Author: Julie Hughes, j.hughes@wlv.ac.uk

JISC e-Learning Activity Area: e-Portfolios

Higher Education Academy Subject Centre: Philosophical and Religious Studies/History, Classics and Archaeology

This case study illustrates...an effect on learning, an effect on exam results, an effect on student personal development, student satisfaction with e-learning, innovation in learning and teaching, an influence on educational research, staff satisfaction with e-learning, staff personal development, an influence on policy, modifications to learning spaces, an effect on social equality

Further Evidence

'Using the web log as an online journal became a big part of our growth as reflective writers. Using the blog tool within the e-portfolio we could share thoughts, feelings, fears, anxieties and excitement and because it was a shared space we could see the value in the perception of thoughts and beliefs of others in the group. It was a space where we could feel safe from ridicule and criticism. We would share war stories from the frontlines of teaching and by discussing and commenting on each other's journeys as teachers we were becoming reflective writers and practitioners without even knowing it!' Karim - Akhtar et al 2006 - PGCE students

'The flexibility of the e-portfolio meant that we had the luxury of time for our reflections. Activities, such as creating metaphors of teaching, discussing poetry, images and music to prompt reflection, that are usually confined to the restraints of a traditional classroom could be uploaded to PebblePad. There was no pressure to answer/talk back immediately; you had time to think and then respond and everyone had the opportunity to comment, something that can rarely happen in a classroom environment' Karim - Akhtar et al 2006 - PGCE students