The Educational Potential of e-Portfolios
The electronic portfolio is a new arrival on the educational scene. E-portfolios are much more portable and versatile than their paper-based counterparts. This flexibility has already led to a wide range of educational applications, from development and reflection to assessment and showcasing. These new approaches complement and build on recent developments within e-learning such as the move to social computing, blogs and wikis. However, these opportunities also introduce complexity into any e-portfolio implementation.
The Educational Potential of e-Portfolios provides users and implementers with a comprehensive review of the decision-making that underpins effective implementation – from staff development concerns, through to accessibility and usability issues. Drawing on a variety of international examples and identifying useful online resources, the book explores:
- the issues which affect different styles of e-portfolio implementation, from the software options to concerns about curriculum design,
- how e-portfolios can complement and change the design and assessment of courses,
- the pedagogical, operational and ethical concerns that different implementations raise,
- the differences to the paper-based systems in which the e-portfolio is rooted,
- future opportunities and issues arising from the use of e-portfolios.
This accessible book presents the reader with a realistic, research-informed view of a complex and developing area of practice. It will be useful as a staff development and continuing professional development (CPD) resource for teachers and managers in further and higher education and will appeal to both newcomers to teaching and experienced teachers who are developing their practice online.
Lorraine Stefani is Director of the Centre for Academic Development at The University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Robin Mason is Professor of Educational Technology at the Institute of Educational Technology, The Open University, UK.
Chris Pegler is a National Teaching Fellow and lecturer at the Institute of Educational Technology, The Open University, UK. |