Exploring e-Portfolios as Independent Open Learner Models: Toward Army Learning Concept 2015.

The Army Learning Concept (ALC) 2015 describes a learning model that leverages peer-based learning. According to ALC 2015 “the future learning model must offer opportunities for Soldiers to provide input into the learning system throughout their career" as well as account for Soldiers’ prior knowledge and experiences (ALC 2015, p. 6). In order to accomplish this vision, learning systems such as game-based, adaptive or intelligent tutoring systems will need to leverage independent open learner models that are populated by systems, instructors, or the users themselves. Electronic or digital portfolios (a.k.a. e-portfolio) are a concept currently under review by the International Standards Organization (ISO) that enables users to monitor and share skills, educational goals, competencies, outcomes, and achievements. E-portfolios and independent open learner models are user managed and can aid decision making on career development as well as provide personal reflections beyond the abilities of most assessment systems and Learning Management Systems (LMS) representative of formal learning and training. This paper reports exploration that seeks to understand what implications for the ALC 2015 learning model can be gleaned from e-portfolios and independent open learner models. We address the following questions: What are the most salient components of eportfolios and independent open learner models that taken together may be predictive of performance? How can eportfolios and independent open learner models be used to create more effective learning environments? What additional data sources are needed to develop robust e-portfolios and learner models for training? What privacy protection should be considered? What ethical and accessibility issues should be considered? The challenges identified by this exploratory research are applicable to achieving the vision of ALC 2015.