Dr Brian R von Konsky & Jude Comfort

1. The iPortfolio: A tool for work integrated
learning for health promotion students
Dr Brian R von Konsky Jude Comfort
Curtin University Curtin University
Perth, Western Australia Perth, Western Australia
B.vonKonsky@curtin.edu.au J.Comfort@curtin.edu.au
Professional Practice in Public Health 383 gives students fieldwork experience and equips
students to be work ready. The iPortfolio was introduced as an assessable task in which
students collect and reflect on examples of learning over their whole degree.
iPortfolio successes and benefits:
• Students take a holistic and personal view to tie
together learning and development as emerging
health promotion professionals.
• Illustrate key competencies through a range of
mediums, including photographs, written work,
video and documents.
• The About Me tab includes a section for
biographical information and goals. Completing
this is a clarifying exercise for students, but also
gives academics insights about student
motivation and goals.
• The My Ratings tab captures student
perceptions on their development of Curtin’s
graduate competencies and enables teaching
teams to consider course refinements.
In the My Ratings tab, a star
rating system is used to self
assess attainment of Curtin’s
Graduate Attributes. Evidence
and critical reflections justify
the number of stars awarded.
Challenges for future consideration:
• The development of IT literacy skills to a minimum standard.
• Moderation issues across the breadth and depth of iPortfolio tabs.
• Greater use of peer feedback and social networking features.
• Refine marking rubrics for use in the iPortfolio environment.
• Automate an interface with the Blackboard Grade Centre and a
means to create a permanent record of assessment feedback.
• Integrate the iPortfolio across multiple units.
iportfolio.curtin.edu.au