Athabasca+University+MDE+e-Portfolios

e-Portfolio Components
Using the Mahara e-portfolio development system, students can structure their portfolios in a variety of ways. However, each e-portfolio typically contains the components described below.

** Repository ** To develop an e-portfolio, students must be able to upload digital artefacts into a collection space or repository. Storing artefacts such as course assignments, papers, projects, videos, audio recordings, podcasts, blogs, and conference postings in one place not only makes access easier, but also ensures long-term safekeeping. The artefacts stored in the repository can be organized, sorted, used, and reused for various aspects of the portfolio or for different portfolio presentations. Artefacts can be linked to reflections and other portfolio elements.

** Reflections ** The e-portfolio should have a place where students can add their thoughts and reflections to each of the artefacts in the repository. Reflections can be updated as new insights or applications of the knowledge are gained. Reflections allow students (and their advisors) to review their personal and professional growth as they progress through the MDE program.

** Presentation ** The Mahara e-Portfolio Development software contains a mechanism for students to present their portfolios to an external audience. They can invite others to view the portfolios or specific portions of their portfolios. Presentations may also include a curriculum vitae or resume features that incorporates information and objectss from the repository. Mahara is also equipped with an easy-to-use visual editor, or students can design their portfolio pages using an HTML editor such as Dreamweaver, then paste the code into Mahara views or pages.

** Feedback ** Authorized visitors to the e-portfolio can provide feedback according to access permissions (see “Security & Access” below). Visitors may include advisors, instructors, employers, colleagues, friends, and relatives. The Mahara system provides an easy-to-use comments tool.

** Access and Security ** The Mahara system is part of Athabasca University's e-Lab -- an open-access resource for students and alumni. It is housed on an AU server to ensure security of students’ personal information and academic work. The e-Portfolio system is accessed in the same way as Moodle, the Landing and MyAU. In addition, with the permissions feature, students can control access and invite specific people (such as advisors, colleagues, or other students) to view the e-portfolio.

** Storage ** The Mahara system allows an e-portfolio to be transferred or exported to a storage device (e.g., DVD, memory stick). Also, the e-Lab facility will remain available to students, even after they complete the MDE program. These features ensure that students can access their portfolios in a variety of circumstances and retain them after graduation. ** Sample e-Portfolios ** The examples listed below illustrate features of well-constructed e-portfolios. Even though the sample e-portfolios use a different platform than the one you are using (i.e., Mahara), the purpose and process remains the same, and may provide you with some ideas about how to construct and present your own portfolio.

Thanks to the now-MDE grads who contributed their e-portfolios to be used as samples.

Portfolios using e-Lab (aka AU's Mahara installation) @https://portfolio.elab.athabascau.ca/view/view.php?id=11

@https://portfolio.elab.athabascau.ca/view/view.php?id=277 Serhat Beyenir @https://portfolio.elab.athabascau.ca/view/view.php?id=11

Samples @http://mahara-pilot.athabascau.ca/user/view.php?id=39 @http://mahara-pilot.athabascau.ca/user/view.php?id=48

**Portfolios Using Me2U** The e-portfolios listed below were developed using Me2U. If the direct link does not work, they may be password-protected. Marguerite Koole's e-portfolio @http://me2u.athabascau.ca/elgg/mkoole/presentations/2/clean

Stephen Sauve's e-portfolio-- Note the variety of media included in this e-portfolio.

Norm Taylor's e-portfolio -- Of particular note in Norm's e-portfolio is the integration and critical analysis evident in his reflections. Also, the Showcase Matrix is a helpful feature for reflecting which competencies have been addressed by the various artefacts.

Jennifer Hard-Parr's e-portfolio on the Landing (new AU implementation of elgg) @https://landing.athabascau.ca/pg/profile/jenniferha6

**Portfolios on the Landing** The e-portfolios listed below were developed on the Landing. To access the e-portfolio, you first need to sign-on to the Landing (https://landing.athabascau.ca/, use your usual signon ID and password). ** MDE e-Portfolio Requirements ** The Centre for Distance Education promotes the use of e-portfolios throughout the Master of Distance Education program. Building an e-portfolio provides a means to foster reflective practice and to document the unique “learning journey” of students as they progress through the program. In addition, students in the course-based route can use their e-portfolio as a “capstone” to the MDE program and as an alternative to the comprehensive examination process.

E-portfolios are important tools for learning and assessment. As the capstone experience in the MDE program, your e-portfolio demonstrates your acquisition of the core competencies of the program in an integrated and comprehensive manner exploring your growth as a learner and as a professional. Development of your portfolio involves synthesizing and reflecting upon your learning and providing artefacts (e.g., assignments, projects, audio/video productions, blogs, conference postings), which demonstrate your knowledge, skills and competencies as a graduate of the MDE program.

Students in the MDE program use Mahara, a set of web-based knowledge management and reflection tools, to build their e-portfolio and are provided with the following resources to assist in the development: If you wish to build an e-portfolio, it is wise to get started as early as possible in your program. In that way you can develop your e-portfolio as you progress, documenting your learning journey with samples of your work and reflections on your learning on a course-by-course basis. However, you can begin your portfolio at any time and build it to document your learning to date, ultimately using it as the basis of your final capstone project.
 * Guidelines and criteria for designing and presenting an e-portfolio;
 * Development resources and samples of e-portfolios;
 * Web space on the Mahara e-Portfolio site;
 * On-going advice and technical support.

The capstone e-portfolio is based on a set of competencies derived from the learning outcomes in the MDE program and consists of the following components: The capstone e-portfolio option follows the same process as the Comprehensive Exam. When candidates are ready, they formally submit their e-portfolio to their academic advisor, who then finds a second reader. Both faculty members review the e-portfolio and prepare questions for the e-portfolio defense and discussion, which will be held using the Elluminate audio conferencing system at a mutually agreeable time. [] Importing & exporting using Mahara: YouTube video by one of the developers of Mahara []
 * an Introduction;
 * 5 to 10 selected artefacts;
 * an accompanying reflection for each artefact (approx. 500 words) providing a critical analysis of the learning process, discussing the application of new skills and knowledge, and assessing the attainment of identified MDE competencies;
 * a concluding synthesizing reflection.