What is an ePortfolio?

Portfolios have been around for decades as a formal presentation tool that also offers additional opportunities for reflection and assessment based on the evaluation of selected artifacts. Similar to physical portfolios, an electronic portfolio or ePortfolio is a collection of digital artifacts assembled to demonstrate expertise, growth, or a set of skills.  ePortfolios enable students and teachers to consider digital products (images, video, audio, and hyperlinks to various websites) that were once excluded as viable tools to demonstrate knowledge, ability, and character. As a result of the electronic platform, ePortfolios can take the form of a webpage, enhanced DVD, or digital file, which provides a portable and convenient method for displaying work personally and professionally.

What is the ePortfolio Project?

The ePortfolio Project is an effort led by Drs. Aliya Holmes and Brenda López Ortiz to integrate ePortfolios in the Teacher Education Program at St. John's University.   The initial effort was funded in 2007 by the Making Connections Mini-Grant administered by LaGuardia Community College and FIPSE.  As a result of research and development surrounding ePortfolios, the School of Education launched a pilot project in 2008 and adopted the venture for the Undergraduate Education Program in 2009.  All undergraduate students in the School of Education receive TaskStream accounts and have the opportunity to start working on their Program ePortfolio. The Program ePortfolio catalogues the products and valuable lessons drawn from the academic and service related experiences at St. John's.  In addition, graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in Associate Teaching Courses will also have an opportunity to develop a Professional ePortfolio as a part of their course work and final project.  Although the Program ePortfolio utilizes the same structure, the Professional ePortfolio serves more as a digital resume and highlights exemplary work in the following areas selected by the School of Education:

·         Subject Knowledge

·      Pedagogical Knowledge

·      Caring & Teaching Skill

·      Learning to Learn

·      Diversity & Multicultural Understandings

·      Technology Integration