This document discusses using social media for ePortfolios in the Master of Distance Education & E-Learning program at University of Maryland University College. It defines ePortfolios and describes their use in the program to showcase students' skills and qualifications. Challenges with earlier technology-focused approaches are outlined. The impact of social media tools in making ePortfolios more open and under student control is examined through an example student portfolio. The document stresses the need for ongoing support through tutorials, orientations, and social media like wikis and blogs to help students develop reflective ePortfolios throughout the program.

1. Using social media for ePortfoliosDr. Stella PortoMaster of Distance Education & E-LearningGraduate School of Management & TechnologyUniversity of Maryland University College

2. AgendaIntroductionePortfolios definedBackground & contextEportfolios in the MDEChallenges & Issues: technologySocial media impactChallenges & Issues: managementSupportExamplesFutureFinal remarks

3. ePortfolios defined

4. ePortfolio definedElectronic version of portfoliosCollection of artifacts in different digital media;Serves the purpose ofAssessment of competencies, skills and knowledge;Showcase and evidence abilities and achievements in specific areas; andPromote reflection of one's development and learning.

5. Background: the MDE

6. Context:The programThe MDE focus on developing managers and leaders in the areas of e-learning & distance education within different settings, including: K-12, higher-education, corporate, non-profits, government and military.CorporateTraining &LearningOur mission is our means and our means is our mission FacultySupport Media & technologyDistanceEducationPotential managers of the DE enterprise Entirely online for part-time working adultsInternationalCollaborativeInstructionDesign &SupportHigherEducationLeaders &Managers

7. ePortfolios in the MDE:Goals & processDevelopment Process Students' journeys and growth in the DE field

8. The MDE ePortfolio will:

9. Portray students’ qualifications

10. Demonstrate students’ knowledge and skills in a variety of DE contexts. ePortfolios in the MDE:Earlier ChallengesBeforePossible answersStudents spent significant amount of time learning the technologyInstructors were not savvy enoughStorage was done through an ‘ftp’ interface to a common serverLimited timeStudent would have to transport the website somewhere elseDevelopment using ‘Dreamweaver’ type softwareNot technical support available for developmentInstitutional supportFinanciallyPersonnel Specific environment/platformCreating tutorials, supporting materials

11. ePortfolios in the MDE:Earlier ChallengesPossible answersWhy these didn’t/don’t workInstitution not committed to an ePortfolio philosophyMDE is the exceptionSuch answers go against the MDE ePortfolio philosophy and goalsInstitutional supportFinanciallyPersonnel Specific environment/platformCreating tutorials, supporting materials

12. ePortfolios in the MDE:IssuesInstitutional involvement can have unintended consequences. Faculty and administrators might define too tight a framework Ownership“Conundrum between student ownership, interoperability and the continuous use of ePortfolios beyond the program.” Web 2.0 tools web users are now at the helm when it comes to generating, storing and sharing content.

13. ePortfolios in the MDE:the closed institutional approachInstitutional control

14. ePortfolios in the MDE:and Open approachPersonal control

15. Social media impact:OLD an new - Walti’sePortfoliohttp://info.umuc.edu/mde/Portfolios/cwalti/default.htm

16. Social media impact:Old an NEW - Walti’sePortfoliohttp://sammelsurium.weebly.com/

17. ePortfolios in the MDE:Further managerial challengesePortfolios must be promoted in a programmatic way

18. Help students understand the nature of the activity

19. Students need to be proactive and disciplined

20. Need for institutional supportContinuous activity vs. activity allotted in the end of the programStudents overwhelmed and underpreparedNeed for constant attention and work from the learners throughout the program. Focus is on current courses

21. ePortfolios: Examplessporto.wordpress.comwww.epsilen.com/sporto

22. ePortfolios: Exampleswww.netvibes.com/stellaportoumuc.academia.edu/StellaPorto

23. Do I have more time?If I have time, I’ll talk about the support structure we created for students.If not jump to slide 24…

24. ePortfolios in the MDE:SupportAction research initiative undertaken within the program (A series of consecutive, iterative steps to identify and enhance support to students)The use of Web 2.0 tools has been ingrained in this processWeb-based tutorials;Creating and maintaining a learning journal in at least one course in the program;A one-week online orientation; andAn ePortfolio wiki that is always available

25. ePortfolios in the MDE:SupportPromoting the use oflearning journals

26. MDE student lounge

27. Continuous support: answering students questions