2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This is a work in progress. ePortfolios are portfolios in electronic form. These are known to promote folio thinking, a reflective technique that allows students to describe their learning experiences through a purposeful gathering of objects. This systematic gathering of proof of learning and professional development could also empower students as they build a digital presence whilst thinking about their life projects. The concept of a life project—a long-term plan that propels one toward their goals—integrates many areas of one's life, including upbringing, values, and extracurricular activities, among other personal dimensions. Reflecting on these aspects of life can be critical to developing a sense of belonging and mattering in college for first-year students. In addition, the transition to residential college life can be overwhelming and decisive on their pathway to completion of their degree. This is especially true for students from first-generation or limited-income (FLI) families, however most first-year students struggle to envision their future selves. To improve students' sense of belonging, our engineering school has implemented ePortfolios in conjunction with a new mentoring and advising system to scaffold the undergraduate experience. This work in progress showcases a qualitative study to examine the potential for ePortfolios to be used in the context of the student's lived experience and for the creation of life projects. We engaged with undergraduates in open-ended interviews, and transcribed data is being analyzed using Grounded Theory. Preliminary findings provide light on how students use ePortfolios, perceived problems, and the key benefits they find in the tool.