This document discusses electronic portfolios and their uses. It defines electronic portfolios as tools used to organize information for a specific audience online, allowing for increased ease of use and access compared to traditional paper portfolios. Electronic portfolios are commonly used for seeking employment or showcasing information and student work. The most important element of an effective electronic portfolio is that it is highly user-friendly and easily navigable. The author plans to create their own electronic portfolio to market themselves to potential employers upon graduating.
1. Running head: INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIOS 1
Introduction to Electronic Portfolios
Jonathan Howard
Western Oregon University
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Introduction to Electronic Portfolios
This idea of an e-Portfolio was completely new to me before starting this class. I have conducted
some research on this topic and have discovered a lot of great information. In this paper I will
focus on four specific topics to address my research; what they are, how they are used, most
important elements, and how I plan to use them.
What are e-Portfolios?
Electronic portfolios are simply tools used to organize information to produce for a
specific audience. This concept may be quite simple, it is something I never knew of before.
Before my research, my idea of a portfolio was a LinkedIn account. While this may be
considered one, there are many other options out there. Portfolios are actually not new in
professional settings. Portfolios in the past were used to collect and organize information. The
new aspect of the portfolio is making them available online. This is to increase the ease of use
and access. Lots of business and communication is conducted online now, so to remain up-to-
date people must reimagine old practices.
How are e-Portfolios used today?
There are many uses for electronic portfolios, but two main uses are for seeking
employment and showcasing information. Those seeking employment will find e-Portfolios
useful because of the flexibility of choices. Often there are multiple people competing for the
same position. Having a customized portfolio can be the way to stand out from the rest to get
recognized. Those using a portfolio for showcasing information will enjoy the ability to include
data. Cornell University states the purpose of e-Portfolios, “An ePortfolio is a collection of
materials that documents student accomplishments, and may include reflections on the learning
process and its outcomes” (CTI, 2012). These portfolios allow for not only a method of
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organization, but a way to include results and reflections. Portfolios for students can chose to
showcase reports and reflections based on classroom requirements. The key to the electronic
portfolio is in customization for each purpose of the source.
What are the most important elements of an e-Portfolio?
The entire reason that portfolios are turning electric is to increase the ease of access and
ease of use. For this reason, I feel the most important element of an electronic portfolio is how
user-friendly it is. The presentation objective must be clear and easy to find. Also, the source
must be easily navigable by everyone, including those that are not exactly tech-savvy. As I
mentioned before, LinkedIn might be considered an e-Portfolio. The site helps the user build a
page that promotes their abilities in hopes of finding employment or extending their professional
contact list. The issue with this site however is in the accessibility and lack of customization. The
site is limiting to those that do not want to pay for the premium features. This can limit the
number of users looking for employment and employees alike. Choosing a more accessible
source can allow for easier navigation of your materials. One individual may want to showcase
videos as the first thing seen when opening their site. Another may wish to have a description
and promise statement as the primary focus of their portfolio. Choices will allow all portfolios to
be user-friendly, no matter how different.
How do you plan to use e-Portfolios?
In only a few months, I will be seeking employment in nearby school districts. This class
will not only prepare me for creating my own portfolio, but prepare me for the job market. I
intend to build a portfolio to market myself to future employers. I hope to use the resources that
this class provides me to stand out and above from my peers seeking employment. I believe that
having a strong resume is not enough in today’s market.
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References
CTI. (2012, October 13). EPortfolios. Retrieved October 20, 2017, from
https://www.cte.cornell.edu/teaching-ideas/teaching-with-technology/eportfolios.html
