ePortfolios in Australian schools: supporting learners' self-esteem, multiliteracies and reflection on learning

Electronic or ePortfolios are containers for selections of digital items – whether audio, visual, text, or a combination of these – generally used to show individual learning. Large-scale systems are being developed in Europe and the United States, based on specially-designed proprietary or open-source software. In contrast, most Australian ePortfolio projects in schools are small-scale, locally-developed attempts to take advantage of digital formats to develop a range of literacies, express learners’ identities and present achievements to various audiences. This paper describes recent school-based examples reported by teachers and students and concludes that teachers believe that important outcomes lie in increasing self-esteem, improving multiliteracies and developing the skills of reflection. It suggests that it is important to build on the current knowledge and experience of teachers and students if the use of ePortfolios is to spread.