E-Portfolios for Computer Science and Engineering Students Massey University, New Zealand Eva Heinrich Faguele Suaalii Justin Grayson Ramesh Rayudu Madhumita Bhattacharya Nathan Jones
EHeinrich, ePortfolio NZ Portfolio profiles Computer Science graduate profile Computer systems engineering graduate profile Derived from Institute internal documentation Academic and professional associations Industry collaboration Special emphasis on life-long learning and transferable skills
EHeinrich, ePortfolio NZ Project characteristics Targets students in technical disciplines Sits outside paper structures Does not contribute to grades Calls for voluntary participation Emphasises self-assessment Involves industry Has some initial funding from Massey University
EHeinrich, ePortfolio NZ Time frame Oct’05Feb’06 Preparation Graduate profiles Sample portfolios Software setup Strategy development Instructions … Oct’06
EHeinrich, ePortfolio NZ Time frame Oct’05Feb’06 Main phase ‘Recruitment’ Portfolio creation Industry feedback Ongoing support … Oct’06
EHeinrich, ePortfolio NZ Time frame Oct’05Feb’06 Evaluation Participation Student learning Funding requirements Software Industry support Transfer into other disciplines … Oct’06
EHeinrich, ePortfolio NZ Motivation for students to participate Experience shows that grades are the biggest motivator We don’t have this option We need to emphasise learning benefits Guidance towards graduate profile Linkages between subject areas Reflection and communication skills Opportunity to get industry feedback Superior job application material Preparation for future career
EHeinrich, ePortfolio NZ Traditional paper instead of degree focus Funding structures Degree requirements Staff allocation and responsibilities Opportunity for better information flow across paper boundaries for teaching staff? Move towards degree requirement?
EHeinrich, ePortfolio NZ Mid/Long-term support for the project Currently funded under Massey’s scheme Funding for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching Enough for project setup and first two semesters Then? Someone needs to take responsibility on a degree/major level Ongoing tutor support Server hardware Software maintenance Profile maintenance E-portfolio services for alumni?
EHeinrich, ePortfolio NZ E-Portfolio software Currently Open Source Portfolio software (OSP) Collaborative, open source software development project Looks like having all the features required Matrix listing skills for fulfill graduate profile Students enter evidence and reflections Presentations are generated based on selected material External reviewers can be given access Quite a bit of knowledge regarding web servers, XML and JavaScript is required Opportunity (need?) for contribution from a NZ perspective
EHeinrich, ePortfolio NZ Where to from here We seek contact with other groups in NZ Doing similar projects Using OSP Information on our project