Developing a Research Framework for Investigating the Transparency of ePortfolios

This paper describes the evolution of strategies to evaluate ePortfolios in an online Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Instructional Technology. The ePortfolios are required as a culminating activity for students in the program. By using Web 2.0 tools to develop the ePortfolios, students are able to showcase their technical skills, integrate national standards, demonstrate their professional understandings, and reflect on their individual learning. Faculty have created assessment strategies to evaluate student achievement of these skills. To further develop ePortfolios as a tool promoting authentic learning, faculty are moving toward integrating transparency as part of the evaluation process. Keywords—e-learning evaluation, ePortfolios, transparency, Web 2.0