For students, digital portfolios foster independence while fuelling reflection, creativity, and authentic lifelong learning. To this end, a career advising session on E-portfolio for students of BSN program was conducted on 7th November 2023 between 3 to 4 pm in LH 4. The primary objective of the career advising session was to guide and educate students of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year on the importance of creating an electronic portfolio (E-portfolio) and to provide them with practical steps on how to develop and utilize it effectively.
The session began promptly at 4:00 PM in LH 4 with Prof. Sherief Khalifa, Vice Chancellor Quality and Institutional Effectiveness and Dean College of Pharmacy addressing the students. He underlined the central role of an E-portfolio in showcasing the students’ best works and achievements throughout their academic journey. Prof. Khalifa highlighted the significance of having a well-organized portfolio as a powerful tool for career development and professional advancement.
Following Prof. Sherief’s introduction, Dr. Ibrahim Elsayed, Director of Quality Assurance & Institutional Effectiveness and Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences took the floor to provide detailed guidance on the step-by-step process of creating an E-portfolio. Dr. Elsayed commenced by explaining the initial steps, starting from the creation of a OneDrive account. He emphasized the importance of using OneDrive for securely storing the students’ work, ensuring accessibility and collaboration.
Dr. Ibrahim then elaborated on the subsequent stages of the process, guiding students on how to access the E-portfolio on the QA and IE portal. He demonstrated the process of uploading relevant evidence, which may include reports, reflection notes, videos showcasing the students’ academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
Interactive Student Engagement:
During the session, Dr. Ibrahim Elsayed’s detailed explanation and hands-on demonstration resonated well with the students. His clarity and expertise in illustrating the process of uploading students’ work onto the portfolio, along with the communication channels to mentors, were particularly appreciated. Students expressed satisfaction with Dr. Ibrahim’s understanding of the process, which contributed to a positive and constructive learning atmosphere.
The session became highly interactive as students became actively engaged, expressing their curiosity, and seeking clarification on various aspects. Key questions revolved around the materials to be uploaded, guidance on what is deemed suitable, and how students would be informed about these criteria. This level of engagement signaled a genuine interest among students in understanding the practicalities and nuances of the E-portfolio creation process.
Addressing Student Queries:
Prof. Sherief Khalifa, Dr. Ibrahim Elsayed, and Prof. Selva Titus Chacko played a pivotal role in addressing the raised queries. Prof. Selva Titus clarified that the E-portfolio mapping had already been done, and semester coordinators, along with faculty members, would guide students on the courses and materials suitable for uploading under various competencies. Prof. Sherief emphasized the importance of showcasing not just theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills acquired during their academic journey.
The collaborative effort of the speakers ensured that students received comprehensive answers to their queries, fostering a deeper understanding of the E-portfolio process. The faculty’s commitment to guiding students through the intricacies of this initiative was evident, reassuring students about the support they can expect throughout the process.
Student Interest:
By the end of the session, students expressed wholehearted interest in initiating their E-portfolios. Understanding the link between the E-portfolio and their future professional career pathway, students left the session with a sense of purpose and enthusiasm to showcase their academic achievements and competencies.
Concluding Remarks:
The session concluded with Dean Prof. Selva Titus Chacko extending gratitude to Prof. Sherief Khalifa and Dr. Ibrahim Elsayed for their valuable time and expertise in conducting the session. The collaborative effort between the speakers, faculty, and students marked a successful beginning to the E-portfolio initiative within the BSN program. This session laid a strong foundation for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students to embark on their E-portfolio journey with confidence and a clear understanding of its significance in shaping their professional identity.