eReturn
Download the final project report
This project developed a pilot demonstrating the use of e-portfolios to support cross-institutional delivery of lifelong learning. A consortium of partners evaluated the transferability of e-portfolio content in the context of personal and professional development planning - we explored ways in which the Open University MyStuff e-portfolio can be used and accessed by a national partnership of organisations working to support women who are returning to work after a career break.
The project consortium is based on an existing partnership that has already been providing an integrated national model of support for women returning to employment after a career break, through an online course followed by personalised advice and guidance. The project evaluated ways in which e-portfolio content relating to personal and professional development planning can be transferred between institutions to support this group of learners in transition. We developd and used the open source Moodle based e-portfolio (MyStuff) and evaluated how it can be integrated effectively by learners, careers professionals, mentors and employers to support lifelong learning. The aim of the project was to evaluate the feasibility of using eportfolios with learners in transition into employment.
The partnership
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identified the needs of stakeholders (careers advisors, mentors and employers) and assessed the requirements they have from a transferable e-portfolio
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developed and tested ways of transferring eportfolio content between different institutions
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supported groups of learners to create and continue to use their eportfolios
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evaluated how learners and stakeholders have used eportfolios to support transition to employment and disseminate findings to the wider community
The Open University, as the lead partner, undertook project management and co-ordination of the partnership. Other partners (SHU, Salford, UKRC and Cardiff) hosted focus groups for careers advisors, mentors and employers to assess user requirements for a transferable eportfolio. The Open University carried out the main technical development including creating and delivering an online course for returners during which learners developed their e-portfolios. The Open University designed and carried out evaluation and partners tested the transferability and useability of MyStuff within their own institutions. The ALT will organised two dissemination events.
Outputs and outcomes
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Focus groups held with mentors, careers advisors and employers to assess requirements from transferable eportfolio model
- Development of online course with integrated eportfolio content by Open University
- Development and testing of portable version of MyStuff eportfolio with partners
- Two groups of learners (approx 150 per course) complete course and create eportfolios which are shared with regional advisors in partner institutions
- Evaluation of how learners, advisors and employers have used eportfolios
- Evaluation of eportfolio use by learning professionals
- Two national dissemination workshops held
Project Staff
Project Manager
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Clem Herman, The Open University, Dept of Systems, ICT and Technology Management, Tel: 01908 659826 c.herman@open.ac.uk
Project Team
- Niall Sclater, Chair of Steering Group
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Gill Kirkup, Project Evaluator
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Robin Goodfellow, Project Evaluator