Instructional Technology
Conference 2007

Title: Graduate Students and the Eportfolio: Practical strategies for successful implementation

Name: Priscilla M. Speer, Annette Harber

Audience Level: all

Audience: faculty, deans, instructional technology specialists

Length: 1 hour

Abstract:
While the benefits of eportfolios are understood by their users, the actual implementation
of this technology can prove problematic for many graduate students. What training
methods can be used to overcome the technology barriers impeding a student’s success?
Presenters will share their experiences in working with diverse graduate students in
understanding and implementing the eportfolio tool, LiveText. Presenters will share
practical strategies to creating a successful learning environment where technology
challenged graduate students thrive.

Description:
The eportfolio tool, LiveText, was adopted by the School of Education at Trevecca
Nazarene University several years ago and implemented in the Graduate School of
Education three years ago. The eportfolio replaces a paper portfolio traditionally
presented upon program completion in the Exit Assessment.
In addition to mastering the technology skills needed to complete this requirement the
eportfolio development process contributes to student learning. The collection and
selection of artifacts that constitute the bulk of the project allows students to present
successful evidences of their learning in their respective programs. Reflections are
written that allow students to articulate what they have learned about assignments and
how those relate to educational standards. These reflections as well as presentation of
portions of the students eportfolio near completion of the program, fosters continued
professional development and lifelong learning. The students have the added benefit of a
complete portfolio that is ready to share with potential employers up to a year after
graduation.

Graduate students bring a variety of technology skills into the classroom. Most students
are adept at basic technology skills such as email and word processing. However, when
students are required to utilize an advanced tool, such LiveText, many students
experience anxiety and a high level of frustation. The challenge has been how to create a
learning environment with minimal anxiety so these students can create and maintain
their eportfolio throughout their program of study.
The presenters have been designated LiveText Eportfolio Trainers for the School of
Education. Annette Harber works with the graduate Master of Arts in Teaching students
and Priscilla Speer works with the graduate Master in English Language Learning
students. LiveText portfolio creation and implementation for each program has benefited
from a collaborative environment in which each trainer has worked closely with the
graduate program coordinator to design an eportfolio best representative of the individual
program and to create a welcoming training environment – one in which students gain
confidence overcoming technology barriers. The end result is that each student has
confidence and abililty to maintain a high quality eportfolio that is representative of their
learning in their chosen field of study.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation

Contact information/affiliation:
Priscilla M. Speer, MLS
Trevecca Nazarene University
333 Murfreesboro Road
Nashville, TN. 37210
pspeer@trevecca.edu
615.248.1347
http://faculty.trevecca.edu/pspeer

Annette Harber, MLIS
Trevecca Nazarene University
333 Murfreesboro Road
Nashville, TN. 37210
aharber@trevecca.edu
615.248.1338
http://faculty.trevecca.edu/aharber