What's the difference between a course assignment and an ePortfolio entry?

When you're doing a class assignment the goal is to engage with course-specific concepts and material. Each course includes a "signature assignment" during which you will put these theories and ideas into action, demonstrating your developing competencies to yourself and others.  This is sometimes referred to as an "artifact" of learning.

When you enter a piece of signature work into your portfolio and write about what you've learned in the course, you are creating a body of work.  This allows you to

• Take a step back from the work that you have done, and from the individual courses that you have taken;
• Examine your work to see how what you have learned so far contributes to your overall understanding and capabilities;
• Consider how your program-based growth connects with your work and other life experiences; and
• Use this expanded self-understanding to set and refine life goals, and to decide next steps to take.

This is a tall order and something that no individual course can accomplish, but over time -- and with practice -- this larger picture will begin to emerge.

Toward the end of your program you will revisit your body of work during the capstone course.  This time your goal will be to develop a showcase product that confirms your competencies.  You can share with others outside the program, including friends, colleagues, supervisors, and prospective employers.  Your showcase portfolio is a celebration of your work that shows the world what you can do!