Reflections on Mahara and ePortfolios

Well I've created a view in Mahara and had a look at the capabilities of the software. Eventually I will create my ePortfolio using Mahara as well . The words, view, Mahara and ePortfolio were previously unknown to me before I started this course. Although this is very new to me I can immediately see the benefits and possible applications of using an ePortfolio.

My Personal Use
I imagine for my purposes, my ePortfolio being a one stop job presentation portfolio. I will include examples of my learning experiences, teaching beliefs, influences, job history, profile and so on. Through my ePortfolio I will be able to demonstrate and justify why I would be a good teacher to prospective employers. Providing an online ePortfolio would also demonstrate my ability to use technologies which is a major skill required for today's workers. A government excerpt (Futurework Trends and challenges for work in the 21st century, 1999) stated that,
"Computers and information technology have affected almost every industry."
The report also found that,
"..many workers in "nontech" jobs also expect their work to involve some technological know-how.. many administrative workers must now be familiar with word-processing programs, accounting and billing software, computer based human resource packages and multi telephone systems that provide call forwarding, voice mail, and conference bridges."

Obviously any software that allows myself and others to demonstrate the use of technology is beneficial for employment prospects. Furthermore, the ability to use online technologies is a great advantage. The amount of people using the Internet in Australia alone is phenomenal. A recent government study (Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2009) found that there was 9.1 million active Internet subscribers. Amazing Hey! Another government study (Australian Bureau of Statistics, (ABS), 20009), found we have a current population of just over 21 million! You can do math! Imagine if you didn't use online technologies, what a disadvantage to yourself. You could be potentially alienating yourself from just under half of Australia's population!


So how do I use an ePortfolio for my learners?
I guess the most obvious use that springs to mind is having the learners create their own to show case work and use as a tool for assessment pieces. This application has many great advantages to students such as no more lost assignments, having all your work in one easy accessible place, being able to implement ICT's into pieces of assessment items, and allowing the teacher and or peers to post comments to gauge how you are going with the course work.

A student ePortfolio for teachers also has a lot of advantages, no more messy paperwork, having 30 assignments to carry around and keep track of can be difficult, also teachers can see how students are going along the way and provide direction if necessary. I could showcase my own ePortfolio and demonstrate how I used it in applying for job positions and throughout my own learning journey providing a authentic purpose for the learners. Kersely and Shneiderman (1998) recommend authentic real world tasks for learners as they are the most effective in students learning. Dale's Cone (1960) also indicates that direct purposeful tasks, such as hands on accounts for the most effective learning.

So, ENOUGH from me at the moment. Please take the time to have a look at the following video that shows some advantages of an ePortfolio in a professional learning and working environment. Please comment!






Dale, E.(1960), Dale's Cone of Experience Retrieved from
http://teacherworld.com/potdale.html
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2009). Internet Activity, Australia. (Cat No. 8153.0) Canberra, ACT: Author. Retrieved from http://abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8153.0/
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2009). Australian Demographic Statistics. (Cat No. 3101.0) Canberra, ACT: Author. Retrieved from
http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/3101.0
Kersely, G. Shneiderman, B. (1998), Engagement Theory: A framework for technology - based teaching and learning. Retrieved from hhtp:home.sprynet.com/-gkearsley/engage.htm.
United States Department of Labour, (1999). Futurework, Trends and challenges for work in the 21st century. Adapted Excerpt. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2000/Summer/art04.pdf