Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
along with a number of successful, semi successful, and unsuccessful programs
and initiatives have been part of the Web portfolios history.
Defining the Electronic Portfolio
and the Web Portfolio
I will provide my synthesized definition of the electronic portfolio and Web
portfolio initially to provide a background for the rest of this text. My definition
is specific to meeting the needs of all disciplines, even those that sit outside the
academic realm. In addition, the definition I provide is consistent with my
thoughts on the future of the Web portfolio within society and more importantly,
how electronic portfolios will fit within the information society of the future. This
definition is based on field experience and meta analysis of past and current
trends in electronic portfolio development. Literature review will provide
additional definitions that establish a framework for electronic portfolios. You
will find a multitude of variations on how an electronic and Web portfolio is
defined, most of which has content as a central piece of the definition.
To define the Web portfolio, we must first define the e-portfolio, also known
as the electronic portfolio. The electronic portfolio is a collection of artifacts,
project samples, cases, and focused content presenting the messages and
professional and public appearance of an individual or a company through
electronic media (Web, DVD, CD-ROM). The e-portfolio provides evidence
of skills, experience, and learning. I define the Web portfolio as: an electronic
portfolio that is an Internet delivered, interactive, mass communication used to
persuade users. The Web is the container for displaying work of all types. Much
like the artist's vinyl portfolio topic is used to display paintings and drawings,
the Web portfolio shows off work in any discipline. The Web portfolio carries
messages from the company or individual to the cyber public and natural public.
When Web portfolios are created they are promoted by the creator, either
company or individual, by all the common methods of advertising and market-
ing, the most basic being word of mouth. Web portfolios get seen in most cases
because people are told to go to them on the Internet. A Web portfolio address
atop a resume or a corporate letterhead invites the reader the further their
investment in communicating with the sender. When the reader visits, he or she
will be exposed to messages and appearance. The messages are focused on a
favorable reaction. Favorable reaction might be a job, a purchase order, a
