Katie's+e-Portfolios+Wiki

The field of education has become an exciting and dynamic platform for the newest trends in technology. One such trend is the use of e-Portfolios in the classroom. An e-Portfolio is a collection of student work that can be stored and reviewed online. A more interactive take on the traditional portfolio, the e-Portfolio showcases student work such as writing pieces, projects, poetry, and illustrations in a digital portfolio of work. Most e-Portfolio sites do not require any software. Instead, instructors merely set up a class account and students themselves are the creators of their own profiles. Once students' e-Portfolios have been created, teachers, administrators, parents, and peers can view student portfolios from any computer.

There are a multitude of instructional uses for e-Portfolios. One educational use of e-Portfolios is providing students with opportunities to learn and manipulate technology in the classroom. In keeping with both national and state technology standards, students will learn how to navigate websites, upload documents and pictures, and chat with their peers using e-Portfolios. Lloyd (2005) stated that e-Portfolios supported, "...a more flexible (customized) learning environment and expanding the possibilities of a learner-centered education" (p. 3). By addressing multiple learning styles within the classroom, the use of e-Portfolios is a powerful tool that enhances student learning. Moreover, gifted students will have the opportunity to create and present projects in ways that will meet their unique learning needs.

Another educational use of e-Portfolios is to assess student learning. Jafari & Kaufman (2006) stated, "Assessment, showcasing best practice, and learner accountability constitute some of the more common ways in which ePortfolios can be used within an educational environment" (p. 2). Teachers can post assignments and discussions and measure student achievement over time by assessing the quality of student projects and postings.

There are a variety of useful e-Portfolio tools for teachers to implement in their classrooms, such as:
 * [| Student Jotter]
 * [|e-Portfolio.org]
 * [|Digication].

For further research and information about e-Portfolios, the following articles will provide additional support and implementation of e-Portfolios in the classroom:


 * //[|An overview of e-portfolios]//
 * //[|Eportfolios]//
 * //[|Balancing the two faces of eportfolios]//
 * //[|Electronic portfolios]//
 * //[|Implementing electronic portfolios: benefits, challenges, and suggestions]//

Reference List

Abrenica, Y. //Electronic portfolios.// Retrieved from: [].

Barrett, H.C. (2010). //Balancing the two faces of eportfolios.// [|Retrieved from: http://electronicportfolios.org/balance/index.html].

Jafari, A. & Kaufman, C. (2006). //Handbook of resources on eportfolios.// Hershey, PA: Idea Group Reference. Retrieved from: __@http://nu.aquabrowser.com/?hreciid=%7clibrary%2fm%2fnationalu-unicorn%7cocm70827089 __.

Lloyd, L. (2005). //Best technology practices in higher education.// Medford, N.J.: Information Today. Retrieved from: __ @http://nu.aquabrowser.com/?hreciid=%7clibrary%2fm%2fnationalu-unicorn%7cocm57479636 __.

Lorenzo, G. & Ittelson, J. (2005). //An overview of e-portfolios.// Retrieved from: [|http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI3001.pdf.]

Meyer, B. & Latham, N. (2008). Implementing electronic portfolios: benefits, challenges, and suggestions. //Educause Quarterly, 31(1), 34-41. Retrieved from: [].//

Siemens, G. (2004). //Eportfolios.// Retrieved from: [|http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI3001.pdf.]