Theoretical Background to Electronic Portfolio

5. Disadvantages of E-portfolio

The graph below presents possible disadvantages of electronic portfolios from the perspective of teacher trainees:

Source: SOUČKOVÁ, Z. (2021). Electronic portfolio in Slovak higher education. Prešovská univerzita v Prešove, p. 44

Based on the data, the teacher trainees expressed concerns over the fact that technology and digital skills are required when implementing and using e-portfolios. Moreover, possible disorganisation of information was reported. Thus, it is essential that the selected e-portfolio platform is well-structured and logically organized. 

In relation to Mahara e-portfolio platform, in their studies, both McNeill and Cram (2011) and Totter and Wyss (2019) report an issue with the usability of the tool. This finding is similar to one reported by Součková (2021). Based on her data, the teacher trainees perceive the platform as more complicated and less intuitive. Therefore, it is important to devote a sufficient amount of time to instruction sessions.