Why utilize an e-Portfolio?

I am frequently asked by educators, “What is the REAL value of e-portfolios?” While this may seemingly be a straightforward question, most often the real question is, “Do e-portfolios have any value?” My answer is yes, when used correctly and maintained.

Students have always used some type of “portfolio” system in higher education, even before the dawn of the World Wide Web. Writers and journalists had a consortium of published articles bound to black cardstock to display the professional piece; photographers commonly carried a large portfolio case of their top photographs with commentary below each mounted picture; architects carried a portfolio that showcases their creative designs and production that resembled a transportable museum, so to speak. While some of these pre-www. portfolio practices are still used today, many students and universities have embraced e-portfolios to facilitate reflection, application, and showcasing a portfolio of work to potential employers.

Even with the establishment of e-portfolios being a venue for students to learn, reflect, and show their work, there is still uncertainty of the value of this method. Common arguments against e-portfolios are:

• Outdated technology
• Students losing password and login information post-graduation
• Upkeep is too much work
• Lack of technology skill level by student and/or instructor to use and maintain an e-portfolio

So, why have an electronic portfolio, or e-portfolio, as part of your course curriculum if there are valid and logical arguments against the technology? If the world around us has changed into an e-communication streaming medium with e-mail, VoIP, ipads, and even TelePresence videoconferencing, why should we not expect students to learn, reflect, network, and share using this mode?

E-portfolios are a valuable developmental tool for instructors to use in the classroom to facilitate ongoing reflection, learning, and application. Most e-portfolios typically showcase skills and achievements in what resemble a blog format. Depending on the e-portfolio host or site a university uses, a student may have more limitations on what they can showcase and the format in doing so.

I found a great resource on why we need to have e-portfolios in the classroom from Penn State. This tutorial gives excellent reasons and resources for educators on using e-portfolios in the classroom. Please click here to watch the short video provided by Penn State.

Next week, I will cover basic e-portfolio platforms that are used by colleges and universities nationwide. You can also get creative with e-portfolios (education or professional based) by creating a dynamic and interactive blog! I will not only show you how to get started with each resource but final products so you can make the final decision on what fits your learning needs.

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Creative ways to bring out the techie in every instructor

There is no denying it: We live in a digital age. Technology is taking society, culture, and education by storm and there is no turning back. Only a few short years ago, we were in awe of the floppy disk and its ability to save information between computers. Now, floppy disks make great “techie” coasters for that cup of joe while you read this fantastic online blog.

While some may be intimidated with the digital change, others have learned to embrace it, for the better! Often, we try to find new innovate ways to engage students in our class. Service-learning is already an active approach to learning that is often widely embraced among students. Adult learners must be hands on and involved in learning. No longer are students expecting instructors to prepare a five-star lecture. Rather, students demand that instructors be hands-on in their teaching methodology. Technology and digital communication is interlocked in the social and professional fields; thus, learners have come to expect using this media in the classroom.

There are multiple, and creative ways, learners can reflect or even promote service-learning to the general community. I encourage you to “try on” one of the following technology tools in your classroom. Generally, students can even share this media with friends, family, and even employers making it a win-win on all sides.

Animoto

Animoto is a web application with a free basic accounts that create music video like slide shows. Students upload their own pictures and select free music for their slide show feature. Animoto is a great tool to allow students to reflect using a creative outlet. Animoto slide shows can be shared and are well accepted among students.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn  is a free social networking site that allows professionals to network with over 85 million members. The purpose of LinkedIn is to allow professionals to link, connect, and create with fellow professionals in your field. LinkedIn has features where members can create and promote events, in addition to uploading materials. Since we want our students to consider networking as an opportunity in service-learning, this free site is an excellent way for students to establish connections and learn more about organizations/businesses in their community.

Vimeo

Vimeo is a free video-sharing website that allows users to upload, share and view videos. What makes it different than youtube is that there are no commercial, gaming, or adult videos on the site. Since Vimeo is safe for the college classroom, it is a great tool to use with students as a means to share information or allow students to be creative. Imagine if students, even if at the most basic amateur level, created a video sharing their service-learning experience!

Facebook

Facebook is a social networking site that allows users to connect with friends world-wide. Originally, facebook was deemed for college students only. Now, a user only has to be 13 to create an account. Facebook is a great tool for instructors to create a group page for their service-learning project. Students can upload photos, make comments, and connect with their peers. If creating a sense of community is the number one retention tool, Facebook, when used appropriately, is a great way to help students get connected with their community.

SurveyMonkey

SurveyMonkey is a website that offers basic free and pro web-based surveys. Often, instructors find themselves struggling to help students research and understand the community or community partner they will be working with as part of their service-learning project. An instructor can use SurveyMonkey to assess students’ previous experiences with a particular population or as an assignment, have students create their own surveys about perceptions (for example) and distribute them among their peers and family. By creating reflection that is prior, during, and following, students are able to have a better grasp and understanding of how their perceptions were or are formed.

There are countless technology tools that one could use to engage students in today’s technology driven classroom. The point is to make sure that YOU, the instructor, are comfortable using the tools and helping students utilize them to their full potential. Don’t be afraid to just try one new technology tool in your residential course. If the shoe doesn’t fit, you can always try on something else!

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