What Is a Digital Electronic Portfolio in Teacher Education? A Case Study of Instructors’ and Students’ Enabling Insights on the Electronic Portfolio

Abstract

Abstract
Professional programs in postsecondary education have long been using electronic portfolios (ePs) for diverse purposes, for example, assessment, certification, showcasing, and learning. However, in our practices of using ePs in teacher education for the past several years, we have found that the question of “what is an eP?” requires substantial unpacking. This paper will offer insights on our evolving understanding on ePs in teacher education based on three interacting areas: (a) rich media reframing how we understand professional learning in a digitally linked world; (b) literature from the last 10 years in the use of ePs; and (c) insights from instructors and students using an eP process in one term of a teacher education program. We conclude with a re-visioning of learning in teacher education in relation to the emerging practices enabled by an eP process.