ITMA Portfolio Components & Process

Portfolios are gaining acceptance as a means of assessing learning. By assembling a portfolio, students can present documented evidence of new knowledge and capabilities as well as express the impact of a course or program on their work within their profession.

AECT has adopted the following definition of Educational Technology: "Educational Technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources" (Richey, 2008, p.24). As a student of Instructional Design and Technology, the ITMA student will assemble a portfolio that demonstrates the competencies developed in the five tasks established by the Association for Educational Communication and Technology (AECT) [design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation] and areas from the ITMA program [resources, reflection, and resume]. The student will define each of the AECT tasks, include artifacts relevant to each task, and reflect on the knowledge that was gained through the completion of the artifacts. Within the policies of the University and the judgment of the student's advisory committee, students may elect to emphasize certain knowledge, skill, or competencies and give less attention to others; however, demonstration of minimum knowledge, skill, or competency is required for each competency.

Taken together, the portfolio allows faculty to assess the learning that took place and students to see the ways in which the competencies gained through the ITMA program can impact professional activities.

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With this in mind, here is a rundown of the ITMA portfolio requirements. The information presented below should help you decide the type of artifacts appropriate for each section.

Component
Description

1. Design
Design is a planning function. Through the design process you specify the conditions that are part of the learning environment. Therefore, any documents that details the plans for the design of an instructional product are included. In these documents, you might discuss learners, context, instructional strategies, and technologies.

2. Development
Development is the actual creation of instructional materials. Included in this domain are the final products created from the plans detailed in the design documents.

3. Utilization
Utilization includes the use of processes and resources for learning, with the focus on the user's perspective. What have you done to encourage the use of a particular type of media? What have you done to encourage the adoption of a new technology? What have you done to encourage that this new technology is incorporated into the organization?

4. Management
Management includes the actual or planned management of projects, resources, delivery systems, or information. This can include managing budgets, personnel, or supplies, as well as facilities, technology, or the information needed by individuals.

5. Evaluation
Evaluation determines the adequacy of something. This something may be a project, a program, or even a product, and in the end, a values is assigned to the thing.

6. Resources
Includes identifying relevant resources that are appropriate to use in Instructional Technology. Also, explore and experiment with a variety of software and hardware that can be used as resources in various contexts.

7. Resume
A page that documents a student's goals, educational background, and work experiences.

8. Reflections
Variety of narratives documenting personal insight and growth in your journey to becoming an Instructional Technologist. Narratives should communicate reflections on all aspects of the portfolio development process, and the skills-knowledge-attitudes needed to personally succeed in the field of Instructional Technology.

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