E-portfolios

E-Portfolios seem to be the wave of the future as far as student records are concerned. After a little research on the subject, one scholar went as far as to say they the tool that “may have the most significant effect on education since the introduction of formal schooling” (Love, McKean, and Gathercoal, 2004).

I'd say that's a pretty bold statement considering the fact I haven't heard too much about them. I figured if they're that important I better investigate what they are and how to go about using them!

I've garnered three different definitions for the eportfolio:

“Portfolios are collections of work designed for a specific objective—that is, to provide a record of accomplishments” (National Learning Infrastructure Initiative (NLII, 2004)

“An eportfolio is a web-based information management system that uses electronic media and services. The learner builds and maintains a digital repository of artifacts, which they can use to demonstrate competence and reflect on their learning.” (ePortfolio Portal, 2004)

Portfolios are collections of realia that have been assembled by a person and are retained and curated by them because the objects contained in the collection evidence or attest to claims that a person might make to themselves or to others about their life.” (The E-Learning Framework, 2004)

Some advantages to implementing eportfolios:

Because they're web based, an eportfolio can be accessed and updated from just about anywhere. Students are able to gain academic credit for learning beyond the classroom and they allow students to display their learning in multiple ways. Students are encouraged to display not only a continuum of their learning in terms of written works and multimedia projects, but poignant reflections and blogs are also a possibility.

You can set up your own eportfolio at the following site. It's free!

http://www.foliospaces.com/