Electronic Portfolios

Mobile web is becoming the personal learning environment

of the “net generation”.Learning that is:

Social and participatory Lifelong Increasingly self-directed Motivating and engaging Online – all the time

Dr. Helen Barrett, 2012

A portfolio is a student’s story of their own

learning.

It is a collection of work developed across varied

contexts over time.

What are Electronic Portfolios?

Collection of electronic evidence assembled and managed by the student, usually on the internet text electronic files images multimedia blog entries hyperlinks

Traditional PortfoliosUsually in a binder or folder kept in the

classroomStudents don’t review or add to them

oftenCan’t be in two places at the same

time Is there much of an audience?

Why Use Digital Portfolios Digital portfolios expand on the repertoire of

techniques available to students and educators to demonstrate learning. Pictures, videos and audio recordings are added to the

typical paper and pencil tasks students complete. Struggling students (i.e. writing, reading) are given

alternative modes of expression and means to demonstrate learning. This can lead to increases in self-confidence and

achievement. Increased accessibility! Parents no longer need to

find time to visit the classroom to see a collection of their children’s work educators no longer need to chase after students to

return their paper portfolios to class.

Why Use Digital Portfolios

Development of 21st century skills. One of the 7 survival skills of the 21st century focuses on effective oral and written communication. Digital portfolios can help engage students in

practicing these important abilities. Digital portfolios allow students to track and

demonstrate their growth over longer periods of time. While paper portfolios get stored or discarded at the

end of a term or school year, digital portfolios can remain available and easily accessible to students, parents, and educators.

Intrinsic Motivation E-portfolios help to build

intrinsic motivation As teachers we can encourage

intrinsic motivation but we cannot create it in our students

When students create artifacts that will be contained within digital portfolios they know might be seen by a worldwide audience a powerful shift can occur

from extrinsic motivations — such as grades and teacher approval — to intrinsic motivation. 

Autonomy Students individualize the

look and feel of their portfolios through templates and design options, etc

Increased individualization of content and the delivery format of portfolio artifacts.

Increased autonomy is effective because it shifts the ownership of the learning toward the student.

Purpose of Electronic Portfolios

Provide evidence of achievement over a period of time

Support assessment work that can be collected in real-time

Exhibit student’s efforts and progressProvide a method of reflection/personal

developmentProvide a formative/summative evaluation

of student work

Benefits of Electronic Portfolios

Shifts responsibility to student Demonstrates intellectual, electronic, and

professional competence Shows a 24/7 accessible digital resume Shifts the emphasis from teacher directed

learning to student centered approach Offers a means to document a learner's growth Help focus the direction of future leaning Facilitate organization of content Meta-cognitive strategies are used to find

meaning in their learning

Limitations of Electronic Portfolios

Lack of experience with technologyTime consuming at firstScaffold is necessary System capabilities

Process of Electronic Portfolio Development

Plan/Design- organize, design

Collect - gather materials to include

Assess/Decide – focus on needs, goals, and

tools

Connect – relate to other subjects, life

Reflect/Self-Evaluate - effective for purpose

and goals

Student ReflectionsThese are essential

Reflection is the heart and soul of the portfolio

Guides student in setting and revising goals

Questions to ask: What do I know? What do I still need to learn? How can I show I have mastered this?

Reflections Based on BloomRemembering

What was the assignment? When was it due? Did I get it turned in on time?

Understanding Do I understand the parts of the assignment

and how they connect? Did my response completely cover all parts of

the assignment? Do I see where this fits in with what we are

studying? 

Reflections Based on BloomApplication

How was this assignment similar to other assignments? (in this course or others).

Do I see connections in either content, product or process?

Are there ways to adapt it to other assignments?

Where could I use this (content, product or process) my life?

Reflections Based on Bloom

Analysis Were the strategies, skills and procedures I

used effective for this assignment? Do I see any patterns in how I approached

my work - such as  following an outline, keeping to deadlines?

What were the results of the approach I used - was it efficient, or could I have eliminated or reorganized steps?

Reflections Based on Bloom

Evaluation What are we learning and is it important? Did I do an effective job of communicating

my learning to others? What have I learned about my strengths

and my areas in need of improvement? How am I progressing as a learner?

Reflections Based on Bloom

Creation How can I best use my strengths to

improve? What steps should I take or resources

should I use to meet my challenges? What suggestions do I have for my teacher

or my peers to improve our learning environment?

How can I adapt this content or skill to make a difference in my life?

How Do I Start

Plan for Implementation

Starting OutClass blog or websiteStudent blogs or

websiteArtifact and evidence

collection based on major units or projects

Learners comment on selection of artifacts

Teacher feedback and peer conferencing

Building OnGoal setting and

reflection built inSelection of artifacts

based on learning outcomes

Parent involvement – goals and feedback

Teacher feedbackStudent led

conferencing

Moving ForwardO Inquiry learningO Student curated O Competency based

evidenceO School-wide

programO Teacher, parent,

student feedback loop

O M-portfolios + e-portfolios

SafetyFind a way to aggregate student e-

portfolios for easy access by educators. Consider safety and privacy, and ensure

that students know and understand what is appropriate to share.

Ultimately, a balance between privacy and digital branding.