EPORTFOLIO (REFLECTION NO. 3 IN GPSOTE GED109 2S2020-21)

Electronic portfolio (Eportfolio) is a compilation of accomplishments and outputs that we attained and generated throughout our learning process in an electronic format. It helps us to keep track of all the records that we have in a particular subject or course. It is a list of verifiable evidence that provides us and the other people (probably future employers) a glimpse of the progress that we have achieved for a given period. Eportfolio is an innovation that we must take advantage for us to create an edge and impact in the corporate world. It builds up our credentials to fill relevant niche in the online market. However, I believe that Eportfolio is more than just piling up credentials.

According to Barbara Cambridge, a co-director of the Inter/National Coalition for Electronic Portfolio Research, “Electronic portfolios are a way to generate learning as well as document learning.” Hence, we are able to provide the necessary artifacts or evidence concerning the skills and/or knowledge that we obtained. Furthermore, it also gives us the chance to reflect upon these skills and knowledge and appreciate our growth not just as a professional but also as an individual. Eportfolio is a great instrument to remind us that we should value each moment and process. It reminds us that the insights and learnings that we have learned are as important as the goals that we aim to achieve. What is the relevance of the goals that you have achieved if you have not acquired the things that you should have learned?

In the Japanese philosophy, there is a concept called Ichigo-Ichie. It means valuing each moment that we have. As a Millennial Professional, I have observed that our generation has the tendency to become very aggressive and very obsessed with achieving our ultimate goals. Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, it can be considered as our strength, but it can also be perceived as our weakness. Sometimes, we are too much focused with the ultimate goals that we set that we usually forget the learning process, which builds our growth and develops our character as individuals; and in worst case scenario, we also tend to forget the people who have become part of our journey. By generating an Eportfolio, we can have the privilege to look back to all the experiences and memories that you have in creating the included outputs.

I know that it is just a document, but I believe that each part of the simple document has a narrative to tell concerning our journey. It will remind you of all the sleepless nights and efforts that you pour out as you complete each output. It will bring you back to the situation when you needed the help of your friends, classmates, and/or professors to answer or understand a question and/or task. It will help you to remember the moment when you meet the biggest obstacle in the way, but you opt to create a breakthrough that will leave a path and an inspiration to the other people.

Eportfolio reorients your perspective and helps you understand the statement of Tony Robbins that “Success without fulfillment is the greatest failure.” However, fulfillment can only be created if you treasure all the narratives that you have as you pursue your goal. You need to be aware of creating meaning in everything that you do, whether you are just writing a simple reflection paper or creating a video that you need to submit as a final output in a course.

Hence, Eportfolio is not just a compilation of outputs and accomplishments. It is a thread of memories and narratives that builds and completes your journey as you chase your ultimate goal.