ePortfolio conference in Maastricht, Netherlands

I've been at the ePortfolio conference in Maastricht for the past couple of days. I went to the first two days of the conference, and skipped out on the final day (today.) I learned a lot the past couple of days. I also feel like I really got inspired to do more with ePortfolios. During my experience here at the conference, I was wondering what more I could do using technology to help my students. Could students use ePortfolios to help with their language learning? What does it take to implement an ePortfolio for ELLs.

The specific theme of the conference was focused on employability and use of ePortfolios for work and not just in an educational setting. My mom, an international ePortfolio expert, believes that ePortfolios can be used for just about any aspect of someone's life. There was a lot of discussion (and debate) about what an ePortfoliio is, what tools are best, and why someone should have one. There were some good discussions. Basically, what I got from the conference: an ePortfolio can be used for WHATEVER THE USER WANTS IT TO BE USED FOR!

On the first day of the conference, I started my first, intentional ePortfolio. I've included my digital stories, my CV, and plan to include a vlog. I'm not much of a blogger, so needless to say, I do better if there's a "creative" aspect to my reflection.

Spending this time in the technology, learning environment has heightened my thinking about "What's next?" I've felt like my time in Hungary is coming to a close. I've gone as far as I can for now at Gundel. I love my students, but feel like it's time for a change. Of course I'd like to go on living overseas, but may need to return to the states, if I'm to continue my education. Continuing my education is something I'll need to do at this point.

What I'd like to do, is see how I can take my ESL experience and combine it with eLearning. I've got the ESL certification and experience. What I really need is the Technology aspect. So, who knows...who knows what the future holds.