Who Owns the E-Portfolio????

This week I have been working on editing my e-portfolio based on feedback I have received from my classmates.  I am working diligently to make my e-portfolio easier to  navigate and more user friendly.  I don't how it is working out, but I will have more feedback that will assist with this. :) While working on this project, I am also reflecting on the question, "Who Owns the E-portfolio?"  This has been a thought provoking question for me and leads me to the following thoughts.

Throughout the EdTech program, I have been given some control of my e-portfolio.  I believe I have had the opportunity to explore certain technology platforms in the course.  However, I also had to ensure I included every assignment/details in the portfolio to receive credit for the assignment.  I decided on the program, resources, etc. that I wanted to use.  However, there were still guidelines to follow.  So when answering the question, “Who Owns the Eportfolio?” I feel I have owned it to a certain extent.

Gardner Campbell (2009) recommends moving away from the template-driven assignments and give students the selection of tools to use and allow students to make those meaningful connections.  I struggled with this because I have chosen tools that I’m confident in using, but I often wonder if this is the tool/resource that my instructor feels is best to use.  The article also states the student must have ownership of ideas that lead to deeper learning.  When students are reflecting on their own ideas, this is when one is able to make meaningful connections. Thibodeaux (2015) states students should not only be given choice, ownership, voice and agency (COVA) over their digital domain, but also the same must be given over their ideas.  In my opinion, when this happens, the student becomes the owner of the E-portfolio.