Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an e-portfolio?
Do many schools use e-portfolios?
Why do my pupils need an e-portfolio?
Doesn't our VLE provide all the necessary learning tools for our pupils?
How do e-portfolios encourage reflective learning?
What is an e-portfolio?
Consider an e-portfolio as an extension of the paper based-portfolio, bringing with it the obvious benefit of making a portfolio of evidence which is portable and shareable anywhere that you have Internet access. With no physical paper-based portfolio there is also less paper and less storage facilities required and no chance of the portfolio being lost.
Do many schools use e-portfolios?
E-portfolios are becoming popular in schools all round the US as they have been found to provide a central, linking role between the more rigid, institution-led learning management system and students' social online spaces such as Facebook and MySpace.
Why do my pupils need an e-portfolio?
There are numerous motivations for schools to implement e-portfolios, the top three reasons teachers love them are:
- It has been found with an e-portfolio pupils have higher levels of satisfaction, increased motivation, improved retention rates, and due to this and the accessibility of their e-portfolio, they complete their work more quickly.
- E-portfolios provide a meaningful way for parents to engage in their child's education, this sort of parental involvement has been shown to increase a child's performance.
- E-portfolios not only support personal learning and reflection but also help to improve organizational and presentation skills.
Doesn't our VLE provide all the necessary learning tools for our pupils?
Use of VLEs depend upon whether teachers upload learning resources and assessment material. E-portfolios are used independently by the pupils. A pupil's e-portfolio can be accessed from anywhere, anytime and belongs to the learner. The school simply provides the space for the learner to develop their own e-portfolio.
How do e-portfolios encourage reflective learning?
E-portfolios allow students to collect and record their work over time and encourage them to revisit this work. This helps them understand their progress so far and also helps them to plan their future learning.
