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Whilst an e-portfolio is defined as a personal learning space, more often than not the term is used to refer to an electronic qualification evidence portfolio.
Portfolios of evidence have been around for a while. When we think of them an image of an A4 lever arch file generally comes to mind, and it is usually packed with reams of paper-based documented evidence.
The advantage of e-portfolios is that they offer tremendous opportunities to increase the range of evidence types accessible to both learners and assessors. They are not just straight replacements of paper files with electronic versions of the same material.
Take the example of Sarah, a Level 3 NVQ in Hospitality and Supervision learner. How does she get direct evidence of her skills onto paper? This can sometimes be tricky, and may involve an assessor setting aside time to observe tasks, as well as Sarah having to fully document the operations carried out. Difficulties may also arise in the workplace if the task is not a frequently occurring one. It may not be easy to schedule assessments at a set time.
For an e-portfolio Sarah may video work as it is takes place, and perhaps provide a voice recording of how the task was carried out. The video and audio files are stored as evidence in the e-portfolio and Sarah can send an email alert to the assessor when it is ready to be assessed. The assessor can remotely access the evidence and provide assessment and feedback online.
Click here for Sarah's story
E-portfolios enable learners to demonstrate real skills and present a greater range of evidence to assessors. They are flexible, cost effective and improve the assessment process. Additional benefits of using e-portfolios include:
 | An increase in the assessor-learner contact. As learners are not dependant on face-to-face meetings they can submit evidence as and when required | | The ability for internal verifiers to carry out verification on demand and provide instant feedback on assessments | | The promotion of the use of technology in learning. Various types of media such as mobile phone technology, PDAs, digital cameras, video recording, voice recording can all be used for presenting evidence | | Better management of information, with learner, assessor and verifier having a clear audit trail of progress | | Learners, assessors and verifiers are no longer tied to a training centre or particular location - most e-portfolio products are web based and therefore accessible by any web enabled PC or laptop. |
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