Does the student own the eportfolio?

When I first heard about eportfolios, I believed it was a website where I could compile my assignments; a structured way to plug and chug my work into an electronic mold. Instead, the COVA approach would allow me to reflect and dig deep into my concerns and use my passion to develop an innovation plan I did not think I was capable of. I was asked to consider who I was a learner and how I- not Lamar- wanted others to perceive me as a professional. The manner in which I stitched the pieces of my eportfolio together was extensive and tedious. It kept my ideas consistent and enriched them along the way. I found it satisfying because they were my ideas and it was a product that was inspired and gently guided by our institution. This hands-off approach was an example of the art of facilitation that made me discover my potential.

As a teacher, it is easier to create a template and have students add specific content and arrive at one conclusion. We may be afraid to admit- especially if we are in a tested area- that we do not trust our students to think for themselves. However, if we begin with student-driven goals for an eportfolio, then they will have ownership. In my experience with PBL, I have learned that when students design their own work, they feel more pride and work with intention. This only works when they trust their teachers to guide them. Perhaps the strength in an eportfolio is the relationship, trust, and respect between the student and the institution.

So does the ePorfolio belong to the student? The answer is yes- when there is trust and when they take ownership.