Does technology matter?

Students’ and teachers’ experiences of electronic portfolio (e-portfolio) systems in teacher education

Abstract

Electronic portfolio (e-portfolio) systems have the potential to change learning outcomes where student learning is achieved through the process and the final product. However, previous research has identified problems with the technical features of some e-portfolio platforms (Deneen & Brown, 2013), and with the rigidness and complexity of user interface (Shroff, Deneen, & Ng, 2011) that may subvert intended learning goals. These e-portfolios were evaluated since they serve to document the achievement of the Graduating Teacher Standards and to assist in job hunting. A combination of interviews and self-reports on the User Information Satisfaction (UIS) instrument were utilised, along with the Usability Evaluation Method (UEM) to evaluate the usability and learning design of the various technology platforms. An exploration of technology and user characteristics will be factored in to discern the quality of student portfolios and eportfolio systems maturation.