Using E-Portfolios for Meaningful Teaching and Learning in Distance Education in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Web-based technology has proven itself indispensable in education, especially in distance education and in developing countries. Technological advances and the COVID-19 pandemic have forced higher education institutions to be innovative in delivering education in their countries. This article seeks to demonstrate the role and value of e-portfolios as an alternative teaching and learning tool in distance education and the online environment, especially in developing countries. A systematic review of peer-reviewed academic studies of e-portfolios between 2010 and 2020 was conducted. A total of 18 papers were selected according to the inclusion criteria. The review shows that the use of e-portfolios is still a relatively new trend in developing countries. The study also revealed that e-portfolios can infuse important skills such as self-directed learning, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. These results have the potential to help institutions to creatively design appropriate support tools and strategies alongside the implementation of e-portfolios in their contexts.

Keywords:

• Assessment
• critical thinking skills
• e-portfolios
• meaningful feedback
• reflection
• self-directed learning

Acknowledgments

We are grateful for the financial support from the UNESCO Chair on Open and Distance Learning at Unisa and the Women-In-Research grant. We also thank our colleagues in the Open Distance Learning Research Unit for providing constructive comments on our first draft, and Dr. Melissa Bond at the EPPI-Centre, University College London, for her selfless help, guidance, and support with the EPPI-Reviewer software program during this research project.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mpho-Entle Puleng Modise

Mpho-Entle Puleng Modise is a Lecturer in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, College of Education at the University of South Africa. Her research areas include student support in open and distance e-learning (ODeL), online teaching and learning, academic professional development, e-portfolios, and technology adoption. She also has an interest in OERs and MOOCs.

Patience Kelebogile Mudau

Patience Kelebogile Mudau is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional studies, College of Education at the University of South Africa. Her research interests are technology enhanced learning, Open distance e-Learning and Alternative e-Assessment, teacher development, and OERs.