If you were buying an e-Portfolio system, can you list 12 characteristics of the system that would make it good value for money and acceptable to a wide range of ‘owners’ and audiences?

Alright. Let’s imagine that you have now decided to invest in a system. What are the ‘functionalities’ that you would use to try and convince teachers, parents and students that this is a good thing?

Showcasing – via permissions to different audiencesCustomisation – menus, pages, fonts, graphics, avatarsGatekeeper – a ‘filter’ on what to present and for how longMentoring – ‘academic God-parents’ – long-term supportCollaboration – safely with peers in group-projects etcFavourites – my shortcuts or URLs organised graphicallyPersonal Organisation – an electronic ‘Planner’ or ‘Diary’Planning – both formal and informal, drafting or odd jottingsFeedback – from ‘friends’ and teachers, surveys and pollsReflection – a place for quiet contemplation even confessionMonitoring – a personal log of grades, comments, responsesAssessment – what I do, how I do it – incl Multiple Intelligences

Wow! Looking good, getting excited? BUT who will use the e-Portfolio? Is it just for use within the institution? How many different ‘audiences’ can you think of?

I was recently asked the question, in relation to e-Portfolios, "What's in it for me?"  -  In other words, "What are the benefits of an e-Portfolio for me?"   My immediate response was to consider, well 'Who is ME?':

the Pupilthe Teacher the form-tutor the teacher as end-user the SLMT Governors the parent(s): the new school a mentor

other collaborators careers counsellors extra-curricula tutors work experience employers OCR approved assessors UCAS FE/HE interviewers potential employers a suspension tribunal

For an expansion of each of these goto: www.maximise-ict.co.uk/eFolio-03.htm

E: support@maximise-ict.co.uk