e-Portfolios

Since the early 1990s the term ‘electronic portfolio’ (e-portfolio) has been described in a range of ways, with most recognising the primary role of information and communications technologies in describing the “e”. Common to most definitions is an assumed continuity of purpose with paper-based student portfolios that have been used as documented evidence of achievement and intended as a means for assessment (of competencies and understanding).

More recent definitions also recognise the diversity of electronic formats and the complexity of determining the boundaries of e-portfolios, for example, where runtime multimedia applications are implicated as well as reliance on hyperlinked documents or applications, as well as ongoing incremental development. As a consequence, apart from work initiated in 2003 within the IMS Global Learning Consortium, it is likely that standardised use of this term will not be realised for some years.

In education and training contexts e-portfolios are learner-centred and outcomes-based. They are created when individuals selectively compile evidence of their own electronic activities and output as a means to indicate what they have learned or know. In this sense, e-portfolios function as a learning record or transcript. But given their developmental character e-portfolios function as both an archive and a developmental repository that is used for learning management and self-reflective purposes.

As a means for general credentialing e-portfolios are also being used as a means for extending the standard text-based curriculum vitae. There are also some commonly agreed exclusions to what information might properly form a an e-portfolio – such as, medical records, government records (including possible criminal activity), and financial records or profiles.

16 items in this category.

1. Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC)
   Category: e-Portfolios
   
   The Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) has been developed for use in both countries for the production and analysis of industry statistics. This 2006 edition of the ANZSIC replaces the 1993 edition, which was the first version produced. Prior to then, Australia and New Zealand had separate industry classifications. The 'Related Information' tab has more information on the available support tools which could assist users in the transition from ANZSIC 1993 to ANZSIC 2006.
   
   

2. Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC)
   Category: e-Portfolios
   
   The Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) has been developed for use in both countries for the production and analysis of industry statistics. This 2006 edition of the ANZSIC replaces the 1993 edition, which was the first version produced. Prior to then, Australia and New Zealand had separate industry classifications. The 'Related Information' tab has more information on the available support tools which could assist users in the transition from ANZSIC 1993 to ANZSIC 2006.
   
   

3. EPIX - ePortfolio Interoperability XML Specification 1.0
   Category: e-Portfolios
   
   The ePortfolio Interoperability XML (EPIX) Specification was created to support a standard protocol for the integration of disparate applications, to support the integration of ePortfolio applications with other enterprise and personal systems, as well as to manage transportability of ePortfolios and the items contained within the ePortfolio across computing devices. EPIX is a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)-based API (application program interface) that leverages both XML and web-services to specifically support the needs of ePortfolio system interaction and integration.
   
   

4. eportfolios.net.au
   Category: e-Portfolios
   
   Eportfolios.net.au is a resource put together allowing users to explore the opportunities and challenges that you might discover with social e-learning in practice. The site aims to give you practical guidance and tips on current trends.
   
   

5. eXchanging Course Related Information (XCRI)
   Category: e-Portfolios
   
   XCRI is a JISC-funded project that aims to define a vocabulary and appropriate technology bindings (e.g. XML, RDF) for describing course-related information that encompasses course marketing, course quality assurance, enrolment and reporting requirements. Developed by the E-Learning Framework's Course Information Group.
   
   

6. eXchanging Course Related Information (XCRI)
   Category: e-Portfolios
   
   XCRI is a JISC-funded project that aims to define a vocabulary and appropriate technology bindings (e.g. XML, RDF) for describing course-related information that encompasses course marketing, course quality assurance, enrolment and reporting requirements. Developed by the E-Learning Framework's Course Information Group.
   
   

7. FOAF (Friend of a Friend) Vocabulary Specification
   Category: e-Portfolios
   
   The FOAF project is based around the use of machine readable Web homepages for people, groups, companies and other kinds of thing, using a FOAF vocabulary to provide a collection of basic terms that can be used in these Web pages. The initial focus of FOAF has been on the description of people, since people are the things that link together most of the other kinds of things described in the Web. For instance they make documents, attend meetings, and are depicted in photos. The FOAF Vocabulary definitions are written using RDF/OWL to enable processing of facts about the terms in the FOAF vocabulary, and consequently about the things described in FOAF documents. A FOAF document, unlike a traditional Web page, can be combined with other FOAF documents to create a unified database of information. Note: the FOAF vocabulary is not an ISO or W3C standard, although it depends on XML, XML Namespaces, RDF, and OWL standards. It is managed in the style of an Open Source or Free Software project.
   
   

8. HR-XML completed specifications
   Category: e-Portfolios
   
   The HR-XML Consortium is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to the development and promotion of a standard suite of XML specifications to enable e-business and the automation of human resources-related data exchanges. Specifications include: assessments, competencies, education history, organization, person name and resume.
   
   

9. hresume
   Category: e-Portfolios
   
   

   hResume is a microformat for publishing resumes and CVs. hResume is one of several open microformat standards suitable for embedding in HTML, XHTML, Atom, RSS, and arbitrary XML.

   
   
   

10. IMS ePortfolio Specification
    Category: e-Portfolios
    
    The IMS ePortfolio specification was created to make ePortfolios interoperable across different systems and institutions. The ePortfolio specification: supports the advancement of lifelong learning important to many government initiatives; makes exchanging portfolios from school to work transitions easier; allows educators and institutions to better track competencies; enhances the learning experience and improves employee development. The website makes available sections of the specification for download and there is also an ePortfolio Public Discussion List to share implementation thoughts and questions.
    
    

11. LEAP2A specification
    Category: e-Portfolios
    
    LEAP2A is a working interoperability specification for e-portfolio tools, and is an output of the Portfolio interoperability projects (PIOP), supported by CETIS and funded by JISC. It is intended to cover the representation of several kinds of information, centred around individuals, who collect, create and use their own information. Much of this information is typically of the kind that can be used for individuals' learning, but rather than being learning materials authored by an educator, the information covered by this specification is authored by the individuals themselves, about themselves. It is not the purpose of this specification to cover information gathered by others about an individual, over which that individual has no access or control.
    
    

12. Managed Environments for Portfolio-based Reflective Learning
    Category: e-Portfolios
    
    

    A collaborative 3 year project initiated in October 2002 involving four UK-based universities: The University of Newcastle (lead partner), The University of Leeds, the University of Sheffield and The University of Dundee. The project aims to develop Web based portfolios to support reflective approaches for evidencing the attainment of programme outcomes in undergraduate Medicine. The development of database driven portfolios will be closely integrated with on-line curricula / study guides to become an integral part of the networked learning environment for Medicine.

    
    
    

13. Managed Learning Environments for Lifelong Learning Programme
    Category: e-Portfolios
    
    The Managed Learning Environments for Lifelong Learning Programme is exploring ways of providing support for learners in meeting personal learning goals through helping to make a smooth transition from school to college, university and work.
    
    

14. National Learning Infrastructure Initiative (US): Key Theme - e-Portfolios
    Category: e-Portfolios
    
    E-portfolios are a NLII key theme because their use has the potential to transform teaching and learning so that it is more learner centered and outcomes oriented. As technical capacity grows and the ability to collect, store, manipulate, and share information digitally-and as students develop the skills necessary to produce their portfolios in electronic formats, e-portfolios become a potentially vital part of students permanent records and of their learning management.
    
    

15. OSPI - Open Source Portfolio Initiative
    Category: e-Portfolios
    
    The Open Source Portfolio Initiative (OSPI) is a collaborative, open source, software development project based on the University of Minnesota System's (U of MN) electronic portfolio (ePortfolio) software.
    
    

16. Setting standards for electronic portfolios: a broader vision for an educational revolution
    Category: e-Portfolios
    
    

    University of Minnesota (UM) system offers a leading example of comprehensive, secure electronic portfolio software currently available to all its students, faculty, and staff. An emerging need for transferring electronic portfolios not only within but also outside of the University of Minnesota system has been recognised. The proliferation of other, diverse electronic portfolio software applications makes it crucial, therefore, to develop compatible software, thereby providing electronic portfolios that are useful for lifelong learning irrespective of institutional affiliation.