Workshops

Exploring the potential of ePortfolios for student learning

Overview

Paper-based portfolios have been used in education for many years. In recent times the electronic portfolio or eportfolio has emerged as a preferred option, allowing portfolio owners to take advantage of digital technologies, often supported by specific eportfolio software. This workshop is being offered in order to raise awareness of the educational potential of eportfolios and guide further investigation of the subject.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this workshop you will be able to:

• define an eportfolio
• distinguish between a number of uses of an eportfolio
• identify possible contents of an eportfolio
• discuss the potential benefits and challenges of integrating eportfolios in teaching in a higher level environment
• summarise the potential benefits of integrating eportfolios as an assessment methodology
• demonstrate a basic understanding of how to use Mahara eportfolio software

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop is useful for academic staff interested in finding out more about eportfolios, answering questions such as:

• what is an eportfolio?
• how can an eportfolio be used in different contexts?
• what are the benefits and/or challenges involved?
• what eportfolio software is available in DIT?
• how do I use the software?

Links to DIT Institutional Objectives

This workshop is considered to support the following DIT institutional objectives:

• Develop the curriculum
• Develop and support teaching excellence
• Develop key skills & competencies in students
• Promote diversity of learning opportunities

Any pre-requisites / advance preparation required?

There are no pre-requisites for this workshop. However, in advance of this workshop it would be helpful if you could access this text: Jafari, A., & Kaufman, C. (2006) Handbook of research on ePortfolios, Hershey, PA: Idea Group Reference. http://library.dit.ie/search/Y?SEARCH=eportfolios&SORT=D

Facilitated by?

This workshop is facilitated by Kevin O'Rourke and Muireann O'Keeffe of the DIT Learning, Teaching and Technology Centre.