Draft one of e-portfolio paper

1. E-Portfolios
Alyson Boytz
CSE 689
Western Oregon Unviversity

2. E-Portfolios
E-Portfolios are online, digital portfolios, used as a showcasing tool. According to
Lorenzo and Ittleson’s paper, an e-portfolio is a digitized collection of artifacts. Artifacts
commonly include demonstrations, resources and accomplishments that are of representation
of the individual (Lorenzo & Ittelson, 2005). Artifacts are needed to support and communicate
skills, experiences and learning to the audience. Auburn University refers to artifact examples
as pictures, videos, documents, presentations, or even lab reports (Auburnwrites, 2013). E-
Portfolios can be customized to reflect the individual’s’ personal style and taste, while providing
the audience with said artifacts. E-Portfolios can be as simple or complex as the individuals
chooses, making it easy for those with little to no experience with technology. There should be
a sense of digital identity the creator conveys. The creator’s voice should be apparent through
their design, style and reflections of artifacts.
E-Portfolios are used to display the professional and educational knowledge of an
individual. E-portfolios can be used to demonstrate and individual’s experiences, showcase
their skill, or help in preparation for job interviews or school applications. Lonrenzo and Ittelson
refer to three categories of e-portfolios. These categories include students, teaching and
institutional. Among these three categories there are six functions of an e-portfolio. These
functions include planning educational programs; documenting knowledge, skills, abilities, and
learning; tracking development within a program; finding a job; evaluating a course; and
monitoring and evaluating performance (Lorenzo & Ittelson, 2005).

3. An important element of an e-portfolio is the reflection in addition to an artifact. Each
artifact should have an introduction from the individual, where the individual adds their
reflection. According to the Career & Internship Services Center, from the Universities at Shady
Grove, the descriptions (or reflections) of artifacts are crucial for success. Artifacts should
include descriptions and reflections from the author because it is common that the audience is
viewing the e-portfolio without the author present. Artifact descriptions should include title,
individual’s contribution, credit, goals, outcomes, supporting media, links, and the process (E-
Portfolio Quick Guide, n.d.). The reflection of artifacts incorporates the author’s voice and style
in the e-portfolio as well.
I will create and design an e-portfolio using an online website creator. After designing
the e-portfolio and incorporating my personal style to it, I plan to use my e-portfolio in a couple
different ways. I first plan on using it for my final project for my graduate program. I will design
it to display the knowledge I have gained, the projects I have created, and the coordination to
the standards the program is designed around. I will include artifacts that display my knowledge
of the required program standards. A collection of literature I have created will be displayed
and will demonstrate my knowledge of the topic. An additional section will include projects I
feel are necessary to share.
In the future, after my completion of the program, I plan on using my e-portfolio as a
platform for my coaching career. I will use the portfolio to showcase my knowledge,
experience, philosophy and goals as a collegiate softball coach. This will be a source for me to
demonstrate to future employers not only the coaching skills I possess, but also my knowledge
and use of technology. I will include the use of past assignments that are relevant to coaching. I

4. plan on combining these two ideas, and fine tuning my portfolio to showcase my skills both
educationally and professionally.

5. References
Auburnwrites. (2013, November 14). What is an ePortfolio? [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvqBORISA5k
E-Portfolio Quick Guide (n.d.). [PDF file]. Retrieved from
https://shadygrove.umd.edu/sites/default/files/USG_Assets/PDF/EportfolioQuickGuide.
pdf
Lorenzo, G. & Ittelson, J. (2005). An Overview of E-Portfolios. ELI Paper 1: 2005. Boulder:
Educause Learning Initiative. Retrieved
from http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI3001.pdf