E-portfolio - Elizabeth Cappelluti Faculty, Freshman Studies, Seton Hall University Danielle Mirliss and Heidi Trotta Teaching, Learning and Technology Center A reflection of the freshman experience

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Why electronic portfolios? Movement at Seton Hall for standards-based portfolios New core curriculum under development Opportunity for an engaging student constructed assignment Promotion of reflection

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Freshman Studies Leads the Way Historically has recognized the benefits of educational technology Strives to provide a common experience for Freshmen enrolled in the University Life course 2004 received a Curriculum Development Initiative grant (internally funded) to redesign University Life Course

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center

Technology Support Training – focus on how to support 1200 students Technical – software tool itself – limitations, challenges, workarounds, alternatives

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Training Trained freshman mentors (faculty) and peer advisors Conducted e-portfolio in-class training – Technology Lesson Created sample e-portfolios Identified/ trained student technology assistants to provide workshop support/help with one-on-one student training

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Training (con’t) Scheduled workshops around “due” dates Created tutorials on key functions (web and print) Gathered all resources in one place Developed e-portfolio web site Maintained close communication with faculty

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Challenges Volume of students to support Most students needed one-on-one Tool was not intuitive, proved limiting Content System – new concept Faculty were not as knowledgeable about the process Sharing of portfolio – problem Problem tracking

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Observations, Surprises and Conclusions Students wanted customization – identity Ways were found around limitations by users Process needed to be simplified for support Features needing html coding (background color) were problematic Most students used “trial and error”, not tutorials Workshop attendance best before checkpoints and at end of semester

Linking to items in Content System Custom Pages

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Next Steps Spring 2006 Semester Created templates and banners Simplified eportfolio structure Continued to develop eportfolio site Summer 2006 Semester Students create profiles over the summer that are shared with the class organization

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Fall 2005 ePortfolio Requirements Welcome Message Career Goals Activities Ethics Computer Skills Volunteerism Intellectualism Multiculturalism My Thoughts

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Fall 2005 ePortfolio Requirements cont’d Inspirational Websites Photo Album Blog Resume Work From Other Courses Art Work, Music or Multimedia of Own Creation

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Checkpoints Helped to keep students on track Provided instructors with the opportunity to learn more about each student.

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Reflection Individual Experiences First Semester Freshman Year as a Whole

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Spring 2006 ePortfolio Requirements Welcome Message Community Service CREW Career Goals Activities Academics About Me My Thoughts

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Spring 2006 ePortfolio Requirements cont’d Reflection on Ethics Reflection on Computer Skills Photo Album Blog/MySpace Resume Art Work, Music or Multimedia of Own Creation

Freshman Studies & Teaching, Learning and Technology Center Questions?