22 ePortfolio’s

An academic/learning ePortfolio is both a product (a digital collection of assets) and a process (of reflecting on those assets and what they represent).

• ePortfolios “are a way to generate learning as well as document learning” (Basken, 2008). They provide a virtual space for students to critically assess their academic learning and make connections to workplace experiential learning.
• ePortfolios are effective learning tools because they support students’ own knowledge construction, make otherwise invisible aspects of the learning process visible, and place agency in the hands of students.
• Within an ePortfolio, the student is in charge: the student decides who can view the ePortfolio, what assets get added, and how it is designed.
• ePortfolios fall within a learning theory known as social constructivism, which proposes that learning happens most effectively when students construct systems of knowledge for themselves rather than simply having information presented. With ePortfolios, the process of reflection originates as a solo activity but becomes social through a feedback loop with your instructor and workplace supervisors, who will be responding to and providing commentary on your ePortfolio. Sharing your ePortfolio with others is like sharing your learning journey.

About the Tool

You are required to build a portfolio of work throughout the duration of your program to document the learning progression of professional skills and knowledge.

• Ginny Wong
• Sarah Al-Saoud 

References

• Basken, P. (2008, April). Electronic portfolios may answer calls for more accountability. The Chronicle of Higher Education.