E-Portfolios for Computer Science and Engineering Students Massey University, New Zealand

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E-Portfolios for Computer Science and Engineering
StudentsMassey University, New Zealand
Nathan Jones
Justin Grayson

• Eva Heinrich

Faguele Suaalii
Madhumita Bhattacharya
Ramesh Rayudu
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• Portfolio profiles
• Computer Science graduate profile
• Computer systems engineering graduate profile
• Derived from
• Institute internal documentation
• Academic and professional associations
• Industry collaboration
• Special emphasis on life-long learning and
  transferable skills

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• Project characteristics
• Targets students in technical disciplines
• Sits outside paper structures
• Does not contribute to grades
• Calls for voluntary participation
• Emphasises self-assessment
• Involves industry
• Has some initial funding from Massey University

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• Time frame

Oct05
Feb06
Oct06
Preparation Graduate profiles Sample
portfolios Software setup Strategy
development Instructions
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• Time frame

Oct05
Feb06
Oct06
Main phase Recruitment Portfolio
creation Industry feedback Ongoing support
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• Time frame

Oct05
Feb06
Oct06
Evaluation Participation Student learning Funding
requirements Software Industry support Transfer
into other disciplines
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• Motivation for students to participate
• Experience shows that grades are the biggest
  motivator
• We dont have this option
• We need to emphasise learning benefits
• Guidance towards graduate profile
• Linkages between subject areas
• Reflection and communication skills
• Opportunity to get industry feedback
• Superior job application material
• Preparation for future career

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• Traditional paper instead of degree focus
• Funding structures
• Degree requirements
• Staff allocation and responsibilities
• Opportunity for better information flow across
  paper boundaries for teaching staff?
• Move towards degree requirement?

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• Mid/Long-term support for the project
• Currently funded under Masseys scheme
• Funding for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching
  
• Enough for project setup and first two semesters
• Then?
• Someone needs to take responsibility on a
  degree/major level
• Ongoing tutor support
• Server hardware
• Software maintenance
• Profile maintenance
• E-portfolio services for alumni?

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• E-Portfolio software
• Currently Open Source Portfolio software (OSP)
• Collaborative, open source software development
  project
• http//www.osportfolio.org/
• Looks like having all the features required
• Matrix listing skills for fulfill graduate
  profile
• Students enter evidence and reflections
• Presentations are generated based on selected
  material
• External reviewers can be given access
• Quite a bit of knowledge regarding web servers,
  XML and JavaScript is required
• Opportunity (need?) for contribution from a NZ
  perspective

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• Where to from here
• We seek contact with other groups in NZ
• Doing similar projects
• Using OSP
• Information on our project
• http//www-ist.massey.ac.nz/eportfolios/