What+is+an+e-portfolio?


 * [[image:preimages.jpg link="E-portfolios"]]

Defining e-portfolio** E-portfolios reflect diverse purposes, different educational philosophies and practices. There is no one single definition.

An electronic collection of evidence created in a computer environment that is gathered together to show a person’s learning journey over time and to demonstrate their abilities. (Butler, 2006)
 * E-portfolios are: **

“a digital container capable of storing visual and auditory content including text, images, video and sound…designed to support a variety of pedagogical processes and assessment purposes”. Abrami and Barrett (2005, online)

“Selective and structured collections of information gathered for specific purposes and showing/evidencing one’s accomplishments and growth which are stored digitally and managed by appropriate software developed by using appropriate multimedia and customarily within a web environment and retrieved from a website, or delivered by CD-ROM or by DVD.” Challis (2005, online) click here to see diagram

“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 and Powell (2007)

also known as an ePortfolio, efolio, digital portfolio, webfolio…(Butler, 2006)

“a purposeful collection of information and digital artifacts that demonstrates development or evidences learning outcomes, skills or competencies. The process of producing an ePortfolio (writing, typing, recording etc.) usually requires the synthesis of ideas, reflection on achievements, self-awareness and forward planning; with the potential for educational, developmental or other benefits.” [|Cotterill SJ. What is an ePortfolio? ePortfolios 2007, Maastricht http://www.eportfolios.ac.uk/definition]

"An **electronic portfolio**, also known as an **e-portfolio** or **digital portfolio**, is a collection of electronic evidence assembled and managed by a user, usually on [|the Web]. Such electronic evidence may include inputted text, electronic files, images, [|multimedia], [|blog] entries, and [|hyperlinks]." (Wikipedia)



Portfolios can: **Different Types of E-Portfolios and their Purposes **
 * Characteristics of Portfolios **
 * be used for different purposes
 * be specific to a particular discipline or broadly encompass a person’s lifelong learning
 * incorporate different kinds of evidence: eg. samples of writing, both finished and unfinished; photographs; audios; videos; research projects; observations and evaluations of supervisors, mentors and peers;
 * measure learning and development over time (Barrett, 2000; Challis, 2005),
 * facilitate active learner participation and ownership of learning
 * be a combination of ** process ** (a series of activities) and ** product ** (the end result of the ePortfolio process) (Barrett 2009) Click here to see diagram
 * be created using a variety of tools, both computer desktop tools and online (Barrett, 2000; Barrett, 2004-2008). Most commercial ePortfolio tools are focused on // product //, although some open source tools contain some of the Web 2.0-type tools that enhance the // process // such as blogs, social networking, and RSS feeds. (Barrett 2009)
 * encourage personal reflection and involve the exchange of ideas and feedback Lorenzo and Ittlelson (2005)
 * be produced using simple tools (such as presentation software or blogs) but more typically using specialist ePortfolio applications that contain a level of structure (pedagogy and learning outcomes/skills) with a high level of customisation for specific contexts and support for multiple purposes.
 * allow the owner to share specific parts or views of their portfolio online and support feedback and dialogue Cotterill (2007).
 * be interoperable (for example with learning environments, recruitment services or for the migration of portfolio data to support continuity in life-long learning)." Cotterill (2007)

Specific types of ePortfolios can be defined in part by their purpose (such as presentation, application, reflection, assessment and personal development planning), pedagogic design, level of structure (intrinsic or extrinsic), duration (episodic or life-long) and other factors." : [|Cotterill SJ. What is an ePortfolio? ePortfolios 2007, Maastricht http://www.eportfolios.ac.uk/definition]


 * Portfolios for learning **
 * document a student’s learning over time; contains examples of ‘less than perfect’ work as well as the finished product, Zeichner and Wray (2001)
 * a collection of work showing a learning journey; Abrami and Barrett (2005)
 * Purpose **
 * used for learning and development Smith and Tillema (2003)
 * self-directed learning and development portfolio Smith and Tillema (2003)
 * reflection on selected material Smith and Tillema (2003)
 * reflection, self-awareness and forward planning Cotterill (2007).


 * Portfolios to showcase achievement **
 * display a student’s best pieces of work. Zeichner and Wray (2001)
 * used to show achievements either at study or in the workplace; Abrami and Barrett (2005)
 * document knowledge, skills, abilities and learning Lorenzo and Ittlelson (2005)
 * Purpose **
 * used for job selection or promotion purposes Smith and Tillema (2003)
 * use when applying for employment positions Zeichner and Wray (2001), Lorenzo and Ittlelson (2005)


 * Portfolios for administration **
 * A tool for students, teachers and institutions to manage and organise work Lorenzo and Ittlelson (2005)
 * Purpose **
 * Track development within a programme Lorenzo and Ittlelson (2005)
 * Plan educational programmes Lorenzo and Ittlelson (2005)
 * To monitor and evaluate performance or course Lorenzo and Ittlelson (2005)


 * Portfolios for assessment **
 * prepared specifically for assessment or evaluative purposes. Abrami and Barrett (2005)


 * Portfolios for registration or certification **
 * contain examples of ‘less than perfect’ work as well as the finished product, Zeichner and Wray (2001)


 * Different perspectives of creating e-portfolios:**
 * Authors |||||||| Perspectives ||
 * Zeichner and Wrey (2001) || Learning Portfolio || Credential Portfolio || Showcase Portfolio || ||
 * Abrami and Barrett (2005) || Process Portfolio || Assessment Portfolio || Showcase Portfolio || ||
 * Smith and Tillemma (2003) || Dossier || Training || Reflective || Personal Development ||
 * Some other classifications || Working Portfolio || Display Portfolio || Assessment Portfolio || ||


 * Video Explanations**

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