Experiential Learning E-Portfolios:Promoting Connections between Academic and Workplace Learning Utilizing Information and Communications Technologies

Brown, J. (2009). Experiential Learning E-Portfolios: Promoting Connections between Academic and Workplace Learning Utilizing Information and Communication Technologies. Miami: Barry University, School of Adult and Continuing Education.

Brown's (2009) paper examines the effectiveness of developing e-portfolios in two case studies to promote connections between academic and workplace learning. In Maloney’s (2007) words “the e-portfolio allows learners to trace the development of their thinking and learning over time and to show their competencies to the university and employers” (as cited in Brown, 2009, p. 2). The author briefly refers to learning approaches through the time till she reaches the one that supports her research. According to Brown (2009), the developmental constructivist work of Kegan (1994) and Mezinow’s (1996) transforamtive theory on learning allow learners to reflect upon their learning process, to change their behaviour, to construct and (re)discover meaning in such a way their complex cognitive ways increase. Relevant sections in the paper emphasized the idea of validating work environments as venues for higher level knowledge acquisition. These sections are: Workplace Learning; E-portfolios and learning; and The Transformation of Experience to Learning. After analysing the results obtained, Brown (2009) concludes that workplace can serve as another way of learning and e-portfolios can prove to be a connection between academic and professional competencies.
















Reference
Brown, J. (2009). Experiential learning e-portfolios: promoting connections between academic and workplace learning utilizing information and communication technologies. Paper presented at the American Educational Research Association Conference Workplace Learning Special Interest Group paper session, April 16th, 2009.