Instructional Technology Conference 2008

Title: "Exploring Tools and Approaches for Education: The ePortfolio";

Name: Karen K. Shader, PhD

Audience Level: Beginning to Intermediate

Audience: Faculty, Program Directors, Instructional Designers, General

Length: one hour

Abstract:
ePortfolios have been used by many universities for several years now. How have ePortfolios been used and what have been the results?

This presentation will review how the ePortfolio can be used as a tool to achieve one or multiple goals and objectives. Example portfolios will be reviewed and a summary of the literature will be presented. Keys to a successful implementation will be highlighted.

Description:
Institutions vary widely in the purpose and implementation of ePortfolios. There is a wide spectrum:

• Life Journey (holistic) or Program Goals
• Student Needs or Standards
• Retention or Program Evaluation
• Career or Academic (course/programmatic) Objectives
• Advising or Assessment
• Constructivist or Positivist
• Formative or Summative

Few studies have been conducted on the impact of ePortfolio. In a personal communication with Helen Barret on 5/4/07, she commented "We have some research that shows positive affective outcomes, and some evidence of increased student engagement. In my research in high schools, the students said that they were more organized when using an electronic portfolio."; In a study at the University of Washington, the use of portfolio's in an expository writing course, led to more efficient grading and helped students make connections to course learning outcomes (" Transitioning from Paper to Electronic Portfolios in Beginning Composition"; , Cara Lane & Janice Fournier, November 2006 , retrieved September 4, 2007 , http://catalyst.washington.edu/research_development/papers_presentations.html ,)The Coalition on Electronic Portfolio Research examines use in the higher education environment and is expected to release a book in the near future. ( http://ncepr.org/ncepr/drupal/ )

Most literature and conference presentations focus on implementation of the ePortfolio, which is a prerequisite step to measuring impact. Trends and repeated messages regarding the important factors to a successful implementation include:

• Defining Goal and Vision (what type of portfolio) at each level (institution, school, department, advising)
• Planning the program - outline what it means, what it does and workflow, support model). Create policies and address issues (FERPA, intellectual property). Create recommendations to faculty and schools on use.
• Providing resources to students and faculty/advisors
  • Students: training, hardware/software to produce required products, recognition and reward programs.
  • Faculty: training, design assistance to incorporate eportfolios into courses/assignments, technical and design assistance in developing course material
  • Department Chairs/program directors: design assistance to incorporate the portfolio into the curriculum
• Technical Infrastructure: plan for a lot of storage.

Session Type: Formal Presentation and Discussion - sharing of information with the participants

Contact information/affiliation:
Karen K. Shader, PhD
Assistant Director Instructional Technology
University of Alabama at Birmingham
LHL G028
Birmingham, AL
205-995-5518

Equipment: Computer, Internet Connection, Projector & Screen, Microphone for a large room

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