The More You Know: ePortfolios and Reflection
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Eynon, Gambino, and Torok (2014) claim, "Learning is both an active and reflective process. Though we learn by doing, constructing, building, talking, and writing, we also learn by thinking about events, activities and experiences. ... Reflection then is the vehicle for critical analysis, problem-solving, synthesis of opposing ideas, evaluation, identifying patterns and creating meaning…”. Though many educational experts advocate for the increased use of reflective practices in higher education, it is often difficult to create a consistent vehicle for such reflection to occur, repeatedly and over time. However, ePortfolios, when designed intentionally, can offer just such an opportunity for learners to reflect on what they have done, what they have learned from such experiences, and how they might apply this knowledge to future events. This reflection, which is an integral part of the integrative learning that the modern university strives to cultivate, can foster synthesis between seemingly disparate courses and extra and co curricular activities. Furthermore, reflection can have a professionalizing impact, as it prepares students to consider how they might market their university experiences and skills to employers and graduate school committees. This presentation will offer student perspectives on their use of reflection within various genres of ePortfolios, including a course specific ePortfolio, a discipline-specific ePortfolio (Communication or World Languages), and a program-based ePortfolio (LeADERS). Thus, this panel traces the ways in which reflection can shape a student’s understanding of their own experiences and the ways in which such knowledge will translate to their life beyond the university.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Megan Mize
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Disciplines
Educational Methods | Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Session Title
ePortfolio Panel Discussions
Location
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Conference Room 1313
Start Date
2-2-2019 10:15 AM
End Date
2-2-2019 11:15 AM
The More You Know: ePortfolios and Reflection
Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Conference Room 1313
Eynon, Gambino, and Torok (2014) claim, "Learning is both an active and reflective process. Though we learn by doing, constructing, building, talking, and writing, we also learn by thinking about events, activities and experiences. ... Reflection then is the vehicle for critical analysis, problem-solving, synthesis of opposing ideas, evaluation, identifying patterns and creating meaning…”. Though many educational experts advocate for the increased use of reflective practices in higher education, it is often difficult to create a consistent vehicle for such reflection to occur, repeatedly and over time. However, ePortfolios, when designed intentionally, can offer just such an opportunity for learners to reflect on what they have done, what they have learned from such experiences, and how they might apply this knowledge to future events. This reflection, which is an integral part of the integrative learning that the modern university strives to cultivate, can foster synthesis between seemingly disparate courses and extra and co curricular activities. Furthermore, reflection can have a professionalizing impact, as it prepares students to consider how they might market their university experiences and skills to employers and graduate school committees. This presentation will offer student perspectives on their use of reflection within various genres of ePortfolios, including a course specific ePortfolio, a discipline-specific ePortfolio (Communication or World Languages), and a program-based ePortfolio (LeADERS). Thus, this panel traces the ways in which reflection can shape a student’s understanding of their own experiences and the ways in which such knowledge will translate to their life beyond the university.