Learning is a combination of a process (the development of knowledge and skills) and a product (the actual knowledge and skills obtained). A tool that is able to capture both would be beneficial. One concept that could help in the curation and demonstration of knowledge is a portfolio. The idea of the portfolio is often linked to art students or investment bankers. The idea is a place to collect past work as a showcase. With the advent of the internet and web 2.0 tools, it is possible to create an electronic portfolio or ePortfolio. Dr. Helen Barrett (2010), a prominent researcher in the field of ePortfolios, defines an ePortfolio as “an electronic collection of evidence that shows your learning journey over time” (p.6). Dr. Barrett goes into greater detail on the benefits of ePortfolios in her TEDx talk “Social Networks and Interactive Portfolios: Blurring the Boundaries” (2010).
In Dr. Barrett’s article “Balancing the two faces of ePortfolios” (2010) she discusses that an ePortfolio will have two purposes; a workspace and a showcase. In regards to a workspace, an ePortfolio is a place to provide and store evidence of learning, a place to reflect on what has been learned by the student. The reflection is an important step to ensure you have understood what is needed to progress with comfort to the next steps. The ePortfolio can be a powerful place for processing knowledge and reflecting on how the learning fits into your specific context.
This video explores how ePortfolios may be used in a Vocational education context. Do you see value in ePortfolios? What are some concerns you may have?
References
Barrett, H. (2010). Balancing the Two Faces of ePortfolios. Educação, Formação & Tecnologias, 3(1), 6-14. [Online], Retrieved from: http://eft.educom.pt/index.php/eft/article/viewFile/161/102
Barret, H. (2010, February 25). Social Networks and Interactive Portfolios: Blurring the Boundaries. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckcSegrwjkA&t=1s
January 20, 2019 at 11:00 pm
Hi Chad
As a industrial art teacher, aka shop teacher, I have dabbled with the idea of having students create e-Portfolios as part of their learning. It offers many benefits but the ones I find most relevant are the reflective ability. I believe the education system is changing to become more portfolio based as even my 5 year old niece has an ePortfolio. I find this to be the modern day journal that has the potential to show future employees or colleges as an evaluative tool. I have heard ePortfolios will phase out final exams but I am not sure how they would carry out the logistics. My only problem with implementing ePortfolios is the time it would take for students to fill them in. My classes are an hour long. If students had to submit an entry each class they wouldn’t have much to enter as they would just get started building and then have to clean up to write about it. What are your suggestions on presenting this tool with such short class time?
January 21, 2019 at 7:55 pm
Hello Chad,
I thoroughly enjoyed your video on students in vocational programs developing ePortfolios to demonstrate their skill-set for potential employers, and grow through using it for formative assessments.
As a web developer, I remember the many times I worked on re-developing my portfolio as I applied for new roles or tried to build up my clientele of freelance clients. As digital technologies and website creation software becomes easier to use and more readily available, Barrett’s (2010) view of ePortfolio’s being used for showcasing an individual’s skill set has the opportunity to expand outside of the traditional fields that require portfolios such as artists, designers, and educators.
The parameters you outlined for e-portfolio development followed several best-practices in the field of website design. Ensuring that the content is responsive to all devices, easily accessible and templated will provide the audience with a positive user experience. Additionally, creating instructional videos for creating and updating the portfolio will provide a form of technical support, that is often needed when using a Content Management System (CMS).
Your innovative ideas for the field of vocational education have been inspiring to see over the six months. I look forward to seeing what comes next.
References
Barrett, H. (2010). Balancing the Two Faces of ePortfolios. Educação, Formação & Tecnologias, 3(1), 6-14. [Online], Retrieved from: http://eft.educom.pt/index.php/eft/article/viewFile/161/102