This week’s discussion was all about why we should use an eportfolio. In Dr. Harapnuik’s (2018) post, he declares that the creation of an eportfolio is an effective learning environment. The use of an eportfolio is intended to showcase someone’s engagement in their own learning. When someone is reflecting on their work and posting it to their eportfolio, they are making a choice to own their learning. They are using their own voice to showcase their authentic connected learning. The use of an eportfolio can be used as a tool to prove to organizations that they have the skills capable of handling a job and that they will continue to learn in whatever their new position will be.
In any kind of position that we are in, reflection is essential. When we take the time to reflect, we are jotting down our understanding of any given topic. When we jot down our own understandings, then we are digging deeper into the topic, thus we are learning something. These reflections can then be referred to later in life or they can be available for anyone else who may be interested in the subject matter, thus providing a potential learning opportunity for someone else. Or perhaps even an additional learning opportunity for yourself if someone were to interact with you on the subject. I value the ideas behind writing reflections as a story (“Why Reflect”, n.d.). Our minds are simply wired in such a way in which we can remember stories better.
The final article highlights 41 benefits to creating and utilizing an eportfolio. There are plenty of benefits to an eportfolio. I wanted to simply highlight of few of the points from the article that I find most interesting.
They will understand the important aspect of the process fully and see that the process is just as important as the product
I find this statement to be essential as it pretty much states that as we continue to create and add to our eportfolio, we will continually see the benefits of doing so. This is an encouragement to press onward and get into a habit of working with our e-portfolio.
They will refresh their skills in documenting lifelong experiences. This allows them to bring all of their learning to their daily job challenges.
This statement ultimately explains one of the greatest benefits of an eportfolio, which is simply provide a means of logging your life’s work. As we continue to progress in our careers, we will have many different experiences. It can be so easy to forget all the we do. If we simply log what we do, we can always go back and reflect on what we did.
They will be able to demonstrate professional growth and show a commitment to continued learning
This one more or less speaks for itself. A representation of continued growth is a great selling point for future positions. Additionally, it sets an example for your peers.
They will have a tool for feedback from teachers and peers; feedback in the form of comments, as opposed to marks.
I find this valuable as it promotes growth through community/peer collaboration.
Why use an eportfolio http://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=6063
Reflection4Learning - https://sites.google.com/site/reflection4learning/why-reflect
41 Benefits of an eportfolio https://kbarnstable.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/41-benefits-of-an-eportfolio/
Barnstable, K. (2010, January 8). “41 Benefits of an ePortfolio.” Stable Transitions. Retrieved from https://kbarnstable.wordpress.com/2010/01/08/41-benefits-of-an-eportfolio/.
Harapunik, D. (2018). It's About Learning. Retrieved from http://www.harapnuik.org.
“Why Reflect.” (n.d.). Reflection4Learning. Retrieved from https://sites.google.com/site/reflection4learning/why-reflect.
Key Takeaways From Peer Discussions:
Think of our e-portfolios as a marathon rather than a sprint. We should continue to build and expand upon our own learning experiences whilst utilizing the portfolio we are creating for ourselves.
E-portfolios can showcase your commitment to continuous learning.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there by creating an e-portfolio. You never know what kind of opportunities could come from it.