PDP
The pros and cons of e-portfolios in pre-service teacher training
There have been broad discussions on the use of ICT to achieve better student learning and teaching in education. With the emergence of digital tools and technologies, it has become crucial for newly qualified teachers to be confident in using technology effectively in education.
An e-portfolio initiative indicates that learners can store their work, record their achievements, access personal course timetables and digital resources and cooperate with other learners in their online space for learning. When used effectively, e-portfolios provide a means to improve learners’ digital skills and help teachers find out more about their learners’ knowledge and needs.
The intention of this paper is to explore the pros and cons of e-portfolios in pre-service teacher training to support the process of personal development for student teachers in higher education. An e-portfolio system embedded in the curriculum would support student teachers’ development as EFL teachers, help them become efficient ICT users and increase their employment opportunities. However, the e-portfolio implementation process would have several pedagogical and technical drawbacks if key strategies were not carefully implemented.