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Portfolio

 

Introduction

The following is some introductory material on portfolios (what are they and how to get started with developing one). Fortunately, there is a lot of information on portfolios which is readily available on the web so we have tried to keep this information very basic, leaving you to explore the topic more widely and deeply on the web depending on your needs.

What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is a collection of evidence demonstrating one’s activities and achievements in relation to their studies or work. This collection of items can comprise anything from a record of random ideas to peer-reviewed articles, monographs, and various types of artefacts. They can cover one’s entire life-experience or focus on a specific aspect of their skills and competencies.

Have a look here for more:

What is an ePortfolio?

An ePortfolio is a digital record of this collection of evidence. As such, all items in an ePortfolio will be produced and accessible in a digital format.

Read more about this here:

Why develop portfolios?

Effective in showcasing one’s activities and achievements, portfolios enable:

  • Storage and management of a wide range of information in a variety of ways;
  • Demonstration of different connections between artefacts in the portfolio; and
  • Weaving a narrative around distinct and disparate pieces of information.

See also: 

What are its critical attributes?

A portfolio is more than a random collection of evidence and artefacts. An effective portfolio will:

  • Have a clear focus, purpose, form and structure;
  • Comprise a careful selection of evidence, and not include everything available;
  • Tell a convincing story about one’s achievements in relation to something.
  • Include critical reflection by owners on their actions, activities and achievements;
  • Demonstrate reflective practice, development and growth in one’s skills, and accomplishments.

What is required to produce a portfolio?

  • Foremost you will need content (documents, pictures, audio-video files etc);
  • Definition of its form and function (what is the purpose of the portfolio and its target?);
  • Basis for the selection of this evidence (rationale for the selection of these items);
  • Navigation and pathways through the evidence (what is the story you are telling?);
  • Nature of the commentary and reflection on the evidence (narrative around the collection).

Have a look here:

What are the tools for developing an ePortfolio?

See also:

An example of an ePortfolio using social media tools. Retrieved from http://paulgordonbrown.wordpress.com/teaching-portfolio/

Barrett, H. (2012). Interactive ePortfolios: Web 2.0 & social networking tools. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/eportfolios/sotf-interactive-e-portfolios

Where and how do I begin to develop a portfolio?

  • Get into the habit of collecting evidence of potential value;
  • Make sure to gather a rich variety of evidence (print and non-print materials such as photographs/sketches, audio and video clips, images of projects);
  • Digitize the material as soon as possible (much easier to sort, reuse and repurpose);
  • Develop a friendly and meaningful filing system (according to types/categories etc.);
  • Identify and select appropriate software tool to present your ePortfolio.

Have a look at this: 

What are some good examples of ePortfolios?

  • There are many excellent examples on the Web.

Start reviewing them here:

More Useful References

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