Actions Speak Louder Than Words

​I believe the advantages of the eportfolio outweigh the disadvantages.  First hand I have grown and learned much more creating an eportfolio than writing a traditional paper and submitting it to one professor.  The eportfolio has provided me with immediate feedback, deeper understanding of technology and learning at an accelerated rate.

Immediate Feedback
To grow in our learning, we must receive immediate honest feedback.  “Providing students with meaningful feedback can greatly enhance learning and improve student achievement.” (Stenger, 2014) When we have an opportunity to provide feedback not only from our classmates but anyone in education, this is a great resource.  Having the ability to receive feedback from not just professors but other colleagues' have been invaluable.  It is important to seek out support or feedback when we are struggling for information or ideas. When I earned my undergrad degree, if technology was at present-day level, I would have seriously benefited having more opportunities to collaborate and receive feedback.
Actions Speak Louder than Words
One of the immense benefits of an eportfolio is the use of technology.  Just in the last month, I have used various video technology and presentation software’s that I had not been exposed to when creating my eportfolio.  I have deepened my understanding of the presentation software that I teach to my students.  I find it powerful to not just talk about technology but being able to actually use it.  When building an eportfolio it allows us to apply technology and not just write about it.  This further allows us to discuss struggles and benefits with other peers about technology.
Learning in the Fast Lane
There is immense value in collaboration.  In education, my learning has been the most beneficial when working with others. Many of my courses in undergrad I worked in teams or groups.  Learning is enhanced when you have others to bounce ideas around.  It has pushed me to learn even more than I would have learned on my own, with suggestions and questions that I had not considered. 

There will always be challenges when creating anything knowing that there is a grade or credit involved.  Even as creative as you take the eportfolio with complete ownership, there is still this voice in the back of my mind reminding me to make sure it is good enough or to ensure that I have followed the guidelines to receive credit.  Overall, I find creating an eportoflio an excellent way to deepen understanding and allowing us to take ownership of our learning.  
 
References:
​Stenger, M. (2014, August 6). Edutopia. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/tips-providing-students-meaningful-feedback-marianne-stenger