ePortfolios: Platforms

There is a wide variety of platforms that can be used for ePortfolios. The best platform to use for an ePortfolio will be one that best suits your needs and tastes. If you are supporting learners, it might help to choose or recommend a specific platform to them and to be familiar with it yourself so you can provide support to any queries or issues they may have.

There a number of factors you should consider before choosing a platform:

Public or Private: Do you want to share your ePortfolio with anyone or only some people? Do you want to keep your ePortfolio totally private?
Ease of use: Some platforms are easier to use than others. It's best to pick a platform that makes sense to you.
Cost: Some platforms are free and others may involve paying a subscription. You also may have access to some platforms through your place of work or institution.
Function: Is there anything in particular you need the platform to do? For example, if you need to include videos and images, you should choose a platform that can facilitate this easily.

Types of Platforms

Web Platforms

Any platform that will allow you to create webpages can be used for ePortfolios. These work well when you want an ePortfolio to be easily shared and accessible to others. Many platforms, such as WordPress or Weebly, can hide your ePortfolios from search engines allowing you more control over who can view it. Most web platforms are free but may offer additional features with a paid subscription.

Examples:

Dedicated Platforms

Some platforms are designed specifically for creating ePortfolios. The vast majority of dedicated ePortfolio platforms involve some sort of cost and may require your IT department to set up and provide access, if you are using them for learners. Depending on how the platforms are set up, learners may lose access to their ePortfolios upon completion of their course.

Examples:

Learning Management Systems

Learning management systems can be used for learner ePortfolios. One of the benefits of this is that you should already have access to one through your institution. Unfortunately learners will lose access to their ePortfolio when their course is complete.

Examples:

Blackboard
Moodle

Note Taking Programs

Programs design for in-depth note taking can also be used for ePortfolios. These work particularly well for personal ePortfolios where you may not want to allow others to view them, but can be shared with specific people such as for assessment purposes or group projects. They provide an easy means of collecting and organising a variety of content.

Examples:

OneNote
- You should have access to this program through your institution's subscription to Microsoft Office
Evernote