Working (on) Electronic Portfolios

Assessment Along the Way:
Self and Others

We looked for ways to incorporate assessment throughout the development of the eportfolio. The students wanted to understand the reasons for putting the portfolio together; to identify their potential audiences; to reflect on learning in the workplace and college classroom; and to consider effective images and format for their eportfolios. They viewed their classmates, themselves, and the course instructor as their first audience.

As we progressed through the eportfolio development, we observed that the students were proficient at cheerleading each other’s efforts. In IDS 497, the capstone course, they needed to put critical thinking skills to work. Because an eportfolio is a personal thing -- it gets to the core of what students have done/been, what they do/are, and what they want to do/be -- seeing that work critically can be difficult. So feedback guidelines are necessary. Asking questions about purpose, audience, experience, images, and structure is useful in critiquing that work. We specifically addressed skill area descriptions and supporting documentation by reviewing elements for effectiveness, diversity, and sufficiency. The following Blackboard dialogue is an example of students making use of structured feedback questions.

Craig to Bob: What are you trying to accomplish with your E-portfolio? If you plan to keep working at your current business, for yourself, you won't need it professionally will you?? At any rate, regarding your inquiry about showing support for your skill areas, have you implemented any changes to your business that could be viewed as beneficial or innovative? Perhaps you could show how you've improved your work area and adjusted successfully to changing technology over the years...just a thought...

Bob to Craig: Thanks, no I won’t be using this "professionally" but client identification is difficult. I have been the only driving force in technology change in this business where paper and pencil prevail!!!! Thanks for the thought. Beneficial changes? most have been for me and the others have adapted. Innovative changes? All have been to them! Thanks for the ideas I will use them somewhere in this mess I am creating around my desk that will eventually be professional

Monica to Bob: Isn't funny how we all have ideas for YOU? Anyway--I'll have to agree with Craig on this one. I think it would be great for you to showcase how your business has evolved, what changes you have implemented, how you have incorporated technology into your business, etc. And, if you're using this to, perhaps, introduce yourself to prospective clients, you could use the portfolio to demonstrate why YOU and YOUR COMPANY are better than your competitors. You could use it as an advertisement. As far as management experience, you could also highlight an employee who, perhaps, you've "turned around." Maybe you've mentored someone in the position, or apprenticed him or her...? Just some thoughts...