Student autonomy has excelled my expectations.  Students independently use Edmodo to complete assignments and interact with class friends.  Common conversation in the classroom now revolves around, "What's in your backpack?"....

More information on portfolios:

http://billcarozza.com/category/digital-portfolios/  

How to grade from Scholastic Administrator:
http://www.scholastic.com/content/collateral_resources/pdf/a/administrator_aug05_pdfs_Grading_EPortfolios.pdf

Before beginning things to consider:
http://www.scholastic.com/content/collateral_resources/pdf/a/administrator_aug05_pdfs_questions.pdf

Web source for different assessments: http://www.park.edu/cetl/quicktips/authassess.html

Provides comparisons with traditional assessment and authentic assessment. 

Authentic Assessment Toolbox:  http://jfmueller.faculty.noctrl.edu/toolbox/ 
Includes information for e-portfolios.

I'm wondering if Edmodo will work as a platform for e-portfolio for students...

A link for using Portfolios:  http://jfmueller.faculty.noctrl.edu/toolbox/portfolios.htm
Provides questions for students to reflect on writing pieces.

Students are using Edmodo more with purpose.  We still struggle to respond appropriately with a positive thought and suggestion when we blog.  However, students are posting more assignments to Edmodo.  They are excited and motivated to show their learning using the website.