Get started planning e-portfolios by following these 10 tips:

Tip #1: Design assignments with curriculum goals and objectives and e-portfolios in mind.

Tip #2: Integrate technology whenever possible to support 21st Century learners.

Tip #3: Focus on materials that could be included in an e-portfolio to encourage students to find innovative ways to demonstrate their achievement:

Tip #4: Suggest students electronically store their work in one place so they can easily find, select, and upload work that best demonstrates their achievements.

Tip #5: Model the process in order to support and develop students’ skills in the appropriate selection of artifacts.

Tip #6: Support the personalization of e-portfolios to motivate and engage learners.

Tip #7: Consider the use of e-portfolio buddies or partners. This would entail partnering students to encourage each other through the selection of artifacts, posting, and reflection process.

Tip #8: Provide prompts to support student reflections.

Sample:

Date:

Content Area:

Title of Activity:

This piece of work belongs in my e-portfolio because….

Through the completion of this activity I have learned…

In the future I would like to extend my learning beyond what I currently know by…

Tip #9: Encourage students to understand that their e-portfolio is a practical and effective way to visually communicate growth and pinpoint progress to anyone interested in their success as a learner.

Tip #10: Use this E-Portfolio Planning Sheet (pdf) as a guide to help you with your thinking.

Think about it…

• What e-portfolio ideas could you share and submit?

About the Author

In addition to being a wife, mother of three, and grandmother of eight, professionally Barbara Pace:

• Teaches online courses in computers & curriculum for Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis
Has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Design with an Emphasis on Technology from Indiana University
Is the Online Design Consultant for the Nursing Department at the University of Indianapolis