Desire2Learn eportfolio Tool NEIU Instructor Guide

Transcription

1 Desire2Learn eportfolio Tool NEIU Instructor Guide Introduction The Desire2Learn (D2L) eportfolio tool allows you to store, organize, reflect on, and share items that represent your learning. You can include documents, graphics, audio files, videos, presentations, course work just about anything that demonstrates your improvement or mastery in a certain area. You decide what items you want to include in your eportfolio, how you want to organize them, and with whom you want to share them. When you share items (with your peers, professors, mentors, potential employers), you can give them permission to view items, edit items, see or add comments, and see or add assessments all depending on what type of feedback you want. This Quick-Guide covers all of the functions of the D2L eportfolio tool, for both students and instructors. Use the links in the Table of Contents below to jump directly to specific topics. Table of Contents Everyone Page Getting to the eportfolio Tool Dashboard 2 Students Create Artifacts 2 Create Reflections 5 Add Tags 6 Create Collections 7 Create Presentations 8 Allow Comments & Rubric Assessments 9 Share Items 10 View Feedback 12 Revise eportfolio Items 12 View and Comment on Others Shared Items 13 Submit eportfolio Items to a Course Dropbox 13 Import and Export eportfolio Items 14 Export Presentations 16 Instructors eportfolio Course Ideas 17 Assess eportfolio Items 18 Allow Certified Artifacts 19 eportfolio Forms 20 eportfolio Rubrics 22 Sharing Groups 22 Create Quicklinks to eportfolio Items 23 Push eportfolio Items to Others 23 1

2 Getting to the eportfolio Tool Dashboard 1. Click the eportfolio link on the navigation bar or in the My Settings widget on the home page. Create Artifacts The eportfolio is a repository for digital artifacts that represent your learning. You can upload or create artifacts on any number of topics and at any stage of completion. An artifact may be a document, graphic, audio file, video file, presentation, or other form of digital media. Access the Artifacts Area Upload Files Upload files from your computer, personal storage device, or Desire2Learn locker area that demonstrate your improvement or mastery in an area of interest. Tip: You might want to compress large media files before uploading them, to save space in your eportfolio. Full-resolution files are not usually necessary for presentation on the web. Note: You have 25MB of space for all of your eportfolio content in D2L. 2. Click on the Add drop-down menu 3. Select File Upload 4. Select File from Computer or File from Locker, as appropriate. Result: The Add a File dialog box displays. 5. Browse for the file you want to add, and click the Add button. Result: The Add Artifact screen displays. 6. Confirm that the selected file displays, and click the Next button. 7. Option: Modify/Key the information for the Name, Description, and Tags fields (see Add Tags below). 8. Click the Save button. Result: The Edit Artifact screen displays. Option: Set the Comments/Assessments preferences for the item and associate the item with a presentation, collection, or learning objective (see later sections of this guide). 9. Click the Save and Close button. 2

3 Import Course Content You can include your course work in your portfolio, and compare among assignments and courses. 1. Click on My Items tab in the eportfolio tool 2. Click on the Add button 3. Select Course Results from the drop-down menu Result: The Add Artifact dialog box displays. 4. Search for or select the name/course code for the desired course. Result: The Import Course Results screen displays. 5. Select the check box(es) for the course results you want to include in your eportfolio. 6. Click the Next button. 7. Option: Modify/Key the information for the Name, Description, and Tags fields (see Add Tags below). Tip: Click the Apply Tags to All Artifacts button to add a set of tags to all items on the page. 8. Click the Save button. Result: The My Items screen displays. 9. Option: To further edit the added item, 1) Select Edit from the drop-down menu next to the name of the item Result: The Edit Artifact screen displays. 2) Make changes in Name, Description, Tag, etc. field(s) Option: Set the Comments/Assessments preferences for the item and associate the item with a presentation, collection, or learning objective (see later sections of this guide). 3) Click the Save and Close button. Create an HTML File eportfolio provides the option to create HTML artifacts using a simple HTML editor. HTML files may contain formatted text, images, videos, audio files, and links to content in Desire2Learn. 1. Click on My Items tab in the eportfolio tool 2. Click on the Add button 3. Select Web Document from the drop-down menu Result: The Add Artifact Create a File dialog box displays. 4. Key a name for the file in the File Name field. 5. Click in the Content text-entry field. Result: The text-editor window activates. Option: Click the More button to display more formatting and link options. 6. Key, paste, and/or link the content for the item in the Content text-entry field. 7. Click the Next button. Option: Modify/Key the information for the Name, Description, and Tags fields (see Add Tags below). 8. Click the Save button. Result: The Edit Artifact screen displays. Option: Set the Comments/Assessments preferences for the item and associate the item with a presentation, collection, or learning objective (see later sections of this guide). 9. Click the Save and Close button. Link to a Web Address If you want to include an existing web site as an artifact in your portfolio, you can reference the address (URL) for the site rather than uploading files. 1. Click on My Items tab in the eportfolio tool 2. Click on the Add button 3. Select Link from the drop-down menu Result: The Add Artifact Create a Link screen displays. 3

4 4. Key a name for the link in the Name field. 5. Key or paste the web address for the link in the URL field. Option: Key or paste content into the Description field. 6. Click the Save button. Result: The Edit Artifact screen displays. Option: Modify/Key the information for the Name, Description, and Tags fields (see Add Tags below). Option: Set the Comments/Assessments preferences for the item and associate the item with a presentation, collection, or learning objective (see later sections of this guide). 7. Click the Save and Close button. Fill Out a Form Forms are templates created by your institution or course leaders that you fill out. Forms collect information using a set of question fields. 1. Click on My Items tab in the eportfolio tool 2. Click on the Add button 3. Select Form Response from the drop-down menu Result: Select a Form Template screen displays. 4. Search for or select the desired form to include in your eportfolio. Result: The Add Form Response screen displays. 5. Respond to the various fields in the form. Option: Key/select information for the Description and Tags fields (see Add Tags below). 6. Click the Save button. Result: The My Items screen displays. 7. Option: To further edit the added item, 1) Select Edit from the drop-down menu next to the name of the item Result: The Edit Artifact screen displays. 2) Make changes in Name, Description, Tag, etc. field(s) Option: Set the Comments/Assessments preferences for the item and associate the item with a presentation, collection, or learning objective (see later sections of this guide). 3) Click the Save and Close button. Record Audio You can record audio directly within eportfolio. Note: You need a microphone and sound card for your computer for this option to function correctly. 1. Click on My Items tab in the eportfolio tool 2. Click on the Add button 3. Select Audio Recording from the drop-down menu Result: The Add Artifact Record Audio screen displays. 4. Does the Adobe Flash Player Settings dialog box display? If yes, go to Step 4. If no, go to Step Select the Allow and Remember options to let neiu.desire2learn.com access the camera and/or microphone on your computer, then select Close in the dialog box. 6. Click the round red Record button and speak into the microphone. Press the same button to Pause the recording. Option: Click the green Play button to preview the recording, or the Clear link to start over. 7. Click the Next button. Option: Modify/Key the information for the Name, Description, and Tags fields (see Add Tags below). 8. Click the Save button. Result: The Edit Artifact screen displays. 4

5 Option: Set the Comments/Assessments preferences for the item and associate the item with a presentation, collection, or learning objective (see later sections of this guide). 9. Click the Save and Close button. Create Reflections Use reflections to discuss items in your portfolio, record your thoughts on topics that interest you, set goals, and think critically about your learning. Reflections may be independent portfolio items, or they can be associated with learning objectives, collections, or presentations. Associating reflections with other items helps other users to see the relationship between the items and makes it easier to revisit your goals and assumptions later. Important: Reflections are visible to other users only if you share them or you add them to a collection or presentation. Associating them with another item does not automatically share them. When you share a reflection that is associated with an item, users may view the associated item when viewing the reflection. If you include a reflection in a collection or presentation, it inherits the permissions of that collection or presentation. Add a Reflection 1. Click on My Items tab in the eportfolio tool 2. Click on the Add button 3. Select Reflections from the drop-down menu Result: The New Reflection screen displays. 4. Key the title of the Reflection into the Title field. 5. Click in the Reflection text-entry field. Result: The text-editor window activates. Option: Click the More button to display more formatting and link options. 6. Key, paste, and/or link the content for the reflection in the Reflection text-entry field. Option: Key/select information for the Tags field (see Add Tags). Option: Set the Comments preferences for the item. 7. Click the Save and Close button. Associate Reflections with Learning Objectives, Collections or Presentations 1. Create and save a reflection or edit an existing reflection (see process above). 2. Click the My Items tab in the eportfolio tool. 3. For the desired Reflection, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the Reflection. 4. Select Associate Learning Objective, Add to Presentation, or Add to Collection, as desired. Result: The Add to dialog box displays. 5. Select the element to which the Reflection should be associated, and follow any remaining steps for the Add to dialog box. 6. Click the Finish button. 5

6 Add Tags Tags are keywords or descriptive labels that you add to items to help categorize them (e.g., course codes, subjects, topics, purpose, status, and the like). You can search both your own portfolio and others shared items by tags. Note: The Tags field is included in the creation process for most eportfolio items. If you wish to add or remove tags after creating an item, follow the processes below. Add a Tag 2. For the desired item, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the item. 3. Select Edit. Result: The Edit screen displays for the item. 4. Locate the Tags field. 5. Key a tag word and click the Add Tags button. Options: Enter multiple tags at once by separating words using spaces. Use quotation marks to create multi-word tag phrases (e.g., winter project ). Use symbol to create a private tag only you can see Result: The tag word or phrase is added below the Tags field. 6. Repeat Step 5 for any additional tag words or phrases. 7. Click the Save button. Remove a Tag 2. For the desired item, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the item. 3. Select Edit. Result: The Edit screen displays for the item. 4. Locate the Tags field. 5. Click the red X next to any tag words or phrases you wish to remove from the item. 6. Click the Save button. 6

7 Create Collections Collections are groups of artifacts, reflections and presentations. They are like folders, except an item can belong to multiple collections at the same time. For example, you may add a short story you wrote to a collection called Fiction as well as to a collection called Creative Writing 101. Although the story is included in both collections, there is only be one copy of the story (artifact) in your eportfolio. Create a Collection 2. Click the New Collection button. Result: The New Collection window displays. 3. Key a name for the Collection in the Name field. Option: Modify/Key the information for the Description and Tags fields (see Add Tags). 4. Click the Save button. Result: The Comments/Assessments and Items in Collection fields are activated. Option: Set the Comments/Assessments preferences for the Collection. 5. Key a search term into the Items in Collection search box and click the Search icon (magnifying glass). Option: Key a single blank space (spacebar key) into the search box to display all available items. 6. Select the check box(es) next to the item(s) you want to include in the collection. 7. Click the Save and Close button. Add an Item to a Collection Use the process below to add existing items to a collection. Note: During the creation or editing process, each item (artifact, reflection, form, and so on) has an Edit screen. In Associated Items section, click the Add button on the Edit screen and then select A Collection to associate an item with one or more collections. 2. For the desired item, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the item. 3. Select Add to Collection. Result: The Add to Collection dialog box displays. 4. Select the check box(es) next to the collection(s) where you want to include the item. 5. Click the Add button. Automatically Populate a Collection via Tag List 2. For the desired collection, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the collection. 3. Select Edit. Result: The Edit Collection window displays. 4. Click the Add to Collection button in the Items in Collection fields. Result: The Add Items to Collection dialog box displays. 5. Click the Tag List link. Result: The Add Items by Tag dialog box displays. 6. Key a name into the Tag List Name field. 7. Add tags that will automatically be associated with this collection (see Add Tags). 8. Click the Save button. 7

8 Create Presentations Presentations let you compile portfolio items in a web project that showcase your achievements. Your presentations can have multiple pages and use different themes and layouts. Presentations provide a polished, professional medium to demonstrate your learning and accomplishments. Create a New Presentation 2. Click on New Presentation button. Result: The New Presentation window displays. 3. Key a name for the presentation in the Name field. Option: Modify/Key the information for the Description and Tags fields (see Add Tags). Option: Set the Comments/Assessments and Learning Objectives preferences for the presentation. 4. Click the Content/Layout tab. Result: The Edit Presentation screen displays. Note: The default setting for a presentation is one page with a narrow left column and a wider right column. 5. Use the Add Component button and/or the New Page icon to place artifacts into the presentation. Option: Use the Edit Presentation Navigation and/or Edit Page Layout links to change from the default settings. Option: Click the Banner tab and customize the Banner Title and Banner Description fields. Option: Click the Theme tab and click the Select button next to the color/design theme desired. 6. Click the Save button (if needed), and then the Close button. Preview a Presentation 2. For the desired presentation, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the collection. 3. Select View. Result: The presentation displays in a new window. Note: You can also preview a presentation by clicking the View Presentation link above the editing tabs when creating or editing a presentation. 8

9 Allow Comments and Rubric Assessments Enabling comments on an artifact, collection, reflection, or presentation allows users who are viewing the item to leave feedback. Use this feature to collaborate with peers so they may congratulate you on your work, provide constructive criticism, or point out additional resources. Enabling assessments for an artifact, collection, reflection, or presentation allows users with the appropriate permissions to evaluate the item using a rubric. You must select which rubric (from the list of rubrics provided by your organization) you want users to evaluate your work against. Set General Comment and Assessment Preferences 1. Click the Settings link in the eportfolio tool (gear icon in the top right of the page). Result: The Settings window displays. 2. Select the check box(es) for Allow Comments and/or Allow Assessments in the Item Defaults section, as desired. 3. Click the Save button. Enable Comments and/or Rubric Assessments for Individual Items 2. For the desired item, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the collection. 3. Select Edit. Result: The Edit window displays. 4. Select the check box(es) for Allow Other to Add/View Comments and/or Allow Other to Add/View Assessments in the Comments/Assessments section, as desired. 5. Did you check the Allow Other to Add/View Assessments check box? If yes, go to Step 6. If no, go to Step Click the Add Rubrics button and follow the prompts to assign a rubric for presentation viewers to use. 7. Click the Save button. 9

10 Share Items eportfolio items are shared with other users through permissions. Separate permissions options exist for each artifact, collection, reflection, and presentation in your portfolio you can choose what content you share with others. You can give permission to see an item to individual users, groups of users based on course or department enrollment, or the general public through a URL (presentations only). 2. For the desired item, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the collection. 3. Select Share. Result: The Sharing Settings dialog box displays. 4. Do you want to share the item with people outside NEIU? If yes, check the box for Anyone with the URL in the Public Access area. Copy and share the web address with people whom you want to gain access to the item. If no, continue to Step Do you want to limit the time frame when the item is visible to others? If yes, click the Show Display Options link in the Presentation Visibility area and select the desired options. If no, go to Step Do you want to share the item with specific people or groups of people at NEIU? If yes, click the Add Users and Groups button in the Presentation Sharing List area, and follow the prompts to select people or groups, and assign permissions to them for seeing or interacting with the item. If no, go to Step Did you select specific people or groups to share the item with? If yes, check the checkbox next to the person s name and click on Send Invite button. If no, click the Close button. Create Sharing Groups Sharing Groups save permissions you want a person or group to have, so you can reuse them. You can modify only Sharing Groups that you created, not ones your course or organization shares with you. 1. Click the Sharing Groups tab in the eportfolio tool. 2. Select the New Sharing Group button. Result: The New Sharing Group Settings dialog box displays. 3. Key a name for the Sharing Group in the Name field. Option: Modify/Key the information for the Description field. 4. Click the Add Users button in the Sharing Group Members area, and follow the prompts to select people or groups. Use the tabs to select people from various groups (and assign permissions to them) such as fellow students in a course. 5. Repeat Step 4 to add more people or groups of people to the Sharing Group. 6. Click the Save and Close button. Set Preferences for a Default Sharing Group 1. Click the Settings link in the eportfolio tool (gear icon in the top right of the page). Result: The Settings window displays. 2. Select the Default Sharing Group from the dropdown menu in the Sharing Settings area. Option: Check or un-check the box(es) in the Item Type Filter list, as desired. Option: Create Tags to associate with the default Sharing Group. 3. Click the Save button. 10

11 Remove Sharing from an Item 2. For the desired item, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the collection. 3. Select Share. Result: The Sharing Settings dialog box displays. 4. Click the red X next to any people or groups you wish to remove from the item s sharing permissions. Remove Permissions in a Sharing Group 1. Click the Sharing Groups tab in the eportfolio tool. 2. Click the name of the desired Sharing Group. Result: The Sharing Group Settings dialog box displays. 3. Check the box(es) for the people or groups whose permissions you would like to change. 4. Click the Edit icon (pencil). 5. Check and un-check the box(es) for the desired permissions. 6. Click the Save and Close button. 11

12 View Feedback If you allow others to comment on or assess items in your portfolio, their feedback becomes a part of the item. You can see it below the item's details (below) or through the feeds and widgets on your eportfolio dashboard. Revise eportfolio Items The eportfolio tool is designed to help you showcase your learning. Consider the artifacts and presentations in your eportfolio as ongoing projects. You can continuously revise them as you develop new skills and understanding, to make your eportfolio a true reflection of your skills and achievements. 2. For the desired item, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the collection. 3. Select Edit. Result: The Edit window displays. 4. Make the revisions you want, such as updating the Name, Description, Comments/Assessments fields or updating the file(s) associated with the item via the Change File button. Note: Not all eportfolio items/artifacts have the same fields and buttons. 5. Click the Save button. 12

13 View and Comment on Others Shared Items View Others Shared Items or 1. Click the Explore tab in the eportfolio tool. 2. For the desired item, click on the title of the item. Result: The item displays. 1. Click the Explore tab in the eportfolio tool. 2. For the desired item, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the collection. 3. Select View. Comment on Others Shared Items 1. View the shared item from the Explore tab in the eportfolio tool. 2. Is the shared item a Presentation? If yes, go to Step 3. If no, go to Step Click the Review link in the top right corner of the Presentation. Result: The Review screen displays. 4. Click the Add Comment button. Result: The Add Comment dialog box displays. 5. Click in the Editor text-entry field, or click on the Edit pencil icon. Result: The text-editor field activates. Option: use the Advanced tab to display more formatting and link options. 6. Key or paste the content for the comment in the text-entry field. 7. Click the Add button. View Invites 1. Click the eportfolio tab in the eportfolio tool. 2. Look at the Unread Invites area of the tab, underneath your profile information. Option: If no Invites are unread, select the View All Invites button. Submit eportfolio Items to a Course Dropbox 1. Go into the course where you want to submit the item. 2. Go to Assessments-->Dropbox and click on the name of the desired dropbox. Result: The Submit Files screen displays. 3. Click the Add a File button. Result: The Add a File dialog box displays. 4. Select eportfolio from the left tool menu. 5. Click the radio button next to the eportfolio item you want to add. 6. Click the Select Item button. Option: Click in the Comments text-entry field. Result: The text-editor field activates. Option: Click the button to display more formatting and link options. 7. Key or paste the content for the comment in the text-entry field. 8. Click the Submit button. 13

14 Important: When you submit an eportfolio item to a course dropbox, a copy of the item is made in the dropbox. Future changes to the eportfolio item are not reflected in the dropbox copy. Import and Export eportfolio Items The Import/Export tool enables you to import and export eportfolio items for use in other portfolios. When you export an item, you also export the item's description, tags, and settings. With the exception of Presentations (see Export Presentations), exported items can only be imported into another Desire2Learn eportfolio. Access the Import/Export Page 2. On the More Actions button, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the collection. 3. Select Go to Import/Export Page. Result: The Import/Export eportfolio Content screen displays. Export All Items from Your eportfolio 1. From the Import/Export eportfolio Content screen, click the Export button. 2. Result: The Export screen displays. 3. Click the All Items link. 4. Result: The Select Items to Export screen displays. Option: Check or un-check the box for include associated items. If checked, reflections and learning objectives include their associated items, presentations include the items they display, collections include the items they contain, items include associated reflections and learning objectives, and pushed items include associated rubrics. Option: To remove unwanted items from the export, click the Remove icon (red X) for those items. 5. Click the Export button. Result: The Export in Progress screen displays. 6. Click the Done button. 7. After a few minutes, the export package (a.zip file) will display on the Import/Export eportfolio Content screen. You may need to navigate away from and back to the Import/Export eportfolio Content screen to see the updated list. 8. Click on the name of the export package and save it to your computer. Export Specific Items from Your eportfolio 1. From the Import/Export eportfolio Content screen, click the Export button. 2. Result: The Export screen displays. 3. Click the Selected Items link. 4. Result: The Select Items to Export screen displays. Option: Check or un-check the box for include associated items. If checked, reflections and learning objectives include their associated items, presentations include the items they display, collections include the items they contain, items include associated reflections and learning objectives, and pushed items include associated rubrics. 14

15 5. Click the Add Items button. Result: The Add Items to Export dialog box displays. 6. Select the check box(es) next to the item(s) you wish to export. 7. Click the Add Button. Result: The selected items are added to the Select Items to Export screen. Option: To remove unwanted items from the export, click the Remove icon (red X) for those items. 8. Click the Export button. Result: The Export in Progress screen displays. 9. Click the Done button. 10. After a few minutes, the export package (a.zip file) will display on the Import/Export eportfolio Content screen. You may need to navigate away from and back to the Import/Export eportfolio Content screen to see the updated list. 11. Click on the name of the export package and save it to your computer. Import eportfolio Items Important: You can import only Desire2Learn eportfolio packages into your portfolio. If you have other items you want to add to your portfolio, use the Artifacts tool to add them individually. 1. From the Import/Export eportfolio Content screen, click the Import button. 2. Result: The Select File to Import screen displays. 3. Use the Browse button to identify the.zip Desire2Learn export file you wish to import. Note: You can import only Desire2Learn format export files. To import individual files, use the My Items tab to add them. 4. Click the Next button. Result: Desire2Learn imports and reads the.zip package file. The Import Preview screen displays. Option: To remove unwanted items from the import, click the Remove icon (red X) for those items. Option: Add Tags for the items being imported in the Tag Items on Import field. Key a tag word and click the Add Tags button. Enter multiple tags at once by separating words using spaces. Use quotation marks to create multi-word tag phrases (e.g., winter project ). Use symbol to create a private tag only you can see Result: The tag word or phrase is added below the Tag Items on Import field. 5. Repeat Step 4 for any additional tag words or phrases. 6. Click the Import button. Result: The Import in Progress screen displays. 7. Click the Done button. 8. After a few minutes, the import-process notice will display on the Import/Export eportfolio Content screen. You may need to navigate away from and back to the Import/Export eportfolio Content screen to see the updated list. 15

16 Export Presentations Exporting your presentations enables you to keep HTML-format copies of your presentations external to the Desire2Learn system. Once you export your presentations, you can host them externally on your own web site or save them on your computer to view offline. Note: You cannot import presentations back into your eportfolio. 2. For the desired Presentation, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the collection. 3. Select Export. Result: The Export Item dialog box displays. 4. Select the radio button for Export HTML Version. Option: Check or un-check the box for All System Links (preserves links to D2L content). 5. Click the Next button. Result: Desire2Learn creates the.zip package file. The Download File screen displays. 6. Click on the name of the.zip package file and save it to your computer. It contains the HTML version of your presentation. Changes to Presentation Properties During HTML Export Action bar The action bar at the top of a presentation is not included. Artifacts Embedded artifacts and links to artifacts are included. Alt tags on embedded image artifacts are retained. Size settings on embedded image and media artifacts are retained. Artifacts retain their type icon when displayed as a link inline. Artifact titles and descriptions from the Edit Display Options page are retained. Assessments Assessments made on items within the presentation are included. Assessments made on the presentation are not included. Comments All comments for artifacts and reflections are included. Comments made on the presentation are not included. Forms Forms linked via a QuickLink are not included. Permissions No permissions are retained. Anyone can view content within an HTML presentation. Presentation layout Page links, navigation settings, page settings, page names, and text areas are maintained. Presentation theme All theme style settings are retained, including custom replaced images. 16

17 Profile details Profile information is exported as displayed in the presentation, including customized profile titles. Only the fields set to display are exported; hidden profile information does not export with the presentation. QuickLinks All quicklinks to artifacts within the export package and external URLs are retained. Quicklinks to system resources will require users to log into the system and have the appropriate permissions. Reflections Embedded reflections and links to reflections are included. Reflections associated with the presentation are not included. Text Areas All text formatting, equations, and custom characters are included. 17

18 eportfolio Course Ideas Desire2Learn eportfolio is a user-focused online portfolio tool that empowers users to take an active role in their learning. Users upload, organize, reflect on, revise, and present digital learning artifacts that demonstrate their learning and achievements. eportfolio empowers users to showcase successes in all areas of their lives, rather than restricting them to work from a particular course, institution, area of study, or period of time. It also encourages open assessment practices by allowing users to reflect on their work, update submissions over time, and seek feedback from peers, mentors and members of the community through both comments and rubric evaluations. At the same time, eportfolio can be a great way to organize project work for a course and to encourage self and peer evaluation, and ongoing revision and reflection. The following user scenario (a graphic design course) demonstrates how eportfolio can support formal instruction. You are teaching a graphics design course that contains users at various skill levels. At the end of the first month of classes you have each user plan a major design project suited to their skill level and interest. You have them fill out a form that collects information on the purpose and scope of the project, as well as what design and development skills they hope to acquire. You also have them create a collection for the course and share it with their peers. The collection should give course mates permissions to view, see, and add comments. Users should share all of their course work through the collection. Each week you have users write a reflection and associate any relevant work. You provide comments on their reflections and encourage users to comment on each others' work. At midterm you have users create a presentation on one design area they have developed significant knowledge in and share it with others in the course, including permissions to see and add assessments. Each user then evaluates their peers' work. At the end of the course you have users submit their final project to a dropbox folder and you evaluate the projects through the Grades tool in Learning Environment. You encourage users to import their grades and submitted project into their portfolios as a formal record of their achievements. 18

19 Assess eportfolio Items eportfolios are important learning tools because they encourage users to track and share all of the work that goes into a project, instead of just the final result. They also encourage users to tweak and improve their work over time. This shift helps emphasize the importance of looking at the entire learning process, rather than the end results, and helps users build an attitude of life-long learning and continuous improvement. Desire2Learn eportfolio lets you monitor user progress and provide ongoing feedback and support through comments and assessments. It is also integrated with your D2L courses, so that students can submit items to dropbox folders in specific courses where they can be assessed or graded using the Competencies and Grades tool. When an item is submitted to a dropbox, it becomes a unique object and is not updated when changes are made to the item in eportfolio. Thus, having students submit items to a dropbox allows you to evaluate their achievements at a specific point in time, while evaluating users through eportfolio allows you to provide guidance so they can continue to improve their work. Leave Comments, Assessments and Annotations in eportfolio You must have the appropriate permissions to leave comments, assessments, or annotations on an item in a student's portfolio. You can receive permissions to comment on, assess, or annotate (edit) a user's work in one of two ways: The user gives you the appropriate permissions. You set up a forced sharing group for users in a particular course that gives you the appropriate permissions. Encouraging users to give you permission to comment on and assess portfolio items that relate to course work is an excellent way to provide users with informal, intermittent feedback. Assess and Grade eportfolio Items Submitted to a Dropbox Folder eportfolio items that are submitted to a dropbox folder are treated as unique objects that are not modified when the original item changes. This allows you to assess or grade assignments without worrying about users revising their work. Dropbox folders can be associated with a competency or a grade book item. You can also attach feedback or comments to specific submissions. Tip: If you select the Allow users to add this folder to their eportfolio option for a dropbox folder, users can add their submissions, including feedback, to their eportfolios. This allows users to continue improving their work, while maintaining a copy of how the item appeared at the time of assessment. 19

20 Allow Certified Artifacts You can allow users to import items from your course as learning artifacts in their portfolios. You can allow learning artifacts to be imported from the following tools: Quizzes Dropbox Grades Competencies Learning Environment (course-based) artifacts differ from other artifacts because they cannot be modified. They are certified artifacts that record a submission or achievement at a specific point in time. Learning Environment artifacts are not updated when items are changed in a course, and students can change only their name, description, and tags. Students cannot modify the actual content. Allow Dropbox Artifacts 1. Select the Allow users to add this folder to their eportfolio option on the appropriate New Folder or Edit Folder page in the Dropbox tool. Allow Grade Artifacts 1. Select the Allow users to add their grades to their eportfolio option on the Org Unit Display Options page in the Grades Setting area in the Grades tool. Allow Competency Artifacts 1. Select the Allow users to add their competencies to their eportfolio option on the Competency Settings page in the Competencies tool. 20

21 eportfolio Forms Forms are pages created by an institution, department, or course designer for collecting information from users. When you create a form, you specify what fields it includes, what type of information each field collects, and whether a field is required. When users fill out a form, it becomes an artifact in their portfolio which they can share, edit, and add to collections and presentations. Users can fill out a form multiple times, and they can allow others to comment on or evaluate their entries. Because forms are structured, they provide scaffolding and guidance. Create a form for users working on long-term research projects. Include fields such as: Project Name, Description, Timeline, Requirements, and Project Plan. Require users to submit the form to the dropbox folder for a course on Long-term Research Projects that all users involved in graduate studies are enrolled in. Create a form for recording work history information that users might want to include in resumes. Include fields such as: Employer Name, Supervisor, Contact Information, Period of Employment, Job Description, Accreditations, and Skills Development. Also include areas to attach Work Samples, Employment Evaluations and Letters of Reference. Create a form that provides scaffolding and guidance to users who want to self-evaluate an artifact or presentation. Include areas to reflect on learning and personal goals, and a rubric to ensure consistent assessment. End the form with an area to associate the related item. Note: Forms are created in courses (not in the eportfolio tool) from the Course Administration area for a specific course. Important: Forms are not course-specific. When you share a form with individuals in your course they can use it in other courses and repurpose it as desired. Create a Form 1. In a course environment (not the eportfolio tool), go to Edit Course-->Site Resources-->Forms. Result: The Manage Forms screen displays. 2. Click the New Form Template button. Result: The New Form Details screen displays. 3. Key a Name for the form. Option: Key a Description for the form. Option: Check or un-check the box for Make Available to share/hide student access to the form. 4. Click the Save button. Result: The Edit Form Contents screen displays. 5. Use the Add System Field, Add Custom Field, and Add Separator buttons to populate the form (see table below). 6. When the form is completed, click the Preview Form button to look at the form from a user perspective. System fields Custom fields Automatically populated with data from a user s profile. Examples: First Name Last Name Picture Address Filled in by the user (see Custom Field Options below). You define what type of information users enter in a custom field, and whether it is required. 21

22 Custom Field Options Drop-down List: Creates a drop-down list of options that users can choose between. Use this option or a radio button when you want users to choose only one option from a predetermined list. It is good practice to make the default value descriptive text rather than one of the options. For example, -- Select a file type -- or -- Choose an action --. Radio Button List: Creates a set of radio buttons that users select one option from. Use this option or a dropdown list when you want users to choose only one option from a predetermined list. Check Box List: Creates a set of check box items that users can select options from. Use this option when you want users to choose one or multiple options from a predetermined list. Text Input - Simple Text: Creates a standard text field for entering text. You determine how many characters the text field accepts. You can also provide default text or instructions to help guide users responses. Text Input - Formatted Text: Creates a text field that uses the HTML Editor. Formatted text fields allow you to use graphics, tables, links and other functionality available in the HTML Editor. Numeric Input: Creates a field that only accepts numeric data. You can specify whether decimals and negatives are allowed. If the input contains numeric characters as well as symbols or text, use a simple text field instead. For example, for phone numbers or product numbers use a simple text field and provide examples such as (555) or 1264-AX100. Date and Time Input: Creates a standard date selector and calendar for selecting a date and/or time. Information: Provides a rich text field for adding a content area to a form. A content area provides information to users rather than collecting it. For example, you could provide text instructions, a graph, or an image. File Upload: Creates an Add a File button and file upload dialog for attaching a file. You can specify what types of files users can upload as well as a maximum file size. Also creates a Record Audio button and dialog to record audio directly within the form. Rubric Evaluation: Allows you to insert a rubric created in Learning Environment. Use this option to gather consistent feedback from users. For example, create a peer evaluation form that includes a rubric with the appropriate assessment options. Learning Portfolio Item Link: Creates an Add button and dialog box that lets users associate the form with an item in their eportfolio. You can restrict what types of items a user can link the form to. For example, if you have a form for reflecting on or evaluating a presentation, require that users link to the presentation in the form. You can link only to items in your own portfolio. When you follow a link in a form, you have the same permissions for the item as you do for the form, even if the permissions differ from your normal permissions for the item. 22

23 eportfolio Rubrics Rubrics are used in eportfolio for assessing artifacts, collections, reflections, and presentations. In order for assessments to be used in eportfolio, rubrics must be available at the course, department, or organization level. Rubrics are created in the Rubrics tool in a course. An eportfolio user who has permission to assess an item may assess the item using any of the rubrics shared with them through a course, department, or organization. Sharing Groups Sharing Groups allow instructors to set up groups of people who have permission to share items. This saves time when sharing items, since one need share to the group for each item, rather than finding individual people over and over. You are teaching a career development course in which you encourage course participants to share their resumes and career objectives with other members of the course and career advisors. You create a sharing group for sharing those items to make the process easier. You are teaching a fourth grade computer course that has a unit on using eportfolio. You encourage your course participants to upload a new portfolio item each week that exemplifies their learning and to write a reflection on it. You tell the class that their work is shared and encourage them to exchange comments and ideas. You create a hidden, forced sharing group that shares your course participants' items to make the process easier. 1. In a course environment (not the eportfolio tool), go to Edit Course-->Administration-->Sharing Groups. Result: The Sharing Group screen displays. 2. Click the New Sharing Group button. Result: The New Sharing Group Settings dialog box displays. 3. Key a Name for the Sharing Group. Option: Key a Description for the Sharing Group. Option: Click the Show Advanced Sharing Options link and check or un-check the box(es) for Sharing Group Availability. 4. Click the Add Users button. Result: The Select Users screen displays. 5. Use the Search For field to add users to the Sharing Group. Click on the name of a user in the search results to add him or her to the Sharing Group. 6. Repeat Step 5 to add more people to the Sharing Group. 7. Select the desired user permissions for the Sharing Group in the Assign Permissions section. 8. Click the Add button. Result: The New Sharing Group Settings dialog box displays. 9. Click the Save and Close button. Notes: You can adjust the permissions for individual users or groups of users by clicking the Edit Permissions icon beside their name in the permissions grid. You must ensure that your course participants enable comments and assessments for their items if you want to use permissions relating to comments and assessments. If you apply a sharing group to users portfolios and leave it visible, users can add it to additional items that are not covered by your filter settings. 23

24 Create Quicklinks to eportfolio Items QuickLinks to eportfolio content are created the same way as other QuickLinks. However, they differ from other QuickLinks in that the person following the link must have that item shared with them. Important: If you want to include QuickLinks to eportfolio items in your course content, ensure your course participants have permission to view the eportfolio item that is the target of the QuickLink. 1. In a course environment (not the eportfolio tool), go to Resources-->Content. 2. Select the module to which you want to insert the QuickLink. 3. Click on the Add Existing Activities button. Result: Actions drop-down menu displays. 4. Select eportfolio Item in the drop-down menu. Result: The Add Activity dialog box displays. 5. Click on the appropriate location in the eportfolio. Result: The My Items dialog box displays. 6. Click on the name of the desired eportfolio item you wish to share via QuickLink. Option: Use the search feature to locate the item you want. Result: The QuickLink is created. Push eportfolio Items to Others Instructors can push artifacts, presentations, reflections, and collections into other users' eportfolios for their own use. You can customize content in your own eportfolio and then push the content to courses or Sharing Groups. This enables you to provide better support, scaffolds, and generic getting-started tasks for students. 2. On the More Actions button, click the Actions drop-down menu (small triangle) next to the title of the collection. 3. Select Go to Import/Export Page. Result: The Import/Export eportfolio Content screen displays. 4. From the Import/Export eportfolio Content screen, click the Push button. Result: The Push Items Select Items screen displays. Option: Check or un-check the box for include associated items. If checked, reflections and learning objectives include their associated items, presentations include the items they display, collections include the items they contain, and pushed items include associated rubrics. 5. Click the Add Items link. Result: The Add Items to Push dialog box displays. 6. Click the check box(es) next to the eportfolio item(s) you wish to push to others. Option: Use the search feature to locate the item(s) you want. 7. Click the Add button. Result: The eportfolio item(s) are listed on the Push Items Select Items screen. Option: To remove unwanted items from the push, click the Remove icon (red X) for those items. 8. Click the Next button. Result: The Select Users to Push to screen displays. 9. Use the Search For field to add users, Sharing Groups, and/or Courses to the push process. Click on the name of a user in the search results to add him or her to the push process. 10. Repeat Step 9 to add more people to the push process. 11. Click the Push button. 24

25 Notes: The system maintains the same item properties during a push process as it does during an export process (see Export Presentations for more information). You can review the status of your push processes from the Import/Export area in the Pushes to Others Activity list. Push processes may take some time to appear in users' portfolios, depending on the size of items, number of users receiving those items, and the number of processes in the system queue. 25