Why create and use an ePortfolio? That is a question that I had asked myself several time throughout this program. I knew what a digital portfolio was, but how could this be any different than a cloud-based storage system. And yet, as I continued through this program, the purpose or the “why” of having and continuously updating an ePortfolio became a lot clearer.
Just looking back at the collection of assignments created, developed, built, written beginning at the start of my EdTech program to now, I can see now why having an ePortfolio as an extremely important aspect of an effective learning environment that beyond the typical resume or show and tell sessions (Harapnuik, 2019).
Having an ePortfolio allows for the storing, organizing, reflecting on, and sharing of items that represent learning. The ePortfolio is a digital showcase for the learning journey. An ePortfolio requires an active and deep learning experience (Harapnuik, 2019). Learners are engaged in reflection and deep learning. Learners thrive best when they are in a learning environment that allows them to actively engage with the curriculum and take part in their own learning.
An ePortfolio essentials brings your work together in one place, making it easy a reference to monitor what you have learned and how you have matured. A good ePortfolio is both about being a digital collection of artifacts or product, and a process of reflecting on those artifacts and what they represent. An ePortfolio can include items such as documents, presentations, audio files, videos, images, and course work to demonstrate growth or mastery in certain areas. Learners can control what items we want to include in own ePortfolio. They also can decide how they will be organized and who they want to share them with.
what is in it for the learner?
Learners will benefit from the process of keeping an ePortfolio by taking on a new depth through the reflection process, enhanced self-esteem, and self-confidence as they take control of their learning, developing new personal, educational, and career goals, and more recognition for individual learning abilities and preferences (Barnstable, 2010).
As for the product, the learner will benefit for having an ePortfolio as a tool for personal and professional development, a learning record, and for direction or idea for career planning (Barnstable, 2010). It will also be used as tool for feedback, a reference for highlighting strengths, and for documentation for prior learning assessments.
Whichever way the ePortfolio is use, it will be an extremely portable tool to use no matter the situation.
what is in it for the educator?
Now, what is in it for the educator? Why should an educator invest their time in curating their own digital portfolio?
Educators will be able to understand the importance of the process of keeping an ePortfolio as well as the product itself (Barnstable, 2010). They will be able to empathize with their learners as they create their own artifacts. Educators will see firsthand the challenges that are experienced while writing a reflective statement that identifies learning. They will assess their strengths and interests and refresh their skills in documenting lifelong learning experiences (Barnstable, 2010).
For the product, educators will have a record of their learning and will be able to demonstrate professional growth and commitment to continued learning (Barnstable, 2010). Their ePortfolio will have an organized collection of evidence that can be used as a job search tool or as a tool to highlight skills and knowledge. Educators will be also able to identify their strengths and areas in need of improvement to help with potential professional development ideas.
ePortfolios as an assessment
The ePortfolio provides a tool that allows for assessment for learning (Barnstable, 2009). It is student centered, student directed, allows for feedback in the form of comments, there is recognition of individual learning abilities and preferences, it helps demonstrates awareness of learning and growth over time.
Learners and educators are being encouraged to think about their learning and become more reflective thinkers in general (Barnstable, 2009). Through ePortfolios, learners can improve their metacognitive skills become more skilled lifelong learners.
References
Barnstable, K. (2009). Why use eportfolios for assessment? Stable Transitions. https://kbarnstable.wordpress.com/2009/10/15/why-use-eportfolios-for-assessment/
Barnstable, K. (2010). 41 benefits of an eportfolio. Stable Transitions. https://kbarnstable.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/41-benefits-of-an-eportfolio/
Harapnuik, N. (2019). Why use an eportfolio. It’s About Learning. http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6063
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