your Coach will provide further directions.
Why is my "Submit" button gone?
The "Submit" button is not available until you have addressed all the required performance indicators or if you have submitted your exhibit. If your exhibit is Approved it remains locked. If your Coach requests further revisions, it will be unlocked it for you to continue working. All exhibits are locked at the completion of the course. If your exhibit has not been approved your Coach will provide further directions.
What are the character limits for the text boxes?
To the left of each text box, just after the textbox name (Title, Summary, etc) is a question mark. When you hover your cursor above the question mark the character limit will be displayed.
According to my word processing application, I am under the character limit for the text box, why am I still getting an error message?
Many word processing programs contain extensive invisible formatting commands which count as part of your character count. To eliminate these invisible characters, copy and paste your entry as Plain text (.txt) from there into your Portfolio. You may also compose your entries in your preferred html authoring tool if you are comfortable with html.
May I only use evidence from my Exhibit Lesson Plan in my Portfolio?
You are expected to use your Exhibit Lesson Plan as a source of evidence whenever possible, especially for Standards 1 and 2. You may also include evidence from other classroom learning experiences you have facilitated as additional evidence to demonstrate your mastery of the Performance Indicators. Your evidence for Standards 4, 5 and parts of 3 will be from other aspects of your professional practice, not just your work with students.
What kinds of files may I attach as evidence?
You may attach any kinds of files as evidence, but keep in mind that the reader of your portfolio will need to have the same application available to view the file. When in doubt, use screen shots or convert to a pdf document. You are encouraged to use samples of student work, but remove all personal identifying information from these.
What kinds of web site URLs may I use as evidence?
Do not link to commercial web sites as evidence. If you link to a password protected website, make sure you have provided a user name and password in your portfolio entry. It's even better to include it in the textbox for the Performance Indicator so it is easily located by the reader. If you have posted examples of student work on the web, protect the privacy of your students.
May I use the same evidence for more than one Performance Indicator?
Yes, this is inevitable. You may reuse evidence but make sure it fits the Performance Indicator and all evidence must be mentioned and described in your portfolio entry.
When I reuse evidence, do I have to upload it each time?
No, upload the evidence the first time you use it then just link to it for other entries. In your Capstone Exhibit, go to "View," this is the screen with both PBS TeacherLine and ISTE on the blue banner at the top. Scroll down to the evidence you want to create a link to , highlight/select the title of the file you wish to link to, Copy and Paste as the URL of the evidence and name it the same as you did originally. Test your link. In your Capstone 2 exhibit you may link to evidence contained in your Capstone 1 exhibit.
What is the size limit for my Portfolio?
At the bottom of the Build page is the limit for your exhibit and the percent you have already used. Besides linking to reused evidence as described above, another way to more efficiently use your space is by adjusting the size of your images. Images from digital cameras and screenshots can be greatly reduced in size by opening and resaving at a lower resolution or different file type in a photo editing program.
Is there a form I should use for my Lesson Plan?
You are welcome to use your preferred lesson plan form or you may use the attached Open or Directed forms.
How will my Portfolio be evaluated?
Your individual entries will be evaluated using the Portfolio Rubric. The first part of your Portfolio will be evaluated using the Other Portfolio Rubric. Both rubrics are accessible from your course.
Which Portfolio entries should I complete each session? Why?
Each session, you are to complete specific entries as listed on the Portfolio Schedule for that course. The assigned entries are related to the content of that session and allow you to complete your portfolio and incorporate the revisions suggested by your Coach's feedback by the middle of Session 6 when it goes to the external reviewer.
How can I share my completed Portfolio with my colleagues, boss, etc?
During the course, follow the same steps as to Share with your Coach, but enter their email addresses in the Additional Recipients box. After your Exhibit is approved, there will be a link in you Capstone Portfolio that you may share with them.