Testing Electronic Portfolio Systems in Teacher Education: Finding the Right Fit

Abstract

This article presents the results of an action research study that sought to determine the most effective e-portfolio system for our teacher education programs. Three e-portfolio systems (LiveText, TaskStream, and a university-developed system called Epsilen) were implemented throughout a semester course in which students and faculty evaluated usability, functionality, and applicability within our teacher education programs. Although student and faculty experienced high levels of frustration with each system, student survey results indicate that TaskStream users reported the highest level of ease for nearly every system application. However, participants saw Epsilen as having the greatest applicability to their future use for either documenting one's college career in an assessment portfolio or showcasing one's work for a future employer. Recommendations for identifying an appropriate electronic portfolio system that authentically meets the unique teacher education program needs are presented.