tech-ed collisions

RPL claims - an ePortfolio service?

We have been spending quite a bit of time looking at ePortfolio services lately and one of the interesting ideas that I have looked at is the JISC ePortfolio Reference model. ePortfolios address a wide range of applications and the idea of integrating simple services into an 'ePortfolio engine' has a lot of appeal to me. There are many services that could be integrated to form an ePortfolio solution including identification, authentication, blogging, artefact management, aggregation, syndication, competencies, presence, presentation, transcript validation, resume builder etc. Processing RPL (recognised prior learning) can be a problem for learners as well as institutions. Perhaps a service could be developed similar to resume builders (such as the Europass) that helps a learner document their RPL in a manner that maximises their chances for a successful RPL claim and also eases the processing of the claim by the assessor.

Filed under  //   eportfolio  
Posted May 2, 2007

What sort of ePortfolio suits you?

Having recently spent some time investigating e-portfolios, I find myself with more more questions than I originally started out with. One area that interests me though is how the emergence of social networking tools seems to have impacted on the expectations of those likely to use e-portfolios. Web 2.0 seems to be having an impact on the functionality demanded of e-portfolios and on the orientation of e-portfolio applications and services towards a user-centred view rather than an organisational view. Social networking services such as those provided by Elgg, MySpace etc are probably challenges to the systemic view of e-portfolios. Since e-portfolios can be used in a broad range of settings with quite disparate goals and objectives, both ends of this ‘e-portfolio spectrum’ are valid in differing circumstances. Acceptance of organisational/systemic e-portfolios may be challenged in some instances by the attractiveness of alternative Web 2.0 services. This is more likely to be the case with certain audience demographics and should be seen as an opportunity as well as perhaps a threat to more ‘traditional’ e-portfolio applications. From our consultation process there was anecdotal support for the notion that older students tend to value organisational e-portfolios more than younger students. A reason given was that since they are closer to seeking employment, they may see the value for them in terms of assistance gaining employment. Younger audiences were believed to perceive this type of e-portfolio as ‘teacher controlled’ than learner focussed. What sort of e-portfolio would suit you and the organisation / demographic you represent?

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Filed under  //   eportfolio