ePortfolios for postgraduate research

European Union goal: –ePortfolio for all by 2010 to support the concept of lifelong learning Australia –E-portfolios signal new digital dawn for universities (The Australian newspaper) “In a sign of the accelerating trend towards the digitisation of tertiary education, using e- portfolios for student assessment is firmly on the teaching and learning agenda.”

England … it is accepted as good practice for students to reflect on their learning, supported by frameworks developed by institutions for recording personal development. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Code of Practice for the Assurance of Academic Quality and Standards in Education, Section 1: Postgraduate Research Programmes.

Purpose of ePortfolio To enable students to record, reflect on, catalogue, retrieve and present their experiences, activities, and things they produce both inside and outside of university life as evidence of the skills developed while at QUT that contribute significantly to their lifelong learning and career development. Col McCowan, Careers & Employment, QUT

How to use an ePortfolio (1) 1.Collect content 2.Build your view 3.Share and network

Image by Hanes Grobe

How to use an ePortfolio (2) Document learning over time A place to reflect on learning and set goals for further development A resumé

What is the main benefit for you? A.To collect and store resources in a single place B.To review my course content and progress by myself and others C.To link the skills and experiences I develop in my courses D.To learn by reflecting on what I have done using the evidence of my coursework and assignments. E.To develop self auditing skills and experiences F.To plan where and how to develop skills G.To showcase evidence of my experience for employers H.There are no benefits for me

What is a professional? What is it that makes a professional? How does a professional differ from a tradesperson?

Top 10 Skills/Attributes Sought After in University Graduates 1.Strong Interpersonal Skills 2.Strong Verbal Communication Skills 3.Strong Written Communication Skills 4.Flexible and Adaptable “Can do” Attitude 5.Sound Academic Achievement 6.Self- Motivated/Self- Starter 7.Team Player 8.Energy and Enthusiasm 9.Problem Solving Skills 10.Analytical and Conceptual Skills Source: Victoria University Career Development Service

Your task Look at the attributes and skills and select those that are relevant to you. Add in others that are important for your professional development. Chose one or two and outline the evidence that demonstrates you have these attributes / skills.

Reflection activity Identify some material that is important to your learning. Reflection on the material –Describe –Inform –Confront –Reconstruct Set goals and an action plan

Examples of ePortfolios Learning about learning Set a goal Find a way to do it Find a way to show your progress Share success

Examples of ePortfolios Showcase –John’s MyPortfolioMyPortfolio –Personal goals demodemo Reflecting on learning –Reflection on learning demodemo Work experience demodemo

Available at Document your learning Reflect on learning, set goals, get feedback Develop learning journals Share ideas with supervisor and your network.