Hi, all --
Let me start a different thread here. My expertise is in portfolios and assessing learning through them. The electronic portfolio has a multitude of advantages over a paper portfolio; not only does it make teaching and learning a richer experience in the collegiate setting, but it also brings to life what might be an otherwise static presentation in the corporate world.

For example, let’s say you are applying for a position that involves lots of interaction with clients and public speaking. You could send a good cover letter with an impressive resume, or you could send those same two items with a CD that anyone can pop into his/her computer. On the CD, you can “talk” to the viewer to demonstrate your skills at public speaking, while also giving him/her a sense of your personality. You can role-play, you can write questions in anticipation of the employer’s questions to answer orally, or you can show whatever other talents you have that may be relevant to the job description.

In addition to a video component, you might want to include graphics to illustrate your knowledge; podcasts discussing a topic of relevance; photographs, music, or whatever you think might help “sell” you to the employer. Sure, the employer might choose to toss your CD, or might only go into a single one of your links, but at least you’ve made the effort to show more three-dimensionality.

Much of my career has involved prior learning portfolios: portfolios in which the student provides evidence of experientially-acquired knowledge that is then assessed by faculty for college credit. (Portfolio assessment is a program that is offered by colleges to attract adult students.) I have been enriched by portfolios that offer an audio or visual component, such as the student who sang beautifully and recorded several popular and operatic numbers, or the stand-up comic who included video of his routines in front of an audience. What a powerful way of showing another person what you know and what you can do!

Does anyone out there see an application for e-portfolios in his/her workplace?