ePortfolios and unfamiliar spaces

Exploring the unknown, together

Abstract

When decisions are made to implement initiatives using e-portfolios, anxiety is sometimes expressed because of the challenge of exploring ‘new spaces’. This can occur, for example, when academic practitioners are required to re-address learning, teaching and assessment practices, and upskill in ICT.

This paper has three main aims. The first is to ground the subject in current literature. Reference will then be made to two research studies conducted at Dubai Men's College where the use of e-portfolios was proposed and in one case implemented. The barriers identified around e-portfolios are described, along with an overview of current attitudes expressed at Unitec NZ during small-scale trials. To date, a comparative research study has not been conducted, but the collation of findings offers a rich picture of potential challenges for academic practitioners around adopting e-portfolios. Finally, the paper draws the threads together to recommend ways of avoiding some of these possible pitfalls.