Twelve tips for successful e-tutoring using electronic portfolios

Background: E-tutoring by means of a digital portfolio offers personal guidance in a context in which regular face-to-face contact between supervisor and student is difficult. However, implementing e-tutoring in practice is not always straightforward. Aims: This article investigates the conditions for successful e-tutoring of electronic portfolios. Method: A combination of three methods is used: our own experience with e-tutoring, interviews with 14 tutors using an e-portfolio and the answers on questionnaires by 107 students. Results: We present 12 tips to increase the chances of successful e-tutoring when using electronic portfolios. Conclusion: E-tutoring by means of electronic portfolios can be a feasible alternative in contexts in which face-to-face tutoring is difficult.

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