eDoc Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an electronic portfolio?
An electronic portfolio is a collection of electronic information for developing or demonstrating competencies in a field of study. This may include artifacts (documents, presentations, audio and/or video clips, graphics, etc.) and reflections. Other names for electronic portfolios are ePortfolios, Efolios, Webfolios, Website Portfolios, and more.
The process of creating a portfolio includes the common elements of collecting, selecting, reflecting, and projecting.
Q: What are some of the potential advantages of portfolio assessment?
Portfolios help…
- build a culture of evidence for making decisions about teaching and learning,
- display authentic work
- with formative, as well as summative assessment
- provide evidence for growth over time,
- make inquiry into learning public for critical review and dissemination of knowledge.
Q: What are some advantages of electronic portfolios?
Electronic Portfolios…
- Increasingly, electronic or digital media is a native format for authentic work
- Integrate text, graphics, video & sound
- Are Non-linear (hypertext) and support interactivity
- Are Portable
- Help with organization of material over time (storage space)
- Facilitate collaborative practice
Q: What kinds of electronic portfolio systems exist?
- Homegrown
- Open Source
- Commercial
- Common-tools
- Hybrids
Q: What is the purpose of electronic portfolios?
It is important to be clear on the purpose for an electronic portfolio. Generally, purposes revolve around assessment, learning, and showcasing student performance.
- To promote student learning
- To aid in career planning and a job search
- For assessment (course, capstone, program)
- To help with accreditation (program, institution)
- To showcase student work
- To help with advising and teaching
- Other
Q: What is eDoc?
eDoc is a developing campus-wide electronic portfolio system. It allows students (undergraduate and graduate) to collect and present evidence demonstrating academic and professional competencies to faculty advisors, departments, and potential employers. It also allows students to interact and collaborate with their peers in a professional and scholarly manner.
Q: Who can use eDoc?
Anyone who has a valid ISU NetID and password. You may also share your portfolio for review with someone outside of the Iowa State system.
Q: What are some advantages of using eDoc?
eDoc is a customized system which meets specific needs of individuals, departments, or programs at Iowa State. You don’t need to know html or web authoring software to use it. eDoc is stored in the student/faculty/staff allocated file space (1 Gb free). Access is controlled by the owner and assigned by role (guest, stateholder, employer, etc.). Multiple portfolios are supported, both portal users and non-ISU users may view them, and eDoc portfolios are downloadable to a CD.
Q: How do I get to eDoc?
You get to eDoc through the iState portal system at https://portal.iastate.edu/
Log in using your NetID and password.
You will find further instructions at this site.
Q: What is a “theme” in eDoc?
An eDoc “theme” is a template that has been designed and developed by departments and/or academic programs for assessing learning outcomes. There also is a freeform theme where you can point to your own website, and a generic theme in which you may add your own categories and options.
Q: How do I request / develop a new theme for my department?
Contact Lesya Hassal or Rex Heer (eportfolio@iastate.edu; 294-6072) in CELT if you are interested in developing a new theme. However, before contacting, please consider the following questions to get started:
What is the purpose for your theme?
Learning, Assessment, Showcase/Career, combination
What type of users will you have?
Undergraduate, Graduate, Both, Others
What is your intended length of use?
Orientation course, Capstone course, Throughout your program
What key people will support your theme?
Faculty, Students, Administration
Q: What software do I need to access eDoc?
You only need to have access to the Internet and a recent version of a Web browser.
Q: Which Web browser should I use with eDoc?
eDoc is optimized for Firefox, but you can use any browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, AOL, Firefox, Mozilla. In general, if you are having a problem with one browser, try another one. We recommend that you do not use IE with Macs.
Q: Who do I contact for support and help?
Email eportfolio@iastate.edu for assistance.
