CS1022 Learning in a digital environment Guide: ePortfolios

ePortfolios are basically online portfolios and they are one means of creating a professional online presence. ePortfolios are similar to traditional portfolios, in that, they are collections of your work that show off your capabilities and talents. The primary difference between ePortfolios and traditional (or offline digital) portfolios is that they're online and generally available for potential employers to see. ePortfolios are useful if you have samples of your work that may be relevant to employers, like project exemplars, writing samples, presentations, and/or design samples. They are a means of telling your professional story online and they are also useful repositories, where you can keep content/writing/resume information.

Important: All JCU students are provided with a free access to the Pebblepad ePortfolio platform, while at university and after they graduate. You can find more information on using Pebblepad here (or by following the link below).

Note: You don't have to make all the content in your ePortfolio visible to the public/employers. Your ePortfolio will be private until you decide to share the content you've created or publish it online.

The main advantage of using an ePortfolio, as opposed to a traditional or offline portfolio, is the range of content that you can include. The JCU ePortfolio platform can be used to host written content, videos, files, and images. The pebblepad platform can also be used to record achievements, as a repository for reference letter, or to host copies of your CV. In some classes Pebblepad is also used as a means of delivering course materials.

View these links below for further information on using Pebblepad and creating ePortolios.

Job hunting requires a certain level of digital literacy.

You need:

• Source evaluation (or crap detection) skills to filter through all the spam, rubbish, advertisements, and scams that litter the online job market.
• A certain level of ICT literacy; so you can feel confident using online application forms, creating professional resumes, and/or compiling ePortfolios.
• Digital communications skills, for writing impressive emails and acing Skype interviews.
• As well as, the technical capabilities that you'll need to perform the job.

A high level of digital literacy can even result in you receiving a job offer when you're not looking. Simply because, if you have a professional online presence (in the form of Linkedin profile, professional website or blog) employers know you're out there. In contrast, a less than sufficient level of digital literacy could result in someone being rejected for a job before they even get to the interview. Remember, 48% of employers use Google, or other search engines, to research potential job candidates; 44% search for candidates on Facebook (careerbuilder.com). How professional is your online presence?

Check out the links below and learn how to take the first steps towards utlising your digital literacy skills to  further your career.