RAPPORT Vol 3 RAPPORT Vol 3 Issue 1 | Page 59

RAPPORT Volume 3 Issue 1 (2018) potential of the e-portfolios to other students and is something that will be incorporated again in 2019. Recommendations Comparing the two years, the assessment of and for learning / learning outcomes are broadly similar, as discussed above. However, the e-portfolios added an additional element of learning. At a minimum, all students learnt how to use the basic functions of the e-portfolios, how to create and upload their own videos (using Youtube, Powtoon, Moovly and other video formats), and how to develop their reflections on creativity in a text format on e-portfolios. Evaluating the issues arising during the ‘Act’ step, five areas of improvement in assessment for learning will be developed for the next cycle, namely: Over half of the students went beyond this and learnt how to create different types of digital artefacts to provide evidence of their learning, with some providing evidence of very strong digital competence. In many cases, students provided evidence of additional personal learning beyond the assessment requirements, indicating the potential to include Personal Development Planning in future iterations of e-portfolio development. Overall, most students exhibited several of the DCU Generation 21 aptitudes and proficiencies in their e-portfolio presentations, particularly those relating to information literacy, digital intelligence, research and inquiry, personal awareness and development, and intellectual insight and innovative thinking. In addition, five students in the class were shortlisted for the DCU e-portfolio showcase awards in 2018, two of whom were placed in first and second place overall, which was quite an achievement for first year students newly introduced to e-portfolios. Recommendations for improvements in Assessment FOR Learning o Improved Rubrics / Marking Scheme which would also facilitate more self- evaluation. o More structured and timely feedback, incorporating peer- and collaborative- feedback. o Reduce the number of assignments in the first, formative, phase of assessment to facilitate earlier teacher feedback. o Additional supports on how to use functions of e-portfolios and Loop Reflect o Examples of similar e-portfolios. Recommendations for improvements in Assessment AS Learning Evaluating the issues arising during the ‘Act’ step, and against DCU’s Generation 21 aptitudes and proficiencies, three areas of improvement in assessment as learning will be developed in future cycles, namely: o Introduce students to Personal Development Planning to encourage more learning to learn activities. o Incorporate more peer- and self- assessment feedback to encourage collaborative and self-reflective learning o Spaces for more collaborative work and feedback /sharing ideas. 58