Efolio: a Rich Internet Application K-12 in-service teachers' attitudes toward electronic portfolios

Abstract

Portfolios have been used for many years by musicians, artists, and multimedia designers to showcase their work to prospective clients. Electronic portfolios have gained popularity in serving as a repository of a university student's works for future employers and for teacher certification and also as a powerful tool for classroom technology integration. For in-service teachers, electronic portfolios serve many purposes: demonstration of competency in technology and curriculum design, national board certification, and evidence of lifelong learning. This study examines in-service teachers' attitudes toward eFolio, a free Rich Internet Application (RIA) web-based authoring system for all Minnesota residents. It reviews the pros and cons of using electronic portfolios and the factors that facilitate the design process. The authors conclude that the effective use of electronic portfolios cannot be isolated from the building of a learning community, one that encourages the use of electronic portfolios for lifelong learning, peer review, and group support.