E-PORTFOLIO NOTES

What is an ePortfolio?
An ePortfolio is a personal website that showcases skills, experiences, and knowledge to an outside audience, such as graduate schools or potential employers. ePortfolios are websites that include the following: 

Consistent Message — A common theme that connects students’ experiences, often referred to as a personal brand 
Artifacts — Evidence of relevant experiences, such as an image, document, or video 
Reflection — Written content that contextualizes the significance of the artifact and experience for a professional audience 
Why are ePortfolios Useful?
ePortfolios are a valuable tool to develop skills like critical thinking and communication as well as a platform to display these skills to an external audience. 

The process of creating an ePortfolio includes gathering evidence and reflecting on curricular and co-curricular experiences.  
Drawing connections between experiences and describing their value will prepare students for networking, applications questions, and interview situations.  
Faculty can use ePortfolios for formal and informal assessment to inform curricular revisions 
How to Get Started?
To get started with an ePortfolio, follow the steps below. 

Determine where the ePortfolio fits within course content and current assignments. 
Revise or create assignments that lend themselves to artifacts for an ePortfolio. 
Show students how to archive their work through a logical and accessible process. This includes using consistent file names and gathering evidence. For example, students may create a folder for each course where they save final projects and reflections, naming the files LastName.ProjectName.Date.