E-Portfolio

E-portfolios are personal online environments in which digital objects and tools can be independently selected, organized and published by students. The compilation of the artifacts by the authors requires the reflection of processes and results of their own work as well as their own person. The e-portfolio is thus both an electronic folder and a tool for reflection. By showing the personal learning history of a person, the portfolio can give a very comprehensive and profound impression of the knowledge, skills and competencies of the learner (Stratmann, Preussler & Kerres,. 2009, p. 5). Thus, it is also suitable as a form of university assessment. The publication of the personal e-portfolio on the Internet also provides the opportunity for feedback from fellow students, teachers or future employers and can be used to present the student's achievements and competencies (social publishing) or to present the student to the outside world (social networking). The e-portfolio is thus a digital collection of artifacts that documents both the learning outcomes and the process of competence development of the learners (Diegel, Weiglich & Deimann, 2019, p. 48ff).

The research literature suggests quite different ways of distinguishing portfolio types. The following four forms of (digital) portfolios are particularly suitable for use in higher education teaching:

Learning or reflection portfolios help in many study programs (e.g., teaching, art, media, or languages) to map the development of students' competencies and furthermore to reflect metacognitively and critically on their own learning path, but also on the institutional learning scenario.

The development or career portfolio helps students plan their studies and makes them aware of personal as well as academic interests. The risk of dropping out of studies can thus possibly be reduced.

Evaluation portfolios are suitable as a form of assessment, which captures the competencies of learners in more depth and not only
knowledge or non-knowledge.

Finally, the presentation portfolio prepares students for the transition from study to work. It could be an optional part of the acquisition of key competencies within the framework of study regulations. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)