So the question is: “How is the search for the perfect ePortfolio platform going?

A few weeks ago John Pallister shared with me the MOESP Study (completed in October 2007). I found section 5 “The Open Source Approach To E-Portfolio Software” to be just what I was looking for. In this segment (pages 62 – 82) there is an analysis of e-Portfolio software products and they are graded using 5 levels (see picture below. Author: http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/eportfolios.htm). It was interesting to see how the products rated back in 2007. (For more information click here to download the study.)

By this time my head was swimming with the many perspectives and terminologies in relation to my reading on e-Portfolios. So I was happy to read Helen Barrett’s blog and be reminded of the importance of “purpose“:

Following this I put together a draft document that outlined my purpose and criteria.

(To view it click on the picture of the check list below)

My thinking was guided largely by the influence of Nick Rate and his research criteria (jpg), Ray Tolley’s “Prime Directives” (pdf) and Helen Barrett’s pictorial representation of the two faces of an ePortfolio (see picture below):

I am interested in your thoughts. Do you agree with my criteria? What have I missed?

Picture Authors:
George Seimen's Levels = http://www.elearnspace.org/Articles/eportfolios.htm
Check List Pic = http://www.inspectamerica.com
Helen Barrett's Diagram = http://electronicportfolios.org/blog/2009/01/balancing-2-faces-of-eportfolios.html

Over the Christmas holidays I have found myself searching, scanning and reflecting on a range of ePortfolio readings in pursuit of the ultimate platform.

Below are several that stood out:

• Ray Tolley stepped into my world after he left a comment on a previous post of mine. His knowledge and perspective caught me and I have since enjoyed communicating with him and reading the following writings:
  • “The Prime Directives for an ePortfolio” Here Ray identifies 10 criteria for an ePortfolio (compiled 18 months ago).
  • “A Universal ePortfolio?” was put together for a conference Ray presented in Paris in Feb 2008. It explores the potential for a universal ‘5-95′ ePortfolio.
• I was excited to finally see Nick Rate’s completed research in December and so enjoyed the 73 page read entitled “Eportfolios and Assessment For Learning.” What interested me was:
  1. His writings on “Assess to learn – a formative approach to teaching, learning and assessment.”
  2. The reflective perspectives of both the teachers and students who engaged in ePortfolios.
  3. His investigations into the following ePortfolio platforms: Elgg Classic, Wordpress MU, Knowledge Net, Marhara and DrupalEd.

So what am I up to now?

1. I have booked Nick Rate to come and visit my school, speak with my ePortfolio team and share his research with interested staff.
2. Ray Tolley is currently arranging for me to view and play with his eFolio platform.
3. Pebblepad has just been pointed out to me as a “nice user interface for children.” So I have been investigating this.

Animation Author: http://www.free-animations.co.uk/animation.html

I have formed a small team of colleagues to work collaboratively on the eportfolio trial. So far we have been busy reading and discussing research. We found the following two studies particularly helpful:

• JISC publication (Sept 2008), “Effective Practice with e-Portfolios: Supporting 21st century learning”
  
• Ian Fox’s research (Feb 2008) “Eportfolios; a personal space for learning.

During this time I put together a brainstorm of ideas identifying:

1. Why we have chosen eportfolios (the purpose).
2. How they could be set up based on Nick Rate’s criteria for an eportfolio platform.
3. Management ideas to facilitate eportfolios in the classroom, including the ICT skills/resources we might need to teach the students.
4. What the eportfolio might contain (targeted at my Year 6/Grade 5 students).

Click here to download the brainstorm.

Our next step is to finalise the platform that we will use for the trial. Can you help us?

• What platform have you used that has been successful?
• How does it compare with Nick Rate’s criteria?
• Has anyone used Mahara, Wordpress MU, 21Classes or Edublogs for eportfolios and can comment on these?
  

Picture Authors: Reading = http://www.barnstable.k12.ma.us/bhs/Library/1index.htm Brainstorm = http://www.sitefriends.com