As of the 2018/19 school year, all new students in the WRD MA program will create and submit an eportfolio as part of the degree requirement. This post details the new eportfolio process and offers tips to help students get started. While new MA students are required to submit an eportfolio, current MA students are encouraged to complete the eportfolio also.
What is the EPortfolio and How is it Evaluated?
MA students will submit both a Mid-Program and a Professional ePortfolio at different times in the program.
Mid-Program EPortfolio
After completing the sixth course but before taking the ninth course, students must submit an eportfolio to their advisor and meet with this advisor to discuss both the eportfolio and future plans in the program. The Mid-Program ePortfolio must be approved by the assigned advisor prior to registering for the ninth course in the program.
This eportfolio should include: 1) evidence from at least four and no more than six completed major projects in the MA (note that students are encouraged to include drafts and other interim deliverables along with final items), 2) an explanatory essay, 3) contextualizing comments throughout.
Professional EPortfolio
In the final quarter of coursework, students must submit a Professional ePortfolio and reflective synopsis. This eportfolio should be created for an audience of prospective employers or professional colleagues. The eportfolio will be evaluated by the WRD Graduate Committee as “Pass” or “Fail,” and students will receive summary feedback. A Professional ePortfolio that does not initially earn a score of “Pass” must be revised until it does so.
Student Samples of the Final EPortfolio:
https://anthonymelville.com/
https://kelseybportfolio.com/
I’m an MA WRD Student. How Do I Create an EPortfolio?
We recommend using Digication, WordPress, or Wix/Weebly to create your eportfolio. If there is a different platform you’d like to use, ask your advisor for approval.
Remember that this eportfolio will likely be public, so be cognizant of your site’s name and content.
When Should I Begin Working on my EPortfolio?
From your first quarter onward, you should archive drafts, assignment sheets, and other process documents from your courses.
The Mid-Program ePortfolio is due between your sixth and eighth courses, with a deadline of the first day of the quarter in which you complete your eighth course. For full-time students who enter in the autumn quarter, the spring quarter and the summer between your first and second year in the program will be the time to develop and complete your Mid-Program ePortfolio.
The Final ePortfolio is due on the first day of your last quarter in the program.
How Can I Get Help with my EPortfolio?
For content issues, please schedule a time to meet with your advisor. For design issues, drop into the Invention Lab, where the GAs can help. The department will also hold an ePortfolio-making workshop each spring quarter.
Technical Resources
The University Center for Writing-Based Learning (UCWbL)
The UCWbL‘s Writing Center program offers free EPortfolio Support to all DePaul undergraduate and graduate students. Peer writing tutors have expertise in the Digication platform and available to offer support.
WordPress Resources
Wix Resources
Weebly Resources