Eportfolios are increasing seen as a pedagogical tool to meet the external and internal requirements of a higher education institution. How to approach the embedding of eportfolios can be a challenge in a changing institutional environment. One option is a trial method which can falter if the institutional will for implementation is not forthcoming. Alternatively, course champions can travel the solo road but wider adoption may be a problem. The University of the Sunshine Coast recently undertook a six month Feasibility Study to determine whether the university community value using ePortfolios for student learning. This model enables a stepwise progression towards a staged sustainable eportfolio implementation by gauging interest and collecting evidence through collegiate workplace practices to gaining high level institutional support. The study resulted in a fully supported Early Adopter Phase in 2013 with two programs implementing ePortfolios and a larger staged implementation process to be undertaken next year.
PowerPoint Presentation
Tricks of the Trade in ePortfolio Implementation: A Case
Study
1 Welcome
Christine SladeePortfolio Project ManagerCentre for the Support
and Advancement of Learning and Teaching (C~SALT)University of the
Sunshine Coast (USC)eP Journey since July 2012
Where is USC in the ePortfolio process?
Start an Email Interest GroupAll staff email sent out
initiallyDiverse number of responsesWithin this group volunteers to
trial ePortfolio software packagesFeedback/showcase event
Gauge Interest Feasibility StudyInvestigate purposes USC
community require from an ePortfolio system Develop set of criteria
of functional requirements Investigate appropriate software
applicationsd. To provide future recommendations for ePortfolio
use
Work with Colleagues
Academic and professional colleagues appreciated our approach in
asking their opinions about use of ePortfolios for student
learning
Faculty teaching and support staffCareersGraduate
AttributesTertiary preparationAdministration
Collect EvidenceStaff want their own eP for PD, PPR continuing
accreditation and career enhancement
Address All Inquiry Levels
Different levels of understanding about ePortfolios. What is an
ePortfolio? Interested but questions See value but inexperienced in
use Staff (students?) who have previously used ePortfolios
successfully.Learn from OthersOther universities report (and
confirmed by our participants) that it is vital to provide an
extended support structure not only for students, but to staff who
are involved.
There are problems with implementing ePortfolio trials within
programs prior to gaining university endorsement of
ePortfolios.
There is merit in a staged implementation process.
Get to Know the eLearning Staff
Gain Institutional Support EarlyFeasibility study approach
enabled early institutional buy-in
Recommendations accepted Dec 2012- enough interest to use
ePortfolios- PebblePad software suitable- Develop application for
implementation
Dont go too far without this support!
Early Adopters2013Bachelor of OT (100 first year
students)Reflective assessment taskMasters of Midwifery (15
students)Case studies
Benefits of Early Adopter Phase
Opportunity to begin a staged ePortfolio implementation process
increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.Undergraduate and
postgraduate level.Collaboration between faculty and C-SALT to
provide support for staff and students. Preparation for wider
implementation in 2014 -showcasing ePortfolio use -training of
other interested program leaders from email interest group at same
timeChallenges of Early Adopter PhaseReactionary facilitationLarger
group to manageLimited budgetStaff training - Management team -
L&T staff - Academics including sessional staffStudent
trainingPressure to be a positive experience
Balance Action with Support
Driving change is constant BUT
Teachers and students need technological support
Teachers also need pedagogical support to adapt Resource: Slade
& Readman New pedagogical e-spaces: Keeping pace with staff
readiness, HERDSA refereed paper, July 2013 Aim for a Positive
Experience for All
Not burdensomeStepwise change and adaptionWell supportedAddress
problems quicklyPlan strategically
Keep Hold of the Reigns
Take a measured and timely approach
Look past peoples excitement with a new technology A Staged
Implementation
Supported, steady rollout thats the plan!
We will see.. Go the Extra Mile & Research
Join community of practice through publishing.
Wish list - Knowledge from others about a Feasibility Study
approach
Contact DetailsIf you would like further information please
contact: Christine Slade, ePortfolio Project
ManagerC~SALTUniversity of the Sunshine CoastEmail:
[email protected]
