APA 6Th Edition Template s1

Running head: THE ARGUMENT FOR AN ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO

Analysis Submission demonstrates 1 (8) an analytical approach to provide an in-depth discussion of the topic(s). Evidence All evidence or justification (8) is from multiple, relevant, peer reviewed sources, no older than 5 years (unless a classic source was used) supporting the opinion(s) expressed. Organization Utilized a coherent, well- (8) organized and logical line of reasoning. Style Followed APA 6th edition (8) guidelines for writingThe Argument style for an Electronic Portfolio and citation of sources. Grammar, No spelling or grammar Deanna B. Hiott and Spelling errors. (8) Charleston Southern University Total Points Earned (40) Nice job. THE ARGUMENT FOR AN ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO 2 The Argument for an Electronic Portfolio

As technology continues to transform society, an area of potential for the medical professional lies within the development of an electronic portfolio. While this tool is relatively new, it possesses the potential to become an online reservoir, which contains examples of professional development and abilities. These web-based collections allow the individual to have the opportunity to collect, select, reflect and connect with other professionals or instructors

(McGonigle & Mastrian, 2009). The e-portfolio should demonstrate learning through the reflective processes of writing. These reflections on the attained skills should be presented in a way unique to the student. Often videos, Power Points, pictures, and links to blogs or wikis can be added in the electronic portfolio, thereby offering the professional the opportunity to simply e-mail the reviewer with a link to a volume of representative work (McGonigle & Mastrian,

2009). E-portfolios ultimately allow the individual an easy to access, organized platform with which to demonstrate their abilities to multiple audiences such as teachers, organizations or potential employers, while contributing to their professional development (Skiba, 2005).

Items, which would merit inclusion, could be a picture of the professional, an introduction citing the purpose and the layout of the e-portfolio followed by a brief philosophical statement. These elements could offer an outline of the site so that viewers can navigate and view selected presentations, while obtaining an idea of who the professional is, where the professional is headed, how the professional plans to get there and lastly, what makes this professional unique from others. McGonigle and Mastrian (2009) note that producing an electronic portfolio is like telling a story in which the individual looks back on what has been accomplished, looks around at current activities and involvements; and looks ahead to future goals. Creativity and the successful usage of Power Points, slideshows, pictures, and videos, THE ARGUMENT FOR AN ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO 3 would illustrate not only the individual’s abilities in the workplace but also their comfort and proficiency with technological tools.

There are many benefits of preparing and maintaining an e-portfolio. First and foremost is the public exhibition of the professional’s work. The e-portfolio allows for employers or instructors to view this portfolio and gather an idea of the abilities of the prospective employee or student. This medium allows for easy sharing with the public or for a private reflective environment for the student. Whole aspects can be shared or only parts. Developing an e- portfolio would provide a practical way for the student to experiment with technology while gaining skills that are clearly applicable in the work environment. The development of an e- portfolio would be an excellent storage facility for reflections to be added to a curriculum vitae

(CV) or a more traditional resume should that medium be required (Moores & Parks, 2010). This site could be added to over time demonstrating continued professional development as well

(Moores & Parks, 2010). Thus the portfolio is a current and fluid representation of an individual’s talents and abilities.

The drawbacks of such a portfolio are few but none the less significant. The electronic portfolio requires the development of learning a new skill; consequently when to introduce such a concept is vital. Clearly, it could prove to be an overwhelming task while the student is concentrating on developing practical nursing knowledge and skills. McGonigle and Mastrian

(2009) note that the development of a portfolio is, “particularly helpful where higher-level thinking and analysis are essential.” Thus, to be most beneficial and successful appropriate timing is vital to the introduction of the e-portfolio.

Chief complaints from students regarding e-portfolios often revolve around the feeling that the project itself is vague and accompanied by ambiguous requirements; details on how to THE ARGUMENT FOR AN ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO 4 initiate such a task seem overwhelming (Pink, Cadbury, & Stanton, 2008). This in turn makes the task seem consuming and pointless. Pink, Cadbury, and Stanton (2008) indicate that involving stakeholders to determine the depth and breadth of the requirements, as well as, changing to an electronic format that followed a template helped change student perceptions and decreased concerns about portfolios. The template offered drop down boxes and links to examples, which resulted in clarification about requirements and evaluation methods; overall these changes helped to decrease student concerns (Pink, Cadbury, & Stanton, 2008). Moores and Parks (2010) suggest that introduction of a baseline informatics class with the core concepts outlined and some of the skills necessary to proceed with the task would be helpful in initiating the project.

In conclusion, learning to generate and maintain an electronic portfolio is a noteworthy professional endeavor. This tool will assist the individual to reflect upon practice, thereby inducing growth. It will provide a current, fluid representation of the person’s abilities, philosophies and goals. E-portfolios are destined to become a desirable instrument utilized by students, educators, employees and employers alike to manage, maintain and share professional competencies and achievements. Therefore, introduction of this tool into the educational environment to equip students for the future is valuable preparation for the professional nurse. It must be noted, however, that timing of the project with complimentary prerequisites could assure that the development of an e-portfolio is a smooth and successful process. Consequently, while the electronic portfolio is a highly recommended project, which has lifelong merits, careful planning and guidance are imperative. THE ARGUMENT FOR AN ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIO 5

References

McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2009). Nursing Informatics and the Foundation of Knowledge

(1st ed.). Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Moores, A., & Parks, M. (2010). Twelve tips for introducing E-portfolios with undergraduate

students. Medical Teacher, 32, 46-49.

Pink, J., Cadbury, N., & Stanton, N. (2008). Enhancing student reflection: the development of an

e-portfolio. Medical Education, 42, 1111-1146.

Skiba, D. (2005). E-portfolios, Webfolio, and E-dentity. Nursing Education Perspectives, 26(4),

246-247.