Definitions
The term portfolio as used in the UK generally describes a collection (or archive) of reflective writing and associated evidence, which documents learning and which a learner may draw upon to present her/his learning and achievements (Developing and Implementing a Methodology for Reviewing e-Portfolio Products, Ward and Richardson, The Centre for Recording Achievement.)
A portfolio therefore encompasses the concept of personal development records (PDRs), including records that may contribute to the HE Progress File (Dearing, 1997), and extends beyond that to incorporate artefacts which may evidence claims made in PDRs. It may also include a range of tools, for example diagnostic tools and links to material and resources which help the learner to develop the skills required to create the artefacts.
A definition given by PebblePad.co.uk goes a stage further. They state that an e-portfolio is 'A system which allows users, in any of their learning identities, to selectively record any abilities, events, plans or thoughts that are personally significant; it allows these records to be linked, augmented or evidenced by other data sources and allows the user to integrate institutional data with their personal data. It facilitates self-awareness, promotes reflection, supports enrichment through commentary and feedback from the recipients of shared assets. It grows, develops and matures as the user accesses it, without constraint, over time. It provides tools for aggregating assets in multiple forms; for telling myriad stories to diverse audiences and ensures absolute user-control over what is shared, with whom, for what purpose and for how long. It is a personal repository; a personal journal; a feedback and collaboration system; and a digital theatre - where the audience is by invitation only.'
Your learners may not need all of the functionality that is included in the above definition but you need to consider that your learners' requirements will change over the time of their course, and during their lifelong learning journey.
The DfES in conjunction with BECTA and JISC have identified the following key features for e-portfolios:
- Concept: multi-user, multi-component
- Users: learners, teachers, employers, examining boards, parents
- Components: learning space, record, plan, CV
- Transactions: planning learning, assessment, admissions
- Features: accessibility, secure, portable
- Requirements: user policy, strategic architectures
(Anne Wright, e-Learning Strategy Unit, DfES - presentation given at the European Institute for E-Learning e-Portfolio 2005 conference, referenced on previous page).
