Final draft of e-portfolio paper

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Introduction to Electronic Portfolios
Introduction to Electronic Portfolios
Teresa Wydronek
Western Oregon University

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Introduction to Electronic Portfolios
Before taking this class, I was very new to technology and was unsure of what an e-portfolio
included and how I would use it for my benefit. After completing this course and researching the
topic, I have a better understanding of the subject. In this paper I will address what an e-
portfolio is, how they can be used, important elements and how I plan to use them to my
advantage.
E-Portfolios are a collection of work by a student or a professional. They provide a way to
organize and showcase work using work samples, research papers, and videos in an online
format (What is an e-Portfolio?, 2007). According to Lorenzo & Ittelson (2005), “an e-portfolio
is a digitized collection of artifacts, including demonstrations, resources, and accomplishments”
(pg 2). Students and teachers use them to showcase work, give feedback and provide a means for
assessment. For professionals it can be used to create an online resume that can show their skills
and abilities beyond the paper resume.
The information provided in your portfolio depends on its purpose. If the portfolio is to be
used for future employment, it should include the typical resume information; personal
information, education and employment history, volunteer work, goals and professional
development. The page should also include work samples, philosophies and videos (What is an
e-Portfolio?, 2007). Classroom portfolios should include student information, a table of contents
or navigation menu, curriculum standards, samples of student work, a rubric or guidelines and
teacher feedback (Regis University Electronic Portfolio Project, n.d.).
I plan to use my e-Portfolio as an online resume to promote my philosophy on education.
E-portfolios can be a way for pre-service teachers to show accomplishments to future employers

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Introduction to Electronic Portfolios
(Lorenzo & Ittelson, 2005). I feel that it is the best way for employers to get to know me and
my teaching styles, because I can include many genres of media. I plan to include lesson plans,
my education philosophy paper, samples of my writing and videos. This will give employers a
more informative view of my teaching styles than what they would see in a job interview or a
paper resume.
After researching the topic, I also feel that e-portfolios would be good to use in my math
classroom as well. Since our school provides iPads for every student, they can show their work
and take assessments electronically. They will be able to keep their work organized, work on
assignments and assessments, and collaborate with other students in the classroom. I like that I
can provide quicker feedback and help with homework online. Providing students with a Google
Site or Schoology account creates a forum for the students and teachers to collaborate and
provide feedback (Karlin, Ozogul, Miles, & Heide, 2016). The use of e-portfolios with my
students creates another format for students to show learning. It allows them to be creative and
become engaged in an activity that will be relevant to their lives, which is very important in
math.
Electronic portfolios have a variety of elements and audiences. Because of this the purpose
varies from person to person. I have addressed two types that I will focus on in the future.
Student academics and my professional portfolio for use as I look for employment after
completing my training in the MAT program.

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Introduction to Electronic Portfolios
References
Karlin, M., Ozogul, G., Miles, S., & Heide, S. (2016, April 25). The Practical Application of e-Portfolios in K-
12 Classrooms: An Exploration of Three Web 2.0 Tools by Three Teachers. TechTrends, 374-380.
Lorenzo, G., & Ittelson, J. (2005). An Overview of E-Portfolios. Educause Learning Initiative.
Regis University Electronic Portfolio Project. (n.d.). Retrieved from Regis University:
http://academic.regis.edu/LAAP/eportfolio/index.html
What is an e-Portfolio? (2007). Retrieved from Career Opportunities: http://www.career-
opportunities.net/articles/view/what_is_an_eportfolio