Integrating ePortfolios Across Teacher Credential Programs: A Self-Study

This chapter explores the transformative role of ePortfolios in navigating the disruptions in educational settings during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic when educators suddenly shifted to remote learning. Integrating technology throughout the curriculum became a prime focus for teachers. At this time, the education department at a liberal arts university in California shifted to a fully online teacher preparation program. The faculty explored how online programs leverage innovative technology to transform traditional classrooms into dynamic learning environments. Digital portfolios were fully integrated to help students showcase professional growth and reflect on their development throughout the program. After implementing ePortfolio development throughout all courses, faculty found that ePortfolios were not only a place for demonstrating professional knowledge and experience but also as a communication tool for students and families. This chapter outlines the authors’ experiences integrating ePortfolios throughout their programs and the challenges faced during and beyond the pandemic. These experiences speak to the digital resilience of ePortfolios, tools that hinge on continuous advancements in technology, pedagogical strategies, and assessment practices. Finally, authors discuss lessons learned from integrating ePortfolios throughout courses and consider how faculty might guide their students to use these tools to showcase their professional growth in a post-pandemic world. The chapter closes with recommendations for integrating ePortfolios into educational and professional frameworks.