ePortfolios at UTS

"In general, an ePortfolio is a purposeful collection of information and digital artifacts that demonstrates development or evidences learning outcomes, skills or competencies. The process of producing an ePortfolio (writing, typing, recording etc.) usually requires the synthesis of ideas, reflection on achievements, self-awareness and forward planning; with the potential for educational, developmental or other benefits. Specific types of ePortfolios can be defined in part by their purpose (such as presentation, application, reflection, assessment and personal development planning), pedagogic design, level of structure (intrinsic or extrinsic), duration (episodic or life-long) and other factors." (Cotterill, 2007)

The materials collected in an ePortfolio could include work produced for assessment at various points throughout a degree, reports and reflections on extra-curricular activities such as participation in community-based programs and work-placement experiences, private learning journals, or personal interest material and compositions such as photographs, moving images, music and so on.

Use of ePortfolios at UTS is growing rapidly and two ePortfolio environments are currently being supported – Chalk & Wire ePortfolio and the Campus Pack ePortfolio.

The Chalk & Wire ePortfolio environment is purpose-built for the creation and maintenance of ePortfolios and has some powerful features and capabilities for supporting the administration of assessment processes. Starting from 2010, the University purchased a limited number of account licences for Chalk & Wire ePortfolios and their use is being supported within targeted degree programs. The number of licences is expected to grow substantially over the next few years.

The Campus Pack ePortfolio is available to all students and staff, and is part of the UTSOnline environment, but is separate to the semester-based subject sites that most students will know. Students (and staff) can create their own Campus Pack ePortfolio at any time and materials & content uploaded will be retained throughout their period of enrolment.  The Campus Pack ePortfolio environment is based on the Campus Pack Wikis and Blogs, and content creation is straightforward, although somewhat limited in the range of features that would support more complex layouts and actions. Campus Pack ePortfolios can be, and have been, used for assessment purposes, but the ability to support assessment administration processes within this environment, such as monitoring progress towards completion of work by students, and of marking & grading by assessors/tutors, is quite limited.

Contact Simon Housego or Jenny Pizzica in IML to discuss ideas relating to the use of ePortfolios for learning (including the design of learning tasks).

References:
Cotterill SJ. What is an ePortfolio? ePortfolios 2007, Maastricht. http://www.eportfolios.ac.uk/definition