Ray, I agree that the ePortfolio is more than the ...

2009-01-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

Ray, I agree that the ePortfolio is more than the demonstration of reflective learning and practice, nevertheless, if we don't need an ePortfolio to demonstrate reflective practice (which is still at the centre of most ePortfolio definitions), then, what can we say about the other components of the ePortfolio?

I'm almost certain that you could apply most of your 15 functions to a paperless portfolio as well as to a paper portfolio. My position is that the ePortfolio is more than just a paperless portfolio and prefigures something larger, akin to some kind of 'digital identity' and that this 'digital identity' should be at the centre of the Internet architecture (and not at the periphery as it is today, as the ePortfolio is).

For a simple definition of the ePortfolio, my suggestion would be to keep the definition of the paper portfolio. And find another one for what is emerging and might be the driver for a radical restructuring of the Internet, moving from the Internet of documents to the Internet of people.

Serge, As usual, you write eruditely and yet provo...

2009-01-18T06:06:00.000-08:00

Serge, As usual, you write eruditely and yet provocatively. I have recently attempted to answer the issue of multiple definitions in three blogs during January at: http://efoliointheuk.blogspot.com/

I think that most teachers would find difficulty with your statement “Learning is not about creating portfolios, it is about constructing one’s social identity.” Although what you state might be true, I guess that as practitioners of Teaching and Learning we should be looking more practically at what the classroom teacher needs and would like technology to support. I see no reason why the e-Portfolio should be an obstacle to learning, once the teacher understands and can explain to the learner how the e-Portfolio can assist in ALL aspects of both Teaching & Learning and social interaction.

Perhaps the weakness of your whole argument is epitomised in your statement: “If the objective of the ePortfolio is the demonstration of reflective learning and practice,…” NO ! I would shout, the e-Portfolio is so much more than this. Yes, the demonstration of reflection, where appropriate, might be included along with so many other things such as evidence of skills, collaboration, mentoring, peer review, formative assessment etc. On one of my presentations I list some 15 different functions of the e-Portfolio.

Again, one of the errors of thinking as carried over from the historical development of the e-Portfolio is that of having e-Portfolios for different purposes. The suggestion of adding a ‘modifier’ only reinforces this concept. My argument is that the one e-Portfolio can do all of these things and can reveal different aspects, often including many of the same artefacts, to different audiences.

So, despite all the debate, I expect to see a simple, easy to use solution that any seven-year-old can use, that is owned by the learner, that is an umbrella for all that one wishes to share, for whatever purpose, and, most importantly, CAN evolve with the varying needs of the learner throughout all of the ‘Seven Ages of Man’.

For more of my arguments, please see:

P: http://www.raytolley1.xfolioworld.com
B: http://www.efoliointheuk.blogspot.com/
W: http://www.maximise-ict.co.uk/eFolio-01.htm

Comments on Learning Futures: About ePortfolio definitions

Ray, I agree that the ePortfolio is more than the ...

Serge, As usual, you write eruditely and yet provo...