The use of an e-portfolio for Blended Service-Learning
The use of an e-portfolio for Blended Service-Learning Abstract Service-Learning is considered a high impact teaching and learning strategy, integrating academic learning and civic engagement to produce benefits for students, the community partner, the instructor and the university (cf. Gillmor & Rabinowicz, 2012). While e-service-learning is still in an early stage of development, it is growing both in practice and coverage. According to Waldner et al. (2012) Blended Service-Learning combines the best of two worlds: service-learning and e-learning. In the current case study, the e-portfolio tool Pebblepad was integrated as a learning tool for two Blended Service-Learning courses. The main aim of the current case-study was to engage learners through technology in cross-disciplinary teamwork, civic inquiry, critical reflection and meaningful service. The teacher guided the group assignment by providing support through scaffolds and formative (individual) feedback integrated in the e-portfolio. To gain insight into the learning experiences of the students, three focus groups were conducted. The outcomes will be presented during the innovative showcase.