E-Portfolios

E-portfolios are evidence of learning with links to digital examples of the work. They are known by different names: Electronic Student Portfolios, Online Portfolios, Efolio, Webfolio or Digital Portfolio. An online portfolio is an evolving work that can demonstrate a student’s learning and growth over time.

Portfolios can take the form of summative or formative assessment, and are also known as a product assessment.

 

Benefits of Online Portfolios

For Students	For Teachers
a single place to organize, analyze, evaluate, create, and store documents, presentations, and projects related to individual learning goals, planning, and progress	a means to prepare students to be lifelong learners
a means to increase information literacy and technology skills	a way to assess for authentic learning and give feedback
a tool to combine formal and informal learning	a trail to measure student achievement of content learning standards
a tool to solicit feedback from teachers, students, parents	a vehicle to share information with colleagues and administration

Purpose

When an e-portfolio is created, students should control who has access and for how long. Besides considering the audience for the portfolio, think about the purpose or goals for the e-portfolio. The purpose should inform decisions on visibility.

What is the purpose of online portfolios in your classroom?

• Is it for students to identify their educational needs and evaluate their progress in learning?
• Is it to increase student motivation as they plan for their learning?
• Is it for students to learn from each other?
• Is it for teachers to assess for learning?
• Is it for administrators to see what students are accomplishing?
• Is it for parents to view what their child is creating?
• Is it for future employers?
• Is it for some combination of all of the above?

E-portfolios can be used by students when creating multimedia projects as a tool for planning, reflecting, assessing for learning, or showcasing learning activities and technology skills. Portfolios can also be a means by which students maintain and update a living profile of their knowledge and skills.