Lane, C. (2007) The Power of ‘E’: Using E-Portfolios to Build Online Presentation Skills Innovate: Journal of Online Education [Online] Avaiable at: http://innovateonline.info/index.php?view=article&id=369 (accessed December 3 2007)
Lane introduces this paper by describing the tension of comparing paper-based portfolios to e-portfolios suggesting that this comparison alone is an inadequate way of demonstrating the potential of an e-portfolio. She also mentions that, at the other end of the scale, “in contrast to online environments [web 2.0 – social networks], e-portfolios provide academic and professional web spaces.”, and takes time in the article to differentiate the two.
The article also voices some interesting observations that seem to stem largely from attention being paid to the student perspective. It suggests the skills which students think an e-portfolio will help them develop are actually multimedia and web design skills. These presentational facets are acknowledged by the author, “The software employed must offer some level of student control over design.” Lane goes on to say, “If students are able to choices in the development of their e-portfolio – either scaffolded by a tool that provides options or in a freeform authoring environment – they have a valuable opportunity to learn how to best present themselves and their work.”
