Wk2 Act1 – Case Study 35. Use of e-portfolios to support nursing and midwifery, e-Portfolios

Aim

To develop a community of learners and later a community of practice of teachers.

Audience

Undergraduate students on nursing and midwifery programmes. Average age of the family friendly programme was 30 years.

Problem

E-portfolio scheme was introduced to support the need to evidence managed off-site study time activity to meet NMC requirements.

Solution

Use the e-portfolio system offered by PebblePad to support an initial cohort of learners.

Design

Sample webfolios were developed to give students example e-portfolios to work from these included suggested points to include hyperlinks to evidence.

Training

In the early stages tutors experience of using e-portfolio and collaborative tools was limited. Staff attended 2 hr training and was supported via a mentoring scheme. Students had 4 sessions programmed into the first 4 weeks of the course. Skills required were basic: work with e-portfolio templates, upload documents and create hyperlinks.

Method Delivery

Managed off-site activities were held in the module guide located on the VLE via Internet.

Benefits

When students were on clinical placements the e-portfolio managed to create a community of learners away from the confines of the university. Students were highly positive about the use of the e=portfolio to share experiences and gain feedback. Sharing ideas and group problem solving.

So what is innovative about this case study?

1. Enabled an electronic method to record off-site evidence gained from the practical experience gain in placements.

2. Provided a community of learning when dispersed; sharing views, keeping in tocuh, getting support and help peers and staff.