Portfolios

- Portfolios

ePortfolios

These are simply:

Some digital form of purposefully recording learning to support your economic, educational and social goals through selective sharing of content.

They use deep and reflective learning techniques.

Deep learning model

They do not have to be complicated - although some systems seem to be so. In answer to this, we have set up a system that works!

You may also want to click:

Here for a view on why ePortfolios have become popular and see why the 'e' may soon be redundant.
For a basic ePortfolio template as an Excel file (set for A4 paper, so change if necessary) or as a pdf.
To find out about portfolios for assessment and degree-level credit.
For the abridged pdf version of a talk on portfolios given to senior managers in Chennai.
To link portfolios to employment appraisals.

Getting started with portfolios

The definition of portfolios (above) shows that you need some goals if your portfolio is to be of value to you. If you are on a course, the goals may be partially set for you but, if not, see Goal setting. You will also have seen that your portfolio contents are subject to 'selective sharing'. This means you get to choose who sees what, for what purpose. In order to do this, you first have to put the information into the portfolio and then be able to find it in order to let the right parts be seen. That may sound obvious but, especially when you are completing a portfolio for assessment or a new job, think about this and keep your information safe.

Stay safe rules for course/job-required portfolios

Keep all your notes, jottings and thoughts on your own computer or USB-stick, not on your company or university machine.
Allow at least 30 minutes between completing an entry for your portfolio and uploading it.
Never, ever, use real 'passport' level information in a registration form if you can avoid it. Obviously, if you are on a course or applying for a job you have to give your own real name but do you really need to give your correct date of birth (sometimes, yes), your mother's maiden name or your pet's name or your child's name or your land address?
Remember: if it is on a server, you have lost control of it and it may surface again in thirty years....