Short answer
Design digital tools that empower users to tell their own stories and reflect on their personal and professional development, fostering a deeper sense of self and learning.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- USF Scholarship Repository (University of San Francisco) (2013)
- Method
- Qualitative research - Critical Hermeneutic Participatory Inquiry
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Electronic portfolios, when viewed as dynamic narrative spaces rather than static assessment tools, can significantly foster students' understanding of their own identity and learning journey. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in USF Scholarship Repository (University of San Francisco). Using Qualitative research - critical hermeneutic participatory inquiry, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design digital tools that empower users to tell their own stories and reflect on their personal and professional development, fostering a deeper sense of self and learning.
ePortfolios as Narrative Tools Enhance Student Identity and Learning
Electronic portfolios, when viewed as dynamic narrative spaces rather than static assessment tools, can significantly foster students' understanding of their own identity and learning journey.
USF Scholarship Repository (University of San Francisco) · 2013
Key Findings
- 01ePortfolios serve diverse purposes, including advising, mentoring, and presenting academic identity to employers or faculty.
- 02Students' experiences with ePortfolios can lead to new understandings of self and others.
- 03ePortfolios can act as a medium for students to examine their past and envision future possibilities.
Application
Design takeaway
Design digital tools that empower users to tell their own stories and reflect on their personal and professional development, fostering a deeper sense of self and learning.
How to apply
When designing educational platforms or professional networking tools, incorporate features that allow users to curate their experiences into a coherent narrative, reflecting on their growth and future goals.
Project actions
- 01Consider how users can add reflective commentary to their work.
- 02Explore ways to connect different pieces of work to show a progression or theme.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Employs a rich qualitative methodology to explore nuanced user experiences.
- +Provides a theoretical framework (critical hermeneutics) for understanding the deeper impact of digital tools.
Limitations
The qualitative nature means findings might not be generalizable to all users or contexts. The interpretation of 'narrative' can be subjective.
Reliability & validity
Reliability is limited due to the subjective nature of qualitative interpretation. Validity is enhanced by using a robust theoretical framework to guide the interpretation of participant narratives.
Think critically
To what extent can the 'narrative' aspect of ePortfolios be objectively measured or assessed, and how might this impact its utility as a formal assessment tool?
Design Principles
"Design for narrative reflection and identity formation."
This research highlights a shift in how digital tools can be leveraged in educational and professional contexts. By focusing on the user's experience and self-expression, designers can create platforms that not only showcase work but also facilitate personal growth and reflection.
What This Means for Your Design
Think of digital portfolios not just as a place to show off your work, but as a way to tell your story. How can you design something that helps people understand themselves better and see how they've grown?
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing how digital tools can support user reflection and identity development.
- 2.Use the findings to justify design choices that prioritize user narrative and self-expression over simple data display.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research suggests that electronic portfolios, when designed as 'living portals' for narrative inquiry, can profoundly impact a student's learning and identity. By shifting the focus from mere assessment to a medium for self-understanding and future envisioning, designers can create digital tools that foster deeper personal growth and a more coherent sense of self, as evidenced by the diverse purposes students found for ePortfolios, from academic presentation to personal reflection.
Source
USF Scholarship Repository (University of San Francisco)
Electronic Portfolios as Living Portals: A Narrative Inquiry into College Student Learning, Identity, and Assessment.
journal · 2013
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about eportfolios as narrative tools enhance student identity and learning?
- Design digital tools that empower users to tell their own stories and reflect on their personal and professional development, fostering a deeper sense of self and learning. Evidence: USF Scholarship Repository (University of San Francisco) (2013).
- Why does "ePortfolios as Narrative Tools Enhance Student Identity and Learning" matter for design?
- This research highlights a shift in how digital tools can be leveraged in educational and professional contexts. By focusing on the user's experience and self-expression, designers can create platforms that not only showcase work but also facilitate personal growth and reflection.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design digital tools that empower users to tell their own stories and reflect on their personal and professional development, fostering a deeper sense of self and learning.
- What were the main findings?
- ePortfolios serve diverse purposes, including advising, mentoring, and presenting academic identity to employers or faculty.. Students' experiences with ePortfolios can lead to new understandings of self and others.. ePortfolios can act as a medium for students to examine their past and envision future possibilities.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative research - Critical Hermeneutic Participatory Inquiry.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2013 journal from USF Scholarship Repository (University of San Francisco).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing educational platforms or professional networking tools, incorporate features that allow users to curate their experiences into a coherent narrative, reflecting on their growth and future goals.
- What are the limitations?
- The study's findings are based on interpretive analysis of conversations, which may be subject to researcher bias and the subjective experiences of participants.