What are ePortfolios?
An ePortfolio is a web based collection of documents assembled and managed by a user. The user produces a repository of items created over the course of their time with an institution to demonstrate their academic progress and reflect on what they have learned. The portfolio is a learning record that shows actual evidence of achievement as opposed to merely grades and scores. Any sort of document can be uploaded into an ePortfolio, helping to create a rich view of the user’s capabilities.
Who uses ePortfolios?
In recent years, ePortfolios have been gaining popularity in higher education and professional development. Students seeking to apply to colleges or jobs can benefit greatly from such tools as they go into much more depth to demonstrate the applicant’s knowledge and skills than a transcript or simple resume could. In the classroom, they can be an effective way to evaluate student performance. Businesses are increasingly looking to ePortfolios both to streamline the hiring process and to better follow employee accomplishments and development.
Why should I use ePortfolios?
ePortfolios provide multiple levels for evaluation of the user. Because they enable the user to connect academics, work experience, and personal activities, portfolios can help the students to better reflect upon their experiences and also give the reader a more complete picture of who the individual is. Not only is this incredibly useful for evaluating the user, it also helps for professors to evaluate their own teaching methods to see which of their teaching goals are or are not being met.
Examples of use in education:
LaGuardia Community College uses ePortfolios so students can collect and save their coursework. It is also used for creating digital resumes for employers.
http://www.eportfolio.lagcc.cuny.edu/benefits.html
Selected examples of ePortfolios from students at Penn State.
http://eportfolio.psu.edu/gallery/index.html
Oral Roberts University requires all entering freshmen to compile, maintain and complete an ePortfolio as a graduation requirement.
http://portal1.oru.edu/portal/page?_pageid=39,44035&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&dept=EPF&doc_page_id=EPFEXM
For more information:
Article discussing the increasing popularity of ePortfolios.
http://www.campustechnology.com/articles/39299/
PowerPoint presentation discussing the current state of ePortfolios in higher education.
http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/powerpoint/LIVE0513.pps
Numerous examples of uses of ePortfolios.
http://www.highereducationonlinereport.com/eportfolios.html
Article detailing the uses and benefits of ePortfolios.
http://www.sun.com/products-n-solutions/edu/whitepapers/pdf/e-portfolios.pdf