TEACHx 2018

This panel discussion will explore experiences, lessons, and research on the use of public digital learning portfolios across a professional graduate degree program — the Master of Science in Learning and Organizational Change (MSLOC) in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. Digital learning portfolios can be described as a collection of evidence, represented online, to show a student’s learning journey over time and to demonstrate their capabilities. Portfolios are generally used in three different cases: for assessment, for learning, or to showcase competence (e.g., as digital resumes). MSLOC has used digital learning portfolios since 2015. In this session, we’ll focus on sharing our insights and portfolio program developments resulting from past and ongoing Northwestern Digital Learning Fellowship awards (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). In MSLOC’s case, online means public, on the web, using WordPress as a common portfolio platform. Our experience points to the value of reflection and synthesis, the tension between showcase and learning, and the opportunity to frame digital learning portfolios as a key element in the development of a student’s desired professional identity. Panelists include MSLOC instructors and students who can speak to their perspectives in each of these areas.