Contrasting approaches: Institutional or individual ownership in ePortfolio systems

The traditional approach to the provision of e-learning systems is one of institutional control and ownership. In the context of electronic portfolio systems in support of lifelong learning this approach needs to be questioned, as the characteristics of lifelong learning are in conflict with institutional ownership and control. Lifelong learning, with its aspects of lifewide and self-directed learning, needs to put the learner in charge of system and data. Institutional learning linkages are still important, but the role of the institution has to be one of support instead of control. To retain the advantages of institutional types of ePortfolio systems while at the same time matching the lifelong learning paradigm the suggestion is made to separate system provision from the educational relationship by hosting the ePortfolio system with an external provider.

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