Electronic Portfolios Define. Design. Deliver. Elon University Virginia Assessment Group. 2007

DEFINE:  port = to carry  folio = a leaf or sheet (of paper)  In general: a portfolio is a purposeful compilation of one’s work.  Electronic portfolios – similar in content but materials are in digital format.

DEFINE II -  Paper-Pencil v. Computer. Movement away from paper & toward electronic portfolios:  Ecological argument;  Economic argument;  Educational argument;  Practical argument;  Legal/ethical argument. The tool affects the thinking of the user.

DEFINE III -  Types: Learning portfolios – to enhance learning; Assessment portfolios – to document learning; Showcase – to demonstrate high quality/ best work. Type reflects purpose, which in turn determines design.

DESIGN IV: “Form follows function”  Purpose ultimately determines form the portfolio will take.  Other design determinants: Audience; Time; Technological expertise; Resources.

DESIGN – Considerations:  What is your purpose? Your use? To teach technical skills? To encourage reflection? To encourage integration? To assess progress? (formative) To assess accomplishment? (summative) To highlight student/teacher work? To credential? To document for external agency?

DESIGN – Considerations II:  Who are your users? Your audience? How “tech savvy” are they? How much training will they need? Where are they located? Nearby? Distant? What is their purpose? Might there be a conflict in purpose?

DESIGN – Considerations III:  What are your resources? How much time do you have to spend? How much money do you have to spend? What is your technology capability & availability? What personnel do you have – for technology assistance? Might there be a conflict in purpose?

DESIGN – Elements:  Overall Organization – again, will depend on purpose. By time. (chronological) By content. By goal, objective & standards.

DESIGN – Elements II -  Display or Presentation: Ease of use; Attractiveness; Appropriateness; Public v. private.  Disc or Web: Web authoring software; Specialized e-portfolio software.

DESIGN – Elements III -  Assessment considerations: Who will evaluate? Are evaluators on-site or distant? What will they evaluate? What criteria or rubrics will they use? How will they assign ratings? Give feedback? How much training will they need? How will you assure technical adequacy?

DELIVER:  To User;  To Evaluator;  To Viewer.

Resources: Schulman, L. (1998). Teacher portfolios: A theoretical activity. In N. Lyons (Ed.), With portfolio in hand: Validating the new teacher professionalism (pp ). New York: Teachers College Press. Journal of Computing in Teacher Education, 22(3), Spring Special issue on electronic portfolios. The REFLECT Initiative. Helen Barrett, Lead Researcher and Project Manager