Final Draft of Paper for E-Porfolio Class.

1. Running Head: E-PORTFOLIO FOR ACADEMIC ADVISING 1
E-Portfolio for Academic Advising
Ron Mercer
Western Oregon University

2. E-PORTFOLIO FOR ACADEMIC ADVISING 2
E-Portfolio For Academic Advising
An e-Portfolio or electronic portfolio is used to display one’s work, skills, talents, past or
current projects, education, online resume, recognitions and awards, and other artifacts related to
what they want to display (Bartlet). Portfolios have been around for a long time so the idea of
displaying one’s work in something portable is not new. With modern technology people have
started putting their work on cd-rom or dvd disks, which added the electronic to portfolios. Now
with online and cloud technology, sharing one’s e-portfolio is easier and can connect to others
seeking similar information. Examples of e-portfolios can be Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter,
which can display their work and achievements.
In today’s world, e-portfolios are being used in many ways. Students, at any level of
education, have been creating e-portfolios to display what they have been working on in the
classroom. One of the reasons for students to do this is to help them have a better understanding
of the material they’ve been working on (EPortfolio FAQ). This will also instill a sense of pride
in their work, giving a sense of owner ship will help them have a better understanding of the
work (Lorenzo & Ittelson). Once a student has finished their degree or a professional ready to
move on to a new career, can use their e-portfolio to help aid them be more attractive to potential
employers. Job seekers will use their e-portfolios to document their knowledge, skills, abilities
and their experience. Connecting not just to employers, but also to other likeminded people or
groups in sharing their e-portfolios. Using their portfolios to display their knowledge or
experience within a certain field, and reviewing other’s work to gain more incite. Others will use
their e-portfolios to try to get into colleges for either a Master’s program or a Doctorate program.
"The overarching purpose of portfolios is to create a sense of personal ownership over
one's accomplishments, because ownership engenders feelings of pride, responsibility, and

3. E-PORTFOLIO FOR ACADEMIC ADVISING 3
dedication." (p.10) - Paris & Ayres.(1994). The most important element for an e-portfolio, or any
portfolio, is for the owner to have their self-reflection of their artifacts. This will help them
develop a stronger connection to their work and in understanding it. This will help with
marketing their portfolio to not just potential employers, but to others wanting someone else’s
thoughts and ideas. If they don’t put pride and effort into their portfolio, then why would
someone else want to view it?
What I want to do with my e-portfolio is to display my experience in higher education.
My undergraduate degree is in Urban and Regional Planning, but I have worked in higher
education for four years now. Within the last year I started working in Academic Advising and
I’m enjoying it more each day. My focus right now is exploratory students, students who have
not declared a major yet. I know there is research out there about this and how to advise students
who don’t know what major to pursue and to help them connect to a major. Connecting with
other advisors across the country or the world would be beneficial for me to see what their
research says about the subject. Also for me to share my thoughts and experiences to help with
others working with students. I would like to progress in my career in advising more with
creating an e-portfolio.
A big part of Academic Advising is teaching the students we advise. I advise Exploratory
students, student who have not yet declared a major and who are mostly freshman and
sophomores. What I’m learning is that we do more than just tell them what classes to take, we try
to help them figure out their path as well. For most freshman going to college will also be their
first experience on being on their own. My hopes with this e-portfolio is to help with the
transition of the students with providing information on policies that affect them, how to find
resources on campus, and help with guiding them to find a major they will be happy in.

4. E-PORTFOLIO FOR ACADEMIC ADVISING 4
References
Bartlet, H., Dr. (n.d.). EPortfolios - Overview - ePortfolios with GoogleApps. Retrieved October 21,
2017, from https://sites.google.com/site/eportfolioapps/overview
EPortfolio FAQs. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2017, from
http://www.eportfolio.lagcc.cuny.edu/support/faqs.htm
Lorenzo, G., & Ittelson, J. (2005, July). An Overview of E-Portfolios (D. Oblinger, Ed.). Retrieved
October 21, 2017, from https://library.educause.edu/~/media/files/library/2005/1/eli3001-pdf.pdf
Paris, S., & Ayres, L. (1994). Becoming Reflective Students and Teachers.. American Psychological
Association.