Eportfolio recommendation: Activity 3.2

The purpose of this report is to share the objectives of implementing an eportfolio in the organisation, an overview of 3 eportfolio systems currently available, and concluding with a specific recommendation for the organisation.

The objective of implementing an eportfolio system within the organisation is to better manage and support the organisation’s talent pool. An eportfolio system will allow a repository of evidence to be created by all, which the employee can then submit when a development opportunity arises. The result of implementation will be a culture of experimental learning in the organisation, leading to employees being more aware of their capabilities and the organisation being more aware of the talent, resulting in a more focussed, motivated and innovative workforce.

The 3 eportfolio systems investigated were:

1. FolioSpaces – particularly aimed at schools and education systems. It is an open space for people to structure and manage their files as they desire. It also has a blog facility.  It is owned by the individual, who controls what is shared. Individuals can link their eportfolios to the organisation, which allows ease of reviewing.

2. Digication  – as well as having the key functions of FiloSpaces, Digication also has assessment management and a resume builder. Unlimited eportfolios can be created in one account.

3. PebblePad  – clear structure to record (e.g. my action plans, my experiences) allowing for a clear focus. There are also prompts within the system to encourage reflection on practice and learning

Based on the investigations and the resources available to the organisation, I recommend enhancing the functionality that is already available to the organisation. I purpose that the skeleton for an eportfolio system is already in existence ( the private space available to mange a CV and record learning) which can be built upon. I propose adding a blog functionality to allow for reflection, a file manager so work can be stored and categorised and also adapting the security so that individual’s information can also be shared and comments added, as they wish. Finally I recommend that this portal is not restricted to internal use, but can be accessed off site so that employees can update it at a time convenient to them.

The motivation for individuals to use the eportfolio system is for personal development planning, acting as an 21^st century “learning log”, being solely owned by the individual to present and use as they wish. Support and coaching will be provided to them by their manager as to best practices for use (e.g. see guide on reflection ).

I recommend the following implementation plan:

Stage 1: Project team set up

Stage 2: A working group to be set up (comprising of 11 people – 1 from each business area). Their responsibility to communicate the implementation to the different areas to gain buy in

Stage 3: Rollout of the enhanced system, with the working group acting as a support network to provide guidance

Stage 4: Monthly evaluations of how the eportfolio is progressing and any key points that need addressed