Student Perceptions About the Production of Electronic Portfolios: Technology, Process, and Showcase Insights

This qualitative study assesses students’ perceptions about electronic portfolios. A survey including two open-ended questions focusing on what students learned and what they would recommend to others about electronic portfolios was administered to current enrolled students ma- joring in criminal justice, cybersecurity, or leadership. We analyzed the responses of participants who reported creating an electronic portfolio for their course or program. Five themes were identified related to dis- covery (technology, e-portfolio as a process, e-portfolio as a product, age and e-portfolios, and the multifaceted nature of e-portfolios) and four themes were identified characterizing the tips students had for developing electronic portfolios (showcase tips, technological advice, process guidance, and just say no to electronic portfolios). In addition, older students appeared to have less favorable attitudes about electron- ic portfolios. Implications for future efforts using electronic portfolios include clearly demonstrating the purpose of the tools, making sure students see portfolios as a process and not an event, providing faculty and students the support they need, and involving qualified students as tutors/mentors to other students doing electronic portfolios for the first time. In addition, future research regarding the enhancement of electronic portfolios is recommended. Key words: electronic portfolios, student perceptions, criminal justice, cybersecurity, leadership