Slide 1

Supporting the Development and Learning of Modern Languages students abroad via the ePortfolioUTLSEC Innovation FundDissemination Event - 14th December 2012Franck Michel - SML

BackgroundYear Abroad Key feature of an SML degree200+ students abroad every yearA life-changing experience for studentsThe Personal Learning Record (PLR) and its limitationsThe YA Hamster Year pilot Using the ePortfolio to support the Personal, Professional and Academic development of SML students abroad.Student views on the Pilot67% felt it had been beneficial or very beneficial to their personal development

It was a great way to see how I had progressed and whether I had kept to my targets or notIt gave me the freedom to reflect on my development, in my own way that was helpful to meIt is good for setting targets and hence tracking progressThought it was helpful, but it isn't something that I would continue to use if I didn't have to do it 83% felt the ePortfolio had been beneficial or very beneficial as a feedback tool

This is probably the best bit of the ePortfolio - getting support and ideas from other students, and knowing that you're all "in the same boat" and going through similar experiences. Everybody has something to bring and encourage others with.It was good to be able to give feedback to others, and also nice to receive comments from my peers as that made me feel that what I wrote was actually being read.The Innovation grantObjective: Introduce the Year Abroad ePortfolio (YAeP) for ALL SML students as of September 2012.How the grant helped:staff buy-in time (for training, support and dvpt)advisory group (think-tank)student and staff training eventsdevelopment of user-guides and handbooksproduction of student-facing promotional clipscreation of an information web-page (ongoing)

Doug and Mikes first clip

Outcome / FeedbackA daunting task to begin with but a very positive outcome!Year 2 students were trained in April 2012 and embraced the new platformSML staff were trained in May 2012 and reacted very positivelySupport from QUILT and the ePortfolio technical team was invaluable and outstandingSwitchover to the YAeP has gone smoothly so farTo be continued (awaiting student feedback)