Layering Networked and Symphonic Selves: A Critical Role for e-Portfolios in Employability through Integrative Learning

Autor/in	Cambridge, Darren
Titel	Layering Networked and Symphonic Selves: A Critical Role for e-Portfolios in Employability through Integrative Learning
Quelle	In: Campus-Wide Information Systems, 25 (2008) 4, S.244-262 (19 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1065-0741
DOI	10.1108/10650740810900685
Schlagwörter	Portfolios (Background Materials); Employment Potential; Lifelong Learning; Foreign Countries; Social Theories; Reflection; Economic Factors; Objectives; Computer Uses in Education; Electronic Learning; Computer Software; Information Technology; Educational Technology; Social Networks; Educational Philosophy; Critical Theory; Economic Climate; Job Application; Job Search Methods; Resumes (Personal); Evaluation Criteria; Employment Qualifications; Self Concept; Adults; Government School Relationship; Program Descriptions; Minnesota; Netherlands + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Arbeitsmarktbezogene Qualifikation; Beschäftigungsfähigkeit; Life-long learning; Lebenslanges Lernen; Ausland; Gesellschaftstheorie; Ökonomischer Faktor; Goal definition; Zielsetzung; Computernutzung; Informationstechnologie; Unterrichtsmedien; Social network; Soziales Netzwerk; Bildungsphilosophie; Erziehungsphilosophie; Kritische Theorie; Wirtschaftslage; Bewerbung; Arbeitsplatzsuchtheorie; Lebenslauf; Employment qualification; Vocational qualification; Vocational qualifications; Berufliche Qualifikation; Selbstkonzept; Niederlande
Abstract	Purpose: E-portfolios, which document and facilitate learning and performance, have recently attracted interest in the USA, UK, and Europe as means to increase employability and support lifelong learning. This article aims to critically examine these objectives in order to guide the future e-portfolio practice. Design/methodology/approach: Social theory, drawing on the work of Foucault, suggests that the discourse of employability and lifelong learning shapes individuals into means to fulfill economic objectives. This theory is applied to show that many e-portfolio projects participate in this discourse. In the USA, the discourse around integrative learning suggests an alternative. Findings: Integrative learning has two different styles, which correspond with two different types of self, the network and symphonic. The network self suggests ways for e-portfolios to promote employability, while representing the symphonic in e-portfolios creates space for a broader conception of what is important in life that pushes back against an entirely economic conception of citizenship. e-portfolio projects have made progress cultivating both kinds of selves, and two, the Nedcar project in The Netherlands, and the eFolio Minnesota project in the USA, are examined. These selves need to be woven together, layering the networked and symphonic, to create e-portfolios that promote employability while asserting the value of their authors as whole human beings. The idea of "good work" developed to describe the professions may serve as a model for this integration. Originality/value: Much current work developing e-portfolio software, services, and policies uncritically embraces the problematic conceptions of employability and lifelong learning discussed. The alternative model proposed in the paper can inform future work. (Contains 1 figure.) (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10