Report from Coventry Forum (Part 2)

A live version of the forthcoming (possibly July) WebCT Portfolio was demoed at the Forum. This is an extra that has to be bought but WeBft are not revealing prices yet. Many participants were interested in its potential for use as an electronic PDP tool.

• Students get an extra tab “WebCT Portfolio” alongside the MyWebCT tab. The portfolio allows students to organise their own material how they wish. They are given a set of Designer tools to do this. The tools include ones we are familiar with (textblocks, content modules – renamed as Binders) and new ones – a blogging tool for example.
• Students can control access to individual elements via selective release. This includes the ability to give access to non-WebCt users (e.g. an employer) by creating upto 3 accounts!! This wasn’t demoed so not sure how this works.
• There’s an Learning Objectives tool (not the right word perhaps) that allows students to create learning objectives then tie work to them as an alternative structure
• Back in WebCT – the best feature – students can select work (e.g. discussion posts, assignments with tutor feedback) and “Save to Portfolio”. Files are created in their file store and they can then organise them how they wish
• Everyone agreed that students would need training in use of this tool.

My overall view is that it is too complicated. For a designer who knows WebCt it is fine, but for students??? I think you can provide templates which might help. It’s definiely worth a more detailed look but my initial feelings are not positive.