Strategic Implementation and Pedagogical Considerations of e-portfolios in FE and HE

Kirstie Coolin¹, Adele Cushing^2
1University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, ²University of Plymouth, United Kingdom

E-portfolios are a current hot topic. The educational potential of e-portfolios by Stefani et al (2007) provides hypothesis as to the impact on learning, which is being drawn upon and researched empirically in FEIs/HEIs through Leap Ahead (Lifelong Learning Network for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire) via sponsored trials taking place in 8 FEI/HEIs with around 1000 learner-centred ePortfolios. Run by the University of Nottingham’s CIePD, this workstrand is developing ePortfolio experience amongst regional partners across numerous sectors/applications with an aim to equip partner institutions in taking fully-informed pedagogically-centric decisions about their choices of future technology.Pilots are generally small scale involving PDP, reflection on progress, action planning, pre-enrolment/transition activities and evidencing. The challenge being how to embed innovative practice, build a community of users, support lifelong learning journeys and influence senior managers within institutions who will ultimately make the decisions of which system(s) to invest in.This Demonstration provides background on the project rationale and an overview and discussion of implementation issues including barriers to adoption, influencing institutional change and recommendations for sustainability.The session will include demonstrations of examples from the two sponsoring systems along with interim research outcomes and pedagogical and strategic recommendations at a practical level. Lessons learned, particularly in relation to methods of engagement and implementation will be shared.Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss and reflect on their own experiences both within the session and through a real-time blog.The demonstration itself will include an overview of current ePortfolio theory and the interim research findings from the ePortfolio trials, the main body consisting of demonstration of the range of identified ePortfolio requirements/applications of chosen practical solutions, together with implementation barriers and demonstration of solutions. Invitation to discuss scalability and drivers for change will take place within the session and via the blog.Participants will learn:• How the project has deconstructed the features of ePortfolio to facilitate incremental usage of the systems.• A wide range of E-portfolio options, issues and solutions, how e-portfolios can support teaching and learning.• Best practice for engagement and implementation, including use of institutional-free systems to aid rapid uptake.

1. Stefani, L., R. Mason, and C. Pegler. (2007). The educational potential of e-portfolios. Routledge: London and New York. 2. Hartnell-Young et al. (2007) Impact Study of e-portfolios on learning, Becta