Assessment without Standardization: Can General Education Competencies be Assessed from ePortfolios across the University?

Can general education competencies be assessed using eportfolios from different platforms and programs? A study of 27 portfolios (11 programs or courses, five platforms) indicates that this is possible. Using the American Association of Universities and College’s VALUE rubrics to assess eportfolios from different platforms, constructed for different purposes, showed progressive mastery of skills over the course of the university experience. The study highlighted that demonstrating certain skills such as community engagement, information literacy and integrative learning need artifacts that explicitly address these skills, whereas critical thinking and written communication were more generally represented in the eportfolios regardless of course or program.