ePortfolios: What's all the fuss?

Why use an ePortfolio as an avenue to display learning? After a little bit of exposure to this tool, I would have to ask the question why not?

Process AND product

One of the most impactful features of an ePortfolio is its ability to evaluate its creator by looking at both aspects of learning. Because much of the educational system still relies upon student-produced products to display evidence of learning, the process of learning is oftentimes overlooked. A compilation of reflections, tools, and resources has the power to display the growth of a student. The content of an ePortfolio reflects the learner’s process, while the platform as a product. This combination provides a much more accurate representation of a student’s progress than a numerical grade on an end of term exam.

Exposure to different perspectives of the same content

Rather than presenting a group of extremely diversified students with the same evaluative criteria, an ePortfolio allows for variation in its execution. Moreover, with such a tool being digital, students can instantly share and gain exposure to these variations. It has been immensely helpful thus far in this program to view the work of different students, from different workplaces with different roles, all with slightly different goals. While we have all interacted with the same readings and conferences, the utilization of COVA has allowed students to produce vastly unique content on their ePortfolios. I can honestly say that I have learned more from reading the work of my peers and have gained from their perspectives that I would have never even considered.

Tapping into the creative

On a more personal note, one thing that I have come to greatly appreciate is the engagement of the artistic right side of the brain. Most of my college and graduate educational experiences have primarily been logical, paper-writing, research-based projects that push me to think a certain way. While that side of the brain is still firing on all cylinders, the creative designing of a digital platform allows me to exercise my creativity and it has been a joy.

An authentic, relatable experience for the learner

In education, I am seeing more and more the importance of networking with other innovative educators and building a positive online presence. Technology and digital learning touch almost every aspect of our lives and education should be no different. ePortfolios allow students to engage with content, peers and publish their learning in the same way that they operate outside of the classroom - digitally.