Who Owns the ePortfolio?

As we get a deeper understanding of ePortfolio’s real purpose, we have to focus on the “Why”. Many tools/strategies have been so promising, but education has not found a solution for lack of engagement nor the perspective of doing assignments purely for a grade.  Andrew Rikard has a valid point in his article “Do I Own My Domain If You Grade It?” Rikard (2018). His main message is around the ownership of what the learner wants to learn. Students should not be required to do an assignment for a grade hoping that they will learn in the process. Instead, they should be allowed to determine the learning they want to accomplish and use an ePortfolio to develop their knowledge.     

My journey with Eportfolios started the same way most assignments start. I checked the rubric, examples, and a starter list to pass a class at Lamar University. A few weeks later, and after our weekly sessions with Dr. Harapunik. I realized how my Eportfolio is turning from a simple website with links to a digital version of myself (ideas, learning, reflections, contributions, networking). Now my personal goal is not to obtain a grade but to make sure I learn and use this tool to continue learning. 

ePortfolios are not a social media tool like conventional apps such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc., those tools already have a format, specific layout, and an expected outcome. Instead, ePortfolios are a work in progress of who you are becoming in this life.         

Rikard, A. (2018, December 27). Do I Own My Domain If You Grade It? EdSurge. https://www.edsurge.com/news/2015-08-10-do-i-own-my-domain-if-you-grade-it