Expressing yourself Electronically
The Making of The E-Portfolio
The e-portfolio is a documentation of your learning and work experiences, that is put together to highlight your knowledge, skills and abilities. It is a story written and told by you, with the goal of developing a purpose and delivering it to a specific audience. The purpose of the portfolio is going to be either professional or personal. If you will be looking for a job, then your purpose will be professional. If you will be applying to graduate school, then your purpose will be personal. Once you have decided your purpose, then you can focus on the story you want to tell, along with the experiences and skills you wish to highlight.
Your portfolio should contain a message that will be specifically tailored to the needs of your audience. For instance, if you are looking for a challenging career: Why should they hire you? What sets you apart from the other candidates? What skills and talents of yours could this company benefit from? Your e-portfolio experience will consist of uploading and revising artifacts that will emphasize who you are and what you are capable of.
What are artifacts? They are a type of evidence that you can use to showcase your interdisciplinarity. Artifacts consist of pictures, papers, projects and any other work that is unique and reflects your best abilities. You will be introduced to the e-portfolio in the cornerstone course and be required to upload all of your assignments and projects to the portfolio workspace. It is a good idea to keep a variety of your work, not just the assignments form your IDS classes. Also, do not be worried if you are required to upload assignments that you do not particularly like, or feel are unnecessary. Ultimately, you will have the final say with what documents will go into your portfolio. It is also important to mention that you will not be putting random assignments into the portfolio. Instead, you will choose work that will highlight a specific experience of some kind, whether it be based on volunteering, your job or something to do with your education.
In the beginning, the e-portfolio can seem a little overwhelming. But, you may find that taking it one assignment at a time is a good way to approach it. I recently began writing my portfolio story and putting my artifacts together. At first, it was very confusing. But, after playing around with it for a while, it kind of became fun and I began to see the benefits of it. For two nights in a row, I was obsessed with changing the templates and editing my story and images. Honestly, for me it was a lot of trial and error. It is not hard to put together but, it can be a time consuming project. I now feel that the finished product will be worth it, and I am hoping that this portfolio will give me the something extra I will need to stand out in my job search.
Click here to view my e-portfolio(note: this is not the finished product)
Note the elements of my e-portfolio:
Purpose: to find a job after graduation.
Audience: Prospective employers
Message: I am eager to find a challenging job, where I can utilize my best skills.
Parts:
1) About Me:
Intro
Personal Statement
Resume
Course of Study(List of classes taken)
2) Content Pages with Artifacts:
Painting a Purpose
Downloading a Dream
Learning as a Leader(Yeah, it's about this mentoring project. I ran out of ideas, but I am glad I
included this)
Note: That all my artifacts reflect the experience that I am highlighting.
When you are creating and modifying your artifacts, make sure that you read the feedback from your professor, so you are aware of the revisions that you will need to make.
These artifacts are a reflection of who you are, so make sure that they are creative and reflect your interdisciplinarity. If you plan to look for work after graduation, then your portfolio can have a similar feel to my own. However, if you are planning on applying to graduate school, you should focus on making your portfolio a tad more personal. For instance, if I was applying to graduate school, I would probably touch on my experience of being a mom to a 3-year-old, which is not something that I would present to a prospective employer. Remember, you are trying to stand out, so take this time to put a unique and personalized spin on why you would like to pursue graduate school. Why are you different from other applicants?
Now that you are more familiar with the e-portfolio, answer the following questions:
Did you notice the images that I used in my portfolio? They were all used to enhanced my story and were relevant to the things that I was talking about. What are some images that you think you would use to enhance your portfolio?
Are you thinking about applying for graduate school, or starting a career? If you will be looking for a job after graduation what type of work are you interested in pursuing?
What is an experience that you would want to include in one of your content pages?(If you are unsure, you can always use the mentoring experience as one, like I did.)
I see that I am still having a problem with my portfolio's link. It is requiring a login. I am not sure why it is doing this, but I am sorry for the inconvenience.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am also having trouble accessing your e-Portfolio. As Samantha mentioned, it's asking for a login and password. I would really LOVE to see your portfolio, so please send the login info - or provide a different link.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Lisa Schmidt
Samantha what a great e-Portfolio!! I was able to access it and thought you did a great job!!
ReplyDeleteAfter reviewing your e-Portfolio I realized that I am having a few problems with mine. When I uploaded my experiences headline all my info was smashed together into one large paragraph. How can I fix that? I went back to check my work and their are individual paragraphs under my matrix but not in my Portfolio. Would you know how I can fix that?
Thanks for your help!!
Kylee Jones
I am still unsure why I am having the problem with the link. I have it on public, so you can go into the portfolio site and click on the portfolios, to view it. Mine will be the first one that comes up. I am going to talk to Ms. Spraker about the issue with the URL and if she is unsure, I am going to call the tech help. I am very sorry for this inconvenience.
ReplyDeleteKylee, I have had a few technical problems with the formatting as well. My problem is with my resume, it is all spaced out and the format is all messed up. It seems to me that we are all having our own individual issues with the site. I would recommend calling tech or Ms. Spraker if the problem persists.
ReplyDeleteI would like to view your e-portfolio, but I am having the same problems that others are having. It is asking me for login info. I am going into the Air Force after I graduate so I am not looking for a job right away. I am also not planning on going to graduate school right away, but plan on it eventually. The Air Force requires at least a masters degree to continue promotions past Captain. An artifacts I would use would be a picture of an F-22 jet since that is the jet I hope to pilot one day.
ReplyDelete- Michael Sanacore
I also can't get into the link because of the sign on information. I don't know exactly what they're asking for. As for comments on the e portfolio, I feel like I understand the purpose. But is it something that I can actually use in real life? What would an employer actually think if I shared something like with him/her? It's just a random thing, yet it might make you stand out. I have to admit that I think artifacts aren't necessarily important...maybe it's because I'm having a tough time deciding on the right ones.
ReplyDelete-DeAnna Powell
I agree with DeAnna about the artifacts. Also, she makes a good point about the e-portfolio and a reaction from an employer. Unless it is very good, or very unique, it may be awkward for an employer/ or mostly ignored. If your job requires skills similar to those used in creating an e-portfolio or if it requires creativity it could be a huge plus. The artifacts don't really make much sense to me, or why an employer would even care about them?.. Just my opinions.
ReplyDelete- Michael Sanacore
Hey Samantha, great portfolio. No problem getting in. The detour sign is excellent...that says it all right? Although, detours are relative eh? Mine was a 25 year detour on "The Road Less Traveled." I've just created headline 1 and it looks nice and is finally coming together:
ReplyDeletehttp://portfolio.ucf.edu/portal/tool/20987ab4-74f3-4c3f-8093-0477836678f2/viewPresentation.osp?1=1&id=0F17422EF660951372CB12BE4A84E1C2
I can't figure out how to put a link in here...I have to edit one of my artifacts as the paper's been sitting for a year and it came up awry.
Jonathan Harris
I was able to access Samantha's portfolio, so don't know why others are having such a hard time.
ReplyDeleteAs for my previous post, I am still having problems with my one large paragraph as my experience. I have contacted Ms. S, but she doesn't know what the problem is. Does anyone else know what I can do? I have tried to extend the paragraphs by adding more spaces hoping then they would show up in the e-Portfolio, but so far it hasn't worked.
If anyone has any ideas please let me know, I am so frustrated!!
Kylee Jones
I have to agree with DeAnna that artifacts are important. They show graduate schools/employers an example of your work and your potential. I guess I just don't see myself providing my e-Portfolio to future employers, graduate schools maybe. Samantha, do you know anyone who has used their e-Portfolio to get a job or to get into graduate school? I would be interested to hear some of their stories.
ReplyDeleteKylee Jones
Samantha,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your portfolio. Now everything isn't so abstract. I like your headlines; I'm struggling with those in particular. I also enjoyed the images you used. They were appropriate and told a very interesting story. You're introduction - in particular - was well thought out and sets the tone for the rest of your e-portfolio. Thanks again for sharing. It was very helpful.
Lisa Schmidt
Certainly, after I started uploading some of my assignment for this IDS class, I discovered the importance of having my e-portfolio done.I also understood that my e-portfolio would be a real documentation of my learning and work experiences. By that, I needed to demonstrate my interdisciplinarity through my e-portfolio.So I had to focus on a specific audience to make clearer. My message needs also to be more specific to the audience and to my skills. One more important thing, my purpose should be related to how IDS degree can be of value in graduate program. I had to define my experience as a better to shape my e-portfolio.
ReplyDeleteGeorged Desliens
Hmm, I'm having trouble demonstrating/focusing on an interdisciplinary approach in my e-portfolio. I know we're still early in the process - just now writing and uploading content for our first page, but I can't seem make it work.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming this is because it's still really early in part two of my college career - and that as I continue my IDS journey, I'll be able to determine a way to incorporate different perspectives into one great e-portfolio. But, for now, if feels forced, sort of unnatural. It just doesn't feel like me. And, shouldn't my e-portfolio feel a lot like me? I mean it is all about me, right?!
Today, I'm feeling a little frustrated with the project. I can't seem to think outside the box - and that's what I do for a living. I'm hoping it's just today and that tomorrow will be better. :)
Lisa Schmidt
You know, as I was reading all of the comments, I noticed a similarity between our portfolios and the "professional journal" that one of our mentors was talking about last week. Maybe I do not see my e-portfolio as something necessary to show employers or other students out of obligation. But an e-portfolio can serve as an organized and personal tool. It can show you what your accomplishments and talents are. Putting everything together can help you recall those things and develop new ways of talking about them with someone like an employer.
ReplyDelete-DeAnna Powell
Samantha,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, you have a really nice portfolio! Thanks for sharing it with us. For me, it really helped clear up several questions I had about portfolios. I wish you could have posted this blog entry WEEKS ago! lol
The one thing that still confuses me is the idea of artifacts. When you were a new IDS student, did you have many artifacts to post in the portfolio? As a new junior at UCF, and new (1st semester) IDS student, I find myself wondering what would qualify as a good artifact. Is it a sample of my work, a paper I did for a previous class, photos of me volunteering... what, in your opinion, is "good" artifact?
Also, can you share more of your personal experiences in IDS? Was it clear as mud to you at first, and at what point did the light bulb come on for you? Mine is dimly lit at best most weeks, and I'm waiting for that "A HA" moment.
-William Powell
DeAnna,
ReplyDeleteThat's great insight! I agree with you, the e-portfolio is a great tool to help you organize your thoughts as you prepare to talk with others (maybe perspective or current employers) about your IDS journey. Using it can help you establish what you do well - and think about your talents in a whole new light. I think it's also going to force us to consider how our areas of concentration might blend together to create new perspectives. (That's the part I'm having trouble with today.)
I have a love/hate relationship with the e-portfolio tool today. Not to worry, mentors - I think it's a short term issue. :)
Lisa Schmidt
@DeAnna,
ReplyDeleteI agree, I don't see myself showing my portfolio to an employer, or even to a graduate school. I'm still struggling to wrap my head around my portfolio and what should or shouldn't be in there. But I can say the process of trying to put together a portfolio is helping me organize my thoughts quite a bit. Just by attempting to put together the portfolio I am feeling more and more comfortable with how to articulate the value in my experiences to someone.
Thanks for your post!
-William Powell
@Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same boat as you. I'm having trouble with my e-portfolio. I wrote "something" for the content page, but I don't have that confident feeling that I am writing what I should. You said it well, for me it feels forced and unnatural. The bad thing about that, for me at least, is that when I feel my writing is forced or unnatural it clearly comes across as unnatural to the reader.
I also struggle with artifacts. Being so new to IDS, I am struggling badly with choosing artifacts that are appropriate for the e-portfolio. I heard of some examples, like photos of a volunteer experience. But I catch myself thinking from an employer's perspective. Would an employer really care to see a pic of me teaching children in another country, or how about a pic of me picking up trash at a beach? I'm thinking no, but for the purposes of the e-portfolio is that an appropriate artifact? Wouldn't the employer rather see a sample of my writing relevant to my career?
I'm frustrated also. I'm hoping things become clearer for me, hopefully in time for me to get a decent grade in this class. :)
Lost in IDS3933,
-William Powell
Bill, and to everyone with artifact problems. I still have issues choosing the best artifacts for our sections. But I feel that I have more of an understanding as to how you can go along choosing them. An artifact is yes, something tangible (not an adjective) and relatable to your subject. But I don't think we all need to be that scared, because an artifact is only as important as you make it. It doesn't have to be something academic, but something that you can put a voice behind and help demonstrate how "that" helped you in some way... or helped you realize something valuable about yourself. Saying that doesn't even leave me feeling like I have all the right artifacts. But maybe it'll help someone else.
ReplyDelete-DeAnna Powell
The e-portfolio is a is a tool that person document experiences. This is a tool that allows a person to emphasize their knowledge, skills and abilities. The capabilities of a person can be structured and organized within this tool for anyone to see. A career portfolio can be compared to a graphic and elaborate resume. This can display accomplishments and achievements.
ReplyDeleteGeorges Desliens
A portfolio can be a visual aid for people that utilize it."Artifacts consist of pictures, papers, projects and any other work that is unique and reflects your best abilities." Artifacts can show a person's abilities and talent. Artifacts are evidence of what a person has experienced and the accomplishments "under their belt".A portfolio is a great tool to record and display one's talents.
ReplyDeleteGeorges Desliens
Scott Pollack
ReplyDeleteDid you notice the images that I used in my portfolio? They were all used to enhanced my story and were relevant to the things that I was talking about. What are some images that you think you would use to enhance your portfolio?
I like to use tangible items in which I have acquired through hard work and competition throughout my life. It is a good way to enhance a story by showing that you have accomplished extracurricular awards and shows that you go above and beyond the normal protocols.
Are you thinking about applying for graduate school, or starting a career? If you will be looking for a job after graduation what type of work are you interested in pursuing?
I want a job in sales or marketing. I want to be able to showcase my acumen for sales and marketing by being able to utilize my personality and persistence.
What is an experience that you would want to include in one of your content pages?(If you are unsure, you can always use the mentoring experience as one, like I did.)
My experiences of travelling the country while playing sports. I was able to successfully juggle, school, work, and a social life during this time. I think it speaks volumes about my desire to have everything in check. I really want prospective employers to know that no matter what the challenge I may have outside of work, I will still be able to diligently handle my tasks.
Hey Bill,
ReplyDeleteYou may be overthinking the artifacts. They are really symbols, that's how I've approached it...and as such they can be obvious or abstract. They can demonstrate and exhibit how you think...assume the e-portfolio will be examined by the audience before you meet them and when you meet them. The audience will form mental images of you and make associations freely, which will only add dimensions to you and your expression. You must view this "thing" in a non-linear fashion. The artifiacts are designed to intrigue the audience in a certain sense and I can't see how it can't help but open, extend, and enhance dialogue. Let the IDS "experience" happen. It's new and there aren't any markers or experiences that you can measure it to. It's a new beginning!
-Jonathan Andrew Harris
I think another reason this class is difficult and the e-Portfolio in particular is that we're in many respects trained NOT to be an individual but a part of some collective and on another level members of a group: gender, ethnicity, sexuality, etc. whereby we take on a group persona and the characteristics of that group. Political correctness also can be an impedement to talking about or defining oneself. On anther level we don't want to come across as pretentious, boastful, or narcissistic--which may not be our intention but is a result of our programming by society, academia, and popular culture. It's often difficult to express ourselves because we don't know ourselves.
ReplyDelete-Jonathan Andrew Harris
There was an interesting comment made above about connecting the e-portfolio with the personal journals. That is a good point. I should try to look at the e-portfolio as more for myself or for my peers than for a future employer or graduate school. I personally would not want to show my eportfolio to either of those, but it could be used for myself to see how I've developed as a student and a person. And my peers could use it as information for themselves as they advance through their academic careers.
ReplyDelete- Michael Sanacore