USING E PORTFOLIOS TO CAPTURE NON FORMAL AND INFORMAL LEARNING

How we use technology is impacting every aspect of how we live and work. It is possible now to capture knowledge skills and ability digitally and to maintain this activity to support personal development planning, interviews for the workplace or for return to education where it can be used for Recognition of Prior Learning purposes. This paper explores the value of using e portfolios to capture non formal and informal learning over time. Specifically the research investigates the use of Google sites to capture non formal and informal learning with a class group on the BA in Community Development in Cork Institute of Technology, Ireland. The class built e portfolios over the course of the semester and subsequent reflections reveal the value of incorporating e portfolios as part of the first year experience. This research explores how e portfolios can be structured to support the individual capture their learning over time and their significance in providing a reflective space for the learner. This research was supported by the HEA and the REAP project.