EUFolio: A Classroom ePortfolio Pilot Project

Abstract

This chapter details the participation of Ireland as one of seven European countries in the EUfolio Classroom ePortfolios project. This was a 2-year project (May 2013–May 2015) funded by the European Commission under the framework of the Lifelong Learning Programme (KA1—Implementation of the European strategic objectives in Education and Training). The idea for the EUfolio project came from the ICT and Education Working Group created under the Education and Training 2020 programme, a network that includes 24 Ministry of Education representatives. A number of members came together with a common interest in implementing ePortfolios at national level leading to the inception of this initiative. Ireland was one of seven European countries that participated in this ePortfolio project, which had a focus on designing and testing innovative ePortfolio models that would inform the implementation of innovative learning environments across Europe.

This chapter focuses on the experiences of the Irish pilot, and demonstrate examples of where ePortfolios were used to promote a collaborative approach to assessment, where the interactions between teacher and student opened up the learning process to become a reciprocal and dialogic activity; a more supportive and inclusive culture where formative practices in the classroom could flourish.

Using an ePortfolio allowed students to show achievements in a variety of ways, give a clear vision of their learning journey thus far, and provide a platform for peer and self-assessment. All these components can contribute to ensuring a learning and assessment system that places students at the centre of the learning process, accommodates the diverse needs of learners, impacts positively on student motivation, and engages students in experiences appropriate to their twenty-first century.

Ben Murray and Sinéad Tuohy are seconded second-level teachers who were EUfolio project researchers and mentored Irish schools as part of the EUfolio Classroom ePortfolios project. Their research interests include ongoing assessment, the disruptive use of technology and developing teacher collaboration.