e-portfolios
This area consolidates and takes forward the wide-ranging technical and institutional development work that is already taking place under the banner of e-portfolios. The potential of e-portfolio services to support lifelong and lifewide learning is no longer in question. However, a distributed model of e-portfolios, with learners using and controlling information from a variety of sources, presents many challenges.
JISC’s aims in this area are to:
- explore and develop effective practice in the use of e-portfolio systems and tools through the co-development of standards with the piloting of related technologies
- work in partnership with other sectors and agencies to develop the use of e-portfolios to support lifelong and lifewide learning
- provide guidance for institutions on effective practice in this area
Some key issues and challenges we have identified in this area are:
- Distributed model of eP implies various challenges: accessing and aggregating information from different sources; different status of that information; managing learners’ different identities
- Need to transform institutional policies and procedures to embed use of e-Ps
- Disparate nature of e-P systems and practices across disciplines and sectors
- Assessors and awarding bodies need more support in assessing e-Ps
- Shortage of evidence/expertise in use of e-Ps for learning (rather than assessment)
- Need for lightweight standards and ease of integration with institutional systems
Some priorities for project funding that we have provisionally identified are:
- Pilot/demonstrate use of e-eP tools to support effective curriculum delivery
- Investigate issues around authentication, authorisation, ownership and control of eP data
- Explore interfaces between ePs and institutional repositories
- Continue to develop lightweight eP specifications and explore integration with institutional data systems
- Continue exploring the role of e-portfolios in progression, transition and lifelong learning
- Investigate the learning eP in a range of contexts and situations including impact on tutor workload
- Develop infokit on institutional choice and embedding of eP systems
Please add your own comments on this activity area, including key issues and challenges we may have missed, and your own ideas for priority development projects.