Project+Share+-+Oct.+21

Introduction to Epsilen/Project Share
TEA in collaboration with Epsilen LLC, and The New York Times Company have begun a new initiative which will expand development and delivery of high quality professional development. This new online learning environment will provide interactive and engaging eLearning and give teachers the opportunity to access online resources, online course content, academic networking, and professional learning communities.

This one online environment will provide many rich professional development resources for teachers across the state and allow them to build these professioanl learning communities for collaboration and sharing. The advantages of this online environment are:
 * self-paced or flexible scheduling of classes
 * classes available where there is computer access
 * no problems with parking, arranging for child care, scheduling around work hours

For first timers, take a look at the **Getting Started** document -- getting_started[1].pdf. This document was created to help those new to the website. It gives a short overview of your **portal page** with more specific help on creating an online **eportfolio**.

Project Share Website Components
__**Portal Page**__ There are many tools available to teachers on the portal. These tools are located on the left-hand side of the page once the teacher has logged in. Navigating through this site is made extremely easy by this user-friendly menu. I have attached a manual to help you better understand Your Portal -- MyPortal.pdf. This manual provides you with more specifics for your Portal components.



__**E-Portfolios**__ The ePortfolio is created by each user so that members can find each other through the Epsilen environment and connect with them. Your e-portfolio is used to create you public website.

Using the ePortfolio tools, a user can publish:
 * contact information
 * a welcome note
 * a picture or image to represent you
 * favorite hyperlinks to share
 * resume
 * showcase for achievements and accomplishments
 * certifications
 * publications
 * a blog
 * professional interests



__**Creating and Using Networks**__ Near the middle of the portal page, under the My Network Channel heading is a row of tabs which allow you to further network with others.

These tabs allow teachers to further communicate and collaborate with others by offering opportunities for networking. These tabs are:


 * **Visitors to My Corner** -- allows you to see those who have visited your corner/website
 * **Added me to Networks** -- list of those who have added me to their network
 * **Similar Teaching Interests** -- Epsilen connects user with others who have similar teaching interests, by using the information that has been added to the individuals ePortfolio
 * **Similar Research Interests** -- Epsilen connects user with others who have similar research interests, by using the information that has been added to the individuals ePortfolio
 * **Similar Consulting Interests** -- Epsilen connects user with others who have similar consulting interests, by using the information that has been added to the individuals ePortfolio
 * **Similar Academic Interests** -- Epsilen connects user with others who have similar academic interests, by using the information that has been added to the individuals ePortfolio
 * **ePortfolio Examples** -- view of portfolios from other Epsilen members

__**Understanding Groups**__ The Group Tool is a great tool for collaboration and sharing with others. It can be used by a group of teachers who want to work on a project together. Communication is made easier through a group as well as the ease with which documents can be shared among group members. Forums and chats can be set up to occur within the privacy of a group. These conversations are private and no one else will see them except the group members. A wiki is also available to the group.