• Define
  e-Portfolios can mean different things in different contexts. Establish the purpose and objectives of your e-portfolio initiative. Define the issues it aims to address, the likely support needs of the learners and the nature of the learning environment before asking: 'Which tools, systems or approaches should we adopt?'
• Understand
  e-Portfolio-based learning offers real potential for autonomous and personalised learning. However, a vision for e-portfolios as the hub of student learning will have an impact on pedagogic and other institutional practices. Ask: 'What kind of learning outcomes do we require from the e-portfolio initiative and what implications will this have for our practitioners, administrative and technical staff?'
• Prepare
  e-Portfolios raise a number of fundamental issues around ownership of data and identity and access management. The embedding of any e-learning tool requires assessment of risks as well as benefits, plus investment in staff training and support. Accessibility, IPR, copyright and other potential legal issues also need to be raised. Ask: 'Who will prepare the ground?'
• Engage
  e-Portfolio use is a far-reaching initiative that may involve practitioners, personal tutors, administrative, technical and learning support staff, and, potentially, workplace mentors outside the institution. Ask: 'What are the most effective strategies for engaging and sustaining the commitment of learners, and those involved in supporting learners' use of e-portfolios?'
• Implement
  Effective e-portfolio use does not occur on any scale without leadership from curriculum managers and practitioner teams. Ask: 'What are the lessons learned from the pilots we have run? What are the factors, such as timing or involvement of e-portfolio champions, that might influence the outcomes?'
• Review
  Use a range of methodologies to explore the viewpoints both of learners and practitioners - guidance and reusable templates for learner evaluation of e-learning initiatives have been developed under the JISC Learner Experiences of e-Learning programme. Ask: 'How will we evidence and evaluate the outcomes?'