Design for Impact: Innovation in ePortfolio Structure and Function
ePortfolios can be a catalyst for transforming one’s teaching practice, and this section documents the resulting design and innovation that can take place. The first chapter, ‘Exploring Creative and Innovative Teaching and Learning Strategies Embracing ePortfolios in Higher Education: The Case of One University in Lesotho,’ is a qualitative study that explores the creative and innovative teaching and learning strategies used by lecturers that embrace ePortfolios. The findings describe how ePortfolios were used for student engagement, authentic assessment practices, and the development of 21st-century competencies and skills.
This theme is expanded in the next chapter on ‘Innovative Pedagogical Strategies Using ePortfolios for Creative Teaching and Learning.’ This chapter explores creative and innovative pedagogical strategies for incorporating ePortfolios into teaching and learning, ultimately aiming to foster self-directed learning, critical thinking, and personalised education.
The subsequent chapter, ‘Digital ePortfolios for Aspiring Educators: Fostering Reflective Practice and Creativity in PhD Students,’ focuses on design and innovation for graduate-level education. This chapter highlights the potential of thoughtfully designed digital ePortfolios to bridge the gap between doctoral training and the academic job market.
The next chapter focuses on design and innovation for undergraduate education, ‘Designing ePortfolios for the development of professionally equipped and empowered creative arts teachers to inspire digitally resilient future learners.’ The authors describe how by embracing the arts and technology that we acquire the flexibility to “surf the waves ” of change in education.
The final chapter, ‘Impact of COVID-19 on ePortfolio Use in South African Higher Education: A Conceptual Chapter.’ The conceptual paper identifies the best design practices and barriers to innovative ePortfolio adoption among students and lecturers in higher education.
