techno-ePortfolios

What technology tools can I/we use to construct an electronic portfolios?

In Dr. Helen Barett's FAQ section, I am glad that she explained this particular question in much details. As I have no sense at all in terms of technical knowledge, the long list of software and web tools have already set me aback. Many tools like Wordpress.com, Zoho Writer, Nuventive's iWebfolio, My eCoach...are TOTALLY foreign to me. (Honestly speaking, out of the thousands of software applications, Powerpoint is the only software I am most familiar with...)Nevertheless, this question intrigues me to think about the strengths and advantages of this new assignment I am going to encounter in this class.

Despite the fact that the long list of tools is too overwhelming to swallow, presenting assignments in form of ePortfolios revolutionizes the conventional educational system. It is a huge step of switching the learning environment from physical classrooms to the boundless Internet world. This strategy not only allows our education to make good use of the "flat world tools"(Friedman's ideas!), but also makes education more interactive, and the research field more knowledgeable and in-depth. With the aid of ePortfolios, students are able to do research and modify their work entirely online, their creativity and intelligence are no longer bound by geographical and physical constraints. For example, all information you need is just a button away on the web. People no longer need to commute to far distance libraries and research centers to conduct their studies or portfolios. Besides, when students accidentally make a mistake, regardless they are big or small, they do not need to redo the whole thing. Instead, all they can do is to click Undo, and rearrange everything.

Another important advantage is that students will be trained to prepare themselves for the rapid technological development. ePortfolios are becoming more and more popular not only for education purposes, but also the career field. People use ePortfolios to promote their expertise; artists use them to share their art works; others use them for job interviews...It has been a general trend to present one's ideas in such fashion. Hence, ePortfolio classes equip students with the top-notch techniques and enhances their competitiveness.

All in all, ePortfolios is a new learning tool we all have to use in the future. Even though everything has to be learned from scratch, it is a miracle tool that helps opening many doors of opportunities. I admit it will be hard to learn, but I am prepared to face this challenge!:)