Abstracts
A Partnered Approach to ePortfolio Evaluation, Implementation Planning and Resource Development
Tuesday 5 May 2009, 1400 - 1430
Presenter: Garry Allan
RMIT University, VIC
Presenter Biography
Garry is the Project Manager for Academic ICT Integration at RMIT University. In this role he has responsibility for a number of University strategic initiatives that utilise educational technologies. He is currently implementing Web 2.0 educational environments within the RMIT Learning Management System and is leading the University’s ePortfolio project. In his academic capacity, he teaches principally in the field of Medical Radiations, and his research activities are focused on information structures for clinical data storage, and innovative uses of video communication technologies in clinical education.
Abstract
Effective implementation of educational technologies within Universities requires a well-structured approach, informed by evidence-based good practice (Scott, 2004). In addressing the introduction of University-wide ePortfolio systems, research on effective approaches to strategic change has motivated and influenced an inter-University collaboration between the ATNmember Universities RMIT and University of South Australia. Discussed here are the outcomes achieved via a partnered approach to the many dimensions of change associated with the evaluation and implementation of ePortfolio systems.
We have selected the PebblePad ePortfolio product for evaluation based on its provision of clear positioning of portfolio ownership with the individual, and the user-friendly Web 2.0 interface intrinsic to the product. The inter-University collaborative approach has focused on three areas where knowledge and resource exchange is directly beneficial: 1.) Building an institutional culture that is informed on the effective use of ePortfolios, 2.) Reduction of evaluation and implementation costs and 3.) Accelerated implementation process.
Informed culture of use:
Both Universities have placed significant investment into developing student and staff resources to support an informed culture of use of ePortfolios, that is independent of toolset (Botterill, 2009). Where possible, support materials have been co-developed and address: student career development, promotion of graduate qualities/attributes within an ePortfolio, innovative assessment and maintenance of academic integrity within an ePortfolio framework.
Reduction of evaluation and implementation costs:
A shared technology platform and a common approach to evaluation, including staff and student survey instrumentation, has reduced overheads associated with assessing and implementing the technology platform.
Accelerated implementation:
Localised and isolated approaches to common issues can introduce significant, and needless time overheads to the implementation of technology within a University environment. The multi-faceted and developmental nature of ePortfolios, highlights the benefits of a collaborative approach to implementation in this area, and with a consequent reduction in the implementation time for initiatives.
