Student ownership of learning using e-portfolio for career development

E-portfolios are increasing in popularity and use, yet research into their efficacy lags behind implementation. This paper seeks to address this gap by presenting results of research on student ownership of a course-based eportfolio. The research is informed by Milner-Bolotin framework for ownership of learning. A co-curricular student life course at a university in Hong Kong was conducted in which students were required to construct eportfolios. Data were obtained through semi-structured one-on-one interviews with a sample of course participants. Iterative, sequential coding was used to analyse data; categories of meaning were established, emanating from existing research and emergent patterns in the data. Results from the study indicate that the framework had strong resonance with the participants’ experience constructing the eportfolio. Specific findings include a strong emphasis on the utilitarian value of eporfolios as school-to-work bridges and the potential for freedom of choice to create both opportunities for and challenges to students feeling in control. Implications of findings are discussed in terms of both research and practice. Copyright © 2014 Published by Intellectbase International Consortium, USA.