Blogfolio… apprenants, institution, etc.

Stephen Downes attire notre attention ce matin sur un texte qui semble en plein ce qu’il faut pour faire avancer la discussion entamée avec passion et laissée en plan ici il y a quelques jours…

Researching Electronic Portfolios and Learner Engagement

David Tosh recommends this paper and in particular a diagram relating increased choice with increased motivation. I would agree that choice impacts motivation, but probably a lot more besides (for example, relevance). Barrett approaches the subject of portfolios from the point of view of assessment, but distinguishes between « Positivist Portfolios [where] the purpose of the portfolio is to assess learning outcomes » and « Constructivist Portfolios [where] the portfolio is a learning environment in which the learner constructs meaning, » thus highlighting the tension between learning objectives and institutional objectives. « How do we create an Institution-Centered Assessment and Accountability System without losing the power of the portfolio as a student-centered tool for lifelong learning and professional development? » Good paper. By Helen Barrett, The REFLECT Initiative, Spring, 2005.

Source: OLDaily March 28, 2005, by Stephen Downes