This summer, besides participating in the Fulbright-Hays project to Morocco (see my blog link above or here), I will be finishing my sixth year program in Instructional Technology and Digital Media Literacies. I am starting the final semester with a course that will help me design my digital portfolio. After reading some research on this topic and viewing some examples, I will discuss what a digital portfolio is and what should be included.
A digital portfolio, or e-portfolio, is a collection of digital content for a specific purpose. The content is created by the user and may show growth over time, showcase a person’s work, be used for the purpose of advancing one’s career, or display a specific area of interest. The e-portfolio is not simply a collection of work, but includes additional items as well. After reviewing the research and examples, here are some common components of e-portfolios, no mater what the purpose:
- A variety of samples of work in various formats (links, videos, documents, presentations, visuals, etc.)
- A list of accomplishments or awards
- A statement of philosophy
- Ongoing reflections on the work displayed in the portfolio
- A place for feedback and an exchange of ideas
- A dynamic space that is updated regularly.
The reflective piece seems to be a very important part of the e-portfolio. Reflecting on one’s work and growth over time is a way to continue to learn. It can also demonstrate your thinking in a way that an artifact by itself cannot. A leader in e-portfolios, Dr. Helen Barrett, has created a website with a wealth of information on this topic. In one of her presentations, she pointed out her favorite definition of e-portfolios, written in a book about the topic by Wilcox and Tomei. They said an e-portfolio is, “a living history of a teaching-learning life.” This is a great way to explain the overall purpose of an e-portfolio.
In my next post, I will discuss specifics about what I think should be included in my digital portfolio that I will be creating during this class.
References
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