Using Rubrics to Evaluate ePortfolios

This week, we referred to two different rubrics as we reviewed and provided feedback to our peers on the initial drafts of our Capstone (Academic) ePortfolios.

The first rubric was A Generic Rubric for Evaluating ePortfolios, posted on the ePortfolio Portal (adapted and used with permission from Joan Vandervelde's ePortfolio (Digital Portfolio) Rubric). This rubric used the following criteria for the evaluation (total points possible = 36):

1. Selection of Artifacts and Written Communication—All must be clearly and directly related to the purpose of the portfolio. (0 to 9 points)
2. Reflections—Constructive in nature; clearly identifying and describing goals. (0 to 9 points)
3. Use of Multimedia—Appropriate photos, artwork, audio, video, or a combination of these should enhance the purpose of the ePortfolio and make it more interesting. (0 to 6 points)
4. Captions—Are all artifacts clearly identified with title, author, and date? (0 to 3 points)
5. Ease of Navigation—Do all internal and external hyperlinks work? (0 to 3 points)
6. Layout and Text Elements—Are fonts and headings easy to read with appropriate use of white space? Are background and colors aesthetically pleasing? (0 to 3 points)
7. Writing Mechanics—Is the ePortfolio well edited: no errors in spelling, punctuation, grammar? (0 to 3 points)

The second rubric was A Holistic Rubric for Evaluating ePortfolios (adapted from the Evaluation Criteria for UAA's Secondary MAT Portfolios by Helen Barrett). This rubric rated the portfolio Inadequate, Adequate, Thorough, or Exceptional. To earn a rating of "exceptional," the portfolio must demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. High level of thought
2. Polished
3. Considerable effort 
4. Thorough 
5. Well-organized 
6. Variety in products 
7. Unique 
8. Substantial application to own career
9. Shows individual's personality 
10. Demonstrates both depth and breadth 
11. Highly imaginative

I don't generally use rubrics, but I can see how these guidelines have helped me to review my own and other ePortofolios more thoroughly. It can be daunting to review a large collection of online pages, subpages and hyperlinked or embedded documents. Instead of trying to focus on everything at once, I can go through the rubric step-by-step, considering one criterium or characteristic at a time. I prefer the Holistic Rubric for a first pass through an ePortfolio because it takes a broad, high-level view; I like the Generic Rubric for reviewing a final draft because it seems to require a more detailed analysis.