You are here:

Eportfolios: From description to analysis
ARTICLE

, , University of British Columbia

IRRODL Volume 9, Number 2, ISSN 1492-3831 Publisher: Athabasca University Press

Full Text

Abstract

In recent years, different professional and academic settings have been increasingly utilizing ePortfolios to serve multiple purposes from recruitment to evaluation. This p aper analyzes ePortfolios created by graduate students at a Canadian university. Demonstrated is how students’ constructions can, and should, be more than a simple compilation of artifacts. Examined is an online learning environment whereby we shared knowledge, supported one another in knowledge construction, developed collective expertise, and engaged in progressive discourse. In our analysis of the portfolios, we focused on reflection and deepening understanding of learning. We discussed students’ use of metaphors and hypertexts as means of making cognitive connections. We found that when students understood technological tools and how to use them to substantiate their thinking processes and to engage the readers/ viewers, their ePortfolios were richer and more complex in their illustrations of learning. With more experience and further analysis of exemplars of existing portfolios, students became more nuanced in their organization of their ePortfolios, reflecting the messages they conveyed. Metaphors and hypertexts became useful vehicles to move away from linearity and chronology to new organizational modes that better illustrated students’ cognitive processes. In such a community of inquiry, developed within an online learning space, the instructor and peers had an important role in enhancing reflection through scaffolding. We conclude the paper with a call to explore the interactions between viewer/ reader and the materials presented in portfolios as part of learning occasions.

Citation

Brandes, G. & Boskic, N. (2008). Eportfolios: From description to analysis. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 9(2),. Athabasca University Press. Retrieved March 25, 2023 from .

Keywords

References

View References & Citations Map
  1. Banerjee, P. (2004). Aesthetics of navigational performance in hypertext. AI & Society, 18(4), 297-309.
  2. Bolter, J.D. (2000). Writing Space: Computers, hypertext, and the remediation of print. Mahwah, NJ.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
  3. Bolter, J.D., & Grusin, R. (1999). Remediation: Understanding new media. Cambridge, MA.: MIT Press.
  4. Calisir, F., & Gurel, Z. (2003). Influence of text structure and prior knowledge of the learner on reading comprehension, browsing and perceived control. Computers in Human Behavior, 19(2), 135-145.
  5. Calleja, G., & Schwager, C. (2004). Rhizomatic Cyborgs: Hypertextual considerations in a posthuman age. Technoetic Arts: A Journal of Speculative Research, 2(1), 3-15.
  6. Campbell, B., Cignetti, D., Melenyzer, R., Nettles, P. & Wyman, D. (2006). How to develop a professional portfolio (4th edition). Boston: Pearson.
  7. Chanen, B.W. (2007). Surfing the text. European Journal of English Studies, 11(2), 163-176.
  8. Dillon, A., & Gabbard, R. (1998). Hypermedia as an Educational Technology: A review of the quantitative research literature on learner comprehension, control, and style. Review of Educational Research, 68(3), 322–349.
  9. Ensslin, A. (2004). Reconstructing the Deconstructed– hypertext and literary education. Language& Literature, 13(4), 307-333.
  10. Erickson, G.L., Brandes, G.M., Mitchell, J.A., & Mitchell, I.J. (2005) Collaborative Teacher Learning: Findings from two professional development projects. Teaching and Teacher Education, 21(7) 787-798
  11. Gardner, C. (2003). Meta-interpretation and Hypertext Fiction: A critical response. Computers& The Humanities, 37(1), 33-56.
  12. Johnson-Eilola, J., & Kimme Hea, A.C. (2003). After Hypertext: Other ideas. Computers& Composition, 20(4), 415-425.
  13. Landow, G.P. (1997) Hypertext 2.0: The convergence of contemporary critical theory and technology. Baltimore, MD.: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
  14. Lorenzo, G., & Ittelson, J. (2005) An overview of ePortfolios, EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative. Http://connect.educause.edu/Library/ELI/AnOverviewofEPortfolios/39335?time=121019 8418
  15. Manovich, L. (2001). The language of new media. Cambridge, MA.: MIT Press.
  16. Marshall, H.H. (1988). Work or Learning: Implications of classroom metaphors. Educational Researcher, 17(9), 9-16. Http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0013189X%28198812%2917%3A9%3C9%3AWOLIOC%3E2.0.CO%3B2-L
  17. Martinez, M.A., Sauleda, N., & Huber, G.L. (2001). Metaphors as blueprints of thinking about teaching and learning. Teaching and Teacher Education, 17(8), 965-977
  18. Matthews-DeNatale, G. (2007). Storytelling in the age of the Internet. EDUCAUSE Connect. Http://connect.educause.edu/library/abstract/StorytellingintheAge/42327 Mitra, A., & Cohen, E. (1999). Analyzing the Web: Directions and challenges. In S. Jones (Ed.), Doing Internet Research: Critical issues and methods for examining the Net (pp. 179203).
  19. Ong, W.J. (1982). Orality and Literacy: The technologizing of the word. York: Routledge.
  20. Potelle, H., & Rouet, J. (2003). Effects of content representation and readers’ prior knowledge on the comprehension of hypertext. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, 58(3), 327-345.
  21. Rose, E. (2000). Hypertexts: The language and culture of educational computing. London, ON.: Althouse.
  22. Rouet, J. (2003). What was I looking for? The influence of task specificity and prior knowledge on students' search strategies in hypertext. Interacting with Computers, 15(3), 409-428.
  23. Scardamalia, M., & Bereiter, C. (2003). Beyond Brainstorming: Sustained creative work with ideas. Education Canada, 43(4), 4-8.
  24. Schneider, R. (2005). Hypertext Narrative and the Reader: A view from cognitive theory. European Journal of English Studies, 9(2), 197-208.
  25. Sfard, A. (1998). On two metaphors for learning and the dangers of choosing just one. Educational Researcher, 27(2), 4-13. Http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0013189X%28199803%2927%3A2%3C4%3AOTMFLA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-0
  26. Tyrkkö, J. (2007). Making sense of digital textuality. European Journal of English Studies, 11(2), 147-161.
  27. Yancey, K.B. (2006). An Exercise in Absence: Notes on the past and future of digital portfolios and student learning. SmartClassroom. Http://campustechnology.com/articles/40690

These references have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. Signed in users can suggest corrections to these mistakes.

Suggest Corrections to References

Cited By

View References & Citations Map

These links are based on references which have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. If you see a mistake, please contact info@learntechlib.org.

Links