Methods From Design Disciplines for Showcasing Portfolio-Based Learning

My name is Caleb Walder and as an instructor in an architecture program that uses ePortfolios, I was curious about interest in using ePortfolios as external showcases for employment. This led me to explore how design disciplines like mine have been using ePortfolios to promote internal metacognitive practices while also visually showcasing student work. I conducted a mini-literature review of studies of ePortfolio adoption in graphic design, architecture, and art and design programs. Through this review, I identified some methods for ePortfolio adoption common to these disciplines. I noticed that each had clearly defined standards for ePortfolio visual content while supporting student success in achieving these expectations. The ePortfolio platforms used by these disciplines prioritized customizability and gallery-style functions. I also saw the importance of ongoing assessment of ePortfolio practices with students and faculty. Together, these methods show that ePortfolios are compatible with disciplines that have traditionally used visual showcase portfolios when the visual aspects of ePortfolio development are intentionally guided based on disciplinary standards. This finding might expand explorations of the visual qualities of ePortfolios in other disciplines while challenging a diametric understanding of internal versus external purposes of portfolio-based assessment.