Using electronic portfolio (e-portfolio) systems has the potential to meet various program and institutional goals; however, if the system is overly complex or users are not confident in using the technology system then this may lead to unsatisfactory results and not fully understand the overall benefits of the system. The aim is to explore the usability of the educational technology and make sure it is seamless. We need to talk about how technology leads us to learning and not about technology as a stumbling block to learning.
The study and poster presented below is based on understanding how technology platforms of e-portfolio systems may subvert student learning due to bad system design, lack institutional support or unrealistic expectations of human behavior around accountability mechanisms.
The results of the study showed students were slightly more satisfied and evaluated the Mahara (MyPortfolio) system slightly more positive in terms of system usability, learning strategies and navigation compared to Google Sites. Consequently, students’ retrospective feedback showed both positive and negative usage depending on which system they were required to use. The e-portfolio Google Sites received positive feedback based on its accessibility and easy access to any device and operating system. The Mahara (MyPortfolio) system received positive feedback based on its easy uploading of files (artifacts) and portfolio formatting. However, it is important to reveal that students expressed difficulties with both e-portfolio systems. Students had issues with formatting and with the layout of Google Sites while students had issues with the chunkiness and user friendliness of the Mahara (MyPortfolio) system.
The next Phases of the study will explore user's technological abilities and attitude toward the educational system and associate these characteristics to the usability of technology platform to determine if these factors impact the quality of e-portfolios students create.
The study and poster presented below is based on understanding how technology platforms of e-portfolio systems may subvert student learning due to bad system design, lack institutional support or unrealistic expectations of human behavior around accountability mechanisms.
The results of the study showed students were slightly more satisfied and evaluated the Mahara (MyPortfolio) system slightly more positive in terms of system usability, learning strategies and navigation compared to Google Sites. Consequently, students’ retrospective feedback showed both positive and negative usage depending on which system they were required to use. The e-portfolio Google Sites received positive feedback based on its accessibility and easy access to any device and operating system. The Mahara (MyPortfolio) system received positive feedback based on its easy uploading of files (artifacts) and portfolio formatting. However, it is important to reveal that students expressed difficulties with both e-portfolio systems. Students had issues with formatting and with the layout of Google Sites while students had issues with the chunkiness and user friendliness of the Mahara (MyPortfolio) system.
The next Phases of the study will explore user's technological abilities and attitude toward the educational system and associate these characteristics to the usability of technology platform to determine if these factors impact the quality of e-portfolios students create.
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