Online Learning Models

There are so many new things that I have learned this second part of this online teaching class that it is hard to narrow down just one thing, but narrow it down I have. I’ve decided to write about what I have learned about e-portfolios.

Well let me begin by defining what an e-portfolio is. Dr. Helen Barrett has a terrific website:

Electronic Portfolios in Adult Learning http://www.electronicportfolios.com/NIACE/msword/niace-conference.doc

It describes a portfolio in 2 ways:

Dictionary definition:
A flat, portable case for carrying loose papers, drawings and etc.

Portfolio in Education:
A purposeful collection of work that demonstrates efforts, progress and achievement in one or more areas. (overtime)

According to Dr. Barrett, each document needs a caption or brief reflective explanation about each piece of work in a portfolio. There are three components when evidence of learning is sought.

· The artifact or piece of work
· The learners’ reflection of work or rationale or argument about why this artifact demonstrates achievement of a learning outcome or particular goal
· Validation of the learners’ self-assessment

Portfolios are used to provide a deep wealth of information regarding the student’s performance. Standardized test or exams cannot assess student learning as precisely as e-portfolios can.

Electronic Portfolios are stored in digital form. They are presented and organized with authorizing software. Portfolios are stored in containers such as CD- recording disc, DVD-record able disc, the World Wide Web, PDA’s, flash drives, iPods, and mobile phones.

The purpose for e-portfolios can be varied. Per the class reading, some of those purposes include:
· Marketing/ Showcase
· Learning/ Process/ Planning
· Assessment/ Accountability

My reaction to e-portfolios as a learning tool is that I am looking forward to putting together a record of my learning. I learned in the reading, that a portfolio is an organized collection of completed work. It is a career tracker as well as a reflective piece. The three factors that were mentioned that rang out for e-portfolios were:

1) Student work is in the electronic form
2) The Web is everywhere
3) Students can manage large volumes of work

My experience regarding using portfolio's for employment is limited to my readings and word of mouth. From what I understand, in this competitive job market,online resumes as well as presentations of yourself are the new thing. My friend is using a portfolio to seek a job in media communications. She gets to post her work in the portfolio and give the employer a sense of what she has done and who she is. I got to peek at one that had active links, graphics, video and a host of cool stuff on it. I had to promise not to share it with anyone. I can see how her hard work and unique format was valuable to her. If done properly, this is a tool that can really make you stand out among the crowd! This tool is also useful for those applying for PhD programs.

Whether it is resumes', transcripts or letters of recommendation, e-portfolios help to organize a student’s work. It should be noted that this means is transportable and searchable. I also learned that this mode of record is interchangeable if you are using this for potential employers. Only relevant material for the position you seek is necessary when presenting this tool to employers.