1. Using the virtual now to develop real language and communication skills for the future. T.MacKinnon Language Centre, University of Warwick

2. What is an e-portfolio? An e-portfolio is the product, created by the learner, a collection of digital artefacts articulating experiences, achievements and learning. (Jisc, Effective practice with e-portfolios)

3. Why use an e-portfolio? ‘An e-portfolio is 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, S. and Powell, A. (2007), Cetis SIG mailing list discussions [www.jiscmail.ac.uk/archives/cetis-portfolio.html] 9 July 2007

4. The software used: Mahara.

5. Using the Community of Practice approach. Course area to share the conceptualisation Shared resources for the student presentation Student support areas Hands-on sessions and drop-ins Virtual and face to face communication Cycle of review informing support and development.

6. When I first heard that it was necessary to make an e-portfolio of my francophone journey, I thought it would not be a very useful exercise. However, I am pleasantly surprised as to how it has given me the chance to reflect and analyse my language learning process overall. It has enabled me to structure and plan the way that I learn which is something of a first for me, and I want to try and incorporate the methods that I used here in future learning. Overall, I am very pleased with the work I have done over the year and am proud of the progress that this e-portfolio displays. I feel that in tracking my progress and in really thinking about how I learn and the best techniques for me I have learnt a lot about myself, which will be invaluable for all of my language learning in the future.

7. Points to note: It takes time to build a shared understanding Create multiple ways to share information Be prepared to justify your decisions Persevere!