As many of you are aware, students are expected to build an e-portfolio during their program at Stevens-Henager College. The Program Coaches contact students once every four months to discuss designated portfolio assignments and the overall creation of the e-portfolio. There are many reasons to build a portfolio for any industry. These reasons include creating a positive online profile, gaining a competitive edge when seeking employment, and increasing a student’s written and multimedia skill set.
What is an e-portfolio?
There are many different types of e-portfolios, but for our purpose it can be defined as “a collection of work published online to document achievements, accomplishments, ideas, progress, performance, and activities.” Essentially, an e-portfolio shows a student’s understanding of material presented in a particular course. Also, when all course portfolio assignments are combined, it shows a student’s progress and achievements in a particular field of study.
How can this collection of assignments help you?
The creation of an e-portfolio can help maintain a positive online persona for the student. An ever-increasing percentage of potential employers conduct a Google search on applicants. If you have ever Googled yourself you probably saw miscellaneous items like a Facebook account, an old address record, or even a picture of you hanging out with your friends. When seeking employment, it is preferable that an employer finds collegiate achievements and completed assignments rather than the previously listed items.
How will an e-portfolio give you an edge when seeking employment?
The e-portfolio is a published record of a student’s learning achievements and skill set. An employer is more likely to interview a candidate who provides evidence of his or her level of understanding, than another candidate who simply has a written description on a resume. Further, the creation of the e-portfolio shows potential employers that a student possesses strong communications skills and the ability to use those skills in different types of multimedia.
Where can you find out more about the creation and benefits of e-portfolios?
Here are some helpful resources:
- Internet article: “Stand Out with an E-Portfolio”
- Downloadable PDF: “An Overview of E-Portfolios”
- YouTube video: “E-Portfolios for Starters”
Of course, your Program Coach is always available to discuss the creation of your e-portfolio. If you have questions about a particular portfolio assignment or just want to know more about the program, please feel free to contact your Program Coach, your Associate Dean, or any of your instructors.
Author Bio
Amanda Ferrante is the Associate Dean of Accounting for the Online department of Stevens-Henager College. Prior to this position, she taught online in the Business Administration program. She started as an adjunct instructor in 2003.