ORLANDO, Jan. 28, 2005 - TaskStream, a leading provider of Web-based education
tools to colleges, said today it will underwrite an international research
project on the impact of electronic portfolios on learning, engagement and
motivation in secondary schools. The company said it will provide free
electronic portfolio software to up to 50,000 students for the length of the
two-year study.
The project director is Helen Barrett, Ph.D., an internationally recognized
expert in electronic portfolios who has been researching educational strategies
and technologies for e-portfolios since 1991. Dr. Barrett is co-director of the
International Society for Technology in Education's PT3 Catalyst Grant
Assessment Project. A faculty member at University of Alaska Anchorage, she is
also a former director of staff development at North Star Borough School
District in Fairbanks.
The study, called The REFLECT Initiative, was launched at the Florida
Educational Technology Conference, where the project's organizers began
recruiting school districts to participate.
"Electronic portfolios allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and think
about their work in a way that appeals to both their creativity and their
comfort with digital media," said Dr. Barrett. "This study, which is
unprecedented in scope, will examine how e-portfolios foster engagement and
reflection in the learning process."
"TaskStream is pleased to underwrite Helen's important work in electronic
portfolios," said Kevin Doyle, the company's CEO. "We are committed to support
research in this important field and develop solutions that are driven by
research and experience."
Applications are due by April 21, and applicants will be notified of their
participation status in May. Project training will occur in regional workshops
during the summer and at on-site visits in the fall. Additional information,
including a formal project description and Invitation to Participate, can be
found at www.taskstream.com/reflect.
About TaskStream:
TaskStream provides the highest quality web-based software and supporting services to efficiently plan and manage assessment processes, facilitate the demonstration of learning achievement and foster continuous improvement. Institutions and individuals around the world use TaskStream to help ensure that students are learning the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in today's global economy. For more information, please visit www.taskstream.com. |
Press Contact:
Courtney Peagler
Director of Marketing
71 W 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
Phone: 212-868-2700
E-mail: cpeagler@taskstream.com
|
