e-portfolio and reliable assessment

'The study specifically sought to test the reliability of the assessment

processes, the procedures used to train the teachers in the portfolio devel-

opment process, and the utility of the instruments in estimating student

progress over time.'

Results suggest that e-portfolios are marked equally to real portfolios even though some teachers were concerned that 'digital reproductions of artworks may not accurately reproduce levels of excellence or subtle characteristics the actual artworks contained.'

I must admit this is a concern of mine. One that is seriously considered each an every time an artwork is photographed, knowing that at some point you will use that photograph to apply for residences, competitions or gallery shows. If the photograph is a poor reproduction then this effects your success, however to photograph and email or send a disk is practical on so many other levels that one must just make sure to photograph well! For students this can be of course an issue.

From: Dorn, Charles M., Sabol, F. (2006) Studies in Art Education, A journal of issues and research, 2006. The effectivness and the use of digital portfolios for the assessment of art performances in selected secondary schools.

rewarding risk-a solution???

From: Thomas, Kim. (July 2008). Rewarding risk: how e-scape changes learning. www.futurelab.org.uk/resources/publications-reports-articles/web-articles/Web-Article1063 This article writes about a project designed to combine handheld learning devices, with electronic portfolios. Initial designs were drawn on a PDA, electronic portfolios were kept and made as the students worked, with the final project uploaded onto a central website where they were assessed by moderators. The PDA included features such as voice recorders, word, excel, mind-mapping software, paint software, a camera and a video recorder. 'The ability to share work between students is particularly valuable, says Ross: "There's a useful link called 'collaboration', which means that if I draw a design on my PDA, it can then be transfered to someone else's PDA. They can add their notes, and that can go on a cycle of three students, so on me e-portfolio, it will not only have my drawing, but the next window on the website will have my peers' comments on my design.' (p.2) Software was found to be too teacher reliant, students felt that work was slower than it needed to be because of this. The e-portfolio system used is called Managed Assessment Portfolio System (MAPS). Projects therefore can be marked from anywhere.