ePortfolios

media type="custom" key="742929" **Siemens G., (2004) ePortfolios http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/eportfolios.htm** - E portfolios and webfolios are digital enactments of portfolios. - Collections of work designed for a specific objective that is to provide a record of accomplishments. - EP should encourage life long learning. Its a continuum in the learner's life...somehow we have to make this happen and not ignore the learner when they leave us. - Richness of a students learning can be portrayed through multimedia. - EP offer many benefits for learnings - EP system should allow flexible input, organise, retrieve and display. - Can include a wide range of information. - Simple tools are important in order to accelerate EP adoption. - Institution should not be in control of the EP. - Can be difficult to implement institutional approach. - Inclusion of collaborative tools will add additional dimension to EPs allowing learners to interact with instructors and mentors. - Where EP are not possible- instructors can encourage learners to practice blogging, developing simple websites or storing their content online eg; knowledge net. || - In a school environment an EP needs to meet certain requirements rather than be let free. Driven by computer confidence, availability of home computers and time. || - Students need to have some ownership but teachers need to give some ideas and support for the EPs. With "Competency Based Learning" P2 as a developing concept in Education, particularly with regard to the New Curriculam, the use of ePortfolio both can support and drive the student's thinking and awareness of their own learning journey. This is an exciting development that is already bearing fruit in this school. || - Developing the individuality of the students EP's is important and encouraging them to record their experiences as life long learners. Not all EP are going to be at the same level. Students need to understand how to apply their experiences to EP's.
 * Bucklands Beach Intermediate School - Professional Reading Discussion. ||
 * 1. Summarise of the important points in the reading.
 * 2. Summary of the discussion that took place in your group after completing the reading.
 * 3. How do the ideas in this reading affect or impact on what you do in the classroom?
 * 4. Possible future directions influenced by this reading.

Summarising George Siemens paper on elearnspace (everything elearning).

Intro- EP can best be viewed as a reactionary response to fundamental shifts in learning.

Definition- degital resource (personal artifacts, instructor comments) and allowing for flexible expression.

Intresting point- It states that portfolios are driven by an 'intended task' and BBI has not defined what actually is to be included.

Observation- EP support the fact that children are used to the 'online domain'.

Best BENEFITS- History of development and growth/ Planning and Goal setting tools/ Sharing contents/ Authentic assessment/ Learner centered.

BUT>>> An ideal eportfolio system should allow flexible input and can include a wide range of info.

Process of creation- Collecting, Selecting, Reflecting, Connecting

Levels- He suggests that it can be created at different levels (5), not just for the students but working into industry etc.... At school level it should be level 1 (wikis, simple websites, blogs), level 2 (Dynamic database driven Central artifact pool, stuff based on needs).

Observation- because it is a young concept, there are not many tools to help us. (we know that)

Issues- Standardization of eportfolios is a potential challenge. Because of structured format are we stifling creativity???

Observation- An online EP remembers more than just successes, it is also a compilation of work in progress.

Trends- To standardise a format- COMES AT A COST. Value vs. freedom and usability.

Conclude- "Its not new/ The learner needs to be in control/ An institution may require learners to use a portfolio process to demonstrate competence against learning objectives/ Encouraging learners to develop an online identity." ||