What is a Digital Portfolio?

A digital portfolio is also known as a digital portfolio or "electronic portfolio," a digital collection of data and artefacts that shows an individual's or group's knowledge, abilities, and accomplishments (Lorenzo & Ittelson, 2005).Digital portfolios, according to Basken (2008), are "a mechanism to both generate and document learning" (Basken, 2008). While both producing and documenting or recording learning are critical, the process of generating learning is often disregarded.A digital portfolio is a window into a person's past, present, and future that demonstrates their commitment to lifelong learning and progress.

Who makes use of Digital Portfolios?

The use of digital portfolios has spread throughout the educational and professional worlds. This includes undergraduate and graduate programmes and professional development through corporate training and job mobility. The earlier and more consistently digital portfolios are used, the more significant the impact they can have.

Digital portfolios are beneficial across a wide range of fields, not just those traditionally visually focused, such as studio art. For example, portfolios allow students to demonstrate their personal and professional growth outside of traditional academic institutions, and business programmes respect the reflection and self-regulated learning features of a well-maintained portfolio. Nursing programmes, too, promote competency-based evaluations that demonstrate understanding and demonstrate linkages between theory and practice based on experience and demonstrable skills.

Students can use a digital portfolio to investigate their life's purpose, aspirations, and personal and professional identities. It can also assist students in developing a professional internet brand that will help them prepare for their future careers.

Digital Portfolio types

Showcase/Professional digital portfolio - These digital portfolios are primarily used to demonstrate (showcase) a student's academic accomplishments.

Learning digital portfolio - A student often creates these portfolios as part of a course to demonstrate learning and the learning process. To stimulate peer input, these portfolios are frequently shared with other students. Formative feedback is an essential aspect of the learning process, according to learning portfolios.

General education digital portfolio/Assessment - Portfolios played an essential part in assessing our general education competencies. Colleges, departments, and instructors received input on the evidence students utilised in their portfolios to show our general education competencies using formative and summative assessments.

 All or part of the following may be included in a Digital Portfolio:

• Various types of files (text, pictures, video, etc.)

• Evidence from courses taken, programmes of study, and so on.

• Samples of writing (which might include several draughts to show development and improvement)

• Preparing projects for school or extracurricular activity

• Evidence of originality and ability to perform

• Extracurricular or co-curricular activity evidence, including leadership examples

• Analyses, recommendations, and evaluations

They may use an electronic portfolio to ensure that job candidates have the information and skills to succeed in their firm or organisation.

How to pick a Digital Portfolio platform that works

The platform on which a digital portfolio is hosted must have several crucial features and functionality to get the most out of it. Getting the fundamentals right will promote consistent activity, which is critical for a successful portfolio. Look for a platform with simple profile-creation features that are easy to use. Users must quickly log in, make personalised modifications, upload and add content, and update their profile information. The platform should allow users to control how their material is seen and shared by others. Users should be able to connect with other users for feedback and engagement to expand their professional networks. One of the most important aspects of a digital portfolio is its ability to last. Users should create a profile that they may use throughout their lives, from tertiary education school to professional careers.

Conclusion

Institutions can adopt a platform that allows students to create a digital portfolio for their degree to boost their learning and leave school with a practical tool to help them find meaningful work and pursue their aspirations with the correct planning and foresight. Digital portfolios are helpful, powerful tools with a variety of educational and career advantages. They enable students to evaluate their performance, receive criticism, and prepare their best work to present to potential employers or clients.

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