Why ePortfolios for Learning

ePortfolios for

Learning Muireann O’Keeffe

What is an ePortfolio??‘An e-portfolio is a purposeful aggregation of

digital items – ideas, evidence, reflections, feedback etc, which “presents” a selected audience with evidence of a person’s learning and/or ability.’

Sutherland, S. and Powell, A. (2007)

‘… e-portfolio tools enable students to make the all-important connections between the curriculum and the other things they do.’

Dr Angela Smallwood, Director of the Centre for International ePortfolio Development, University of Nottingham

Why ePortfolios?

Why develop an ePortfolio? To show growth and change over time To continue connections of learning between

modules Connect informal & formal learning Broadens the curriculum Demonstrate achievement & competences Promote reflection Show ownership of learning process For academic or career advancement Authentic, real life

MSc Applied eLearning ePortfolio Examples

Example 1 Exa

mple 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

MSc Applied eLearning ePortfolio Substantial induction phase Meaningful activities

Writing, technology., media development Connected to modules Connected to reflection on learning Continuous formative feedback

e-Portfolios Supporting 21st Century Learning Digital presentations of skills and

competences Online records of achievement Action plans Opportunities for reflection Social media, collaboration, communities

ePortfolios for Assessment Learning ongoing, continuous through a

programme Authentic assessment Organises performance Multiple ways to assess complex knowledge

/skills Enhanced assessment Demonstrate level of achievement &

competency

Benefits Student no longer passive Constructors /creators Dynamic Incremental growth,

journey of learning Reflection: learning to learn

DIT ePortfolio tool

Artifact & file repository Upload various file types Create blogs, integrate Blogs via RSS feeds Create folders Social networking, Groups Share academic goals skills Share CV/Resume online

Activity In groups In the context of broadening the curriculum, if

you were to redesign a module or programme where would you plan the integration of the ePortfolio into curriculum?