OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING INNOVATION IN A GLOBAL PANDEMIC: THE CASE OF THE EPICA ePORTFOLIO SOLUTION

Abstract

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is undeniable in terms of how it has changed the way we live and learn. A direct area affected by the consequences of the pandemic includes how to consistently deliver high quality level education in higher education institutions when faced by these and other similar taxing situations. Pedagogical innovation and technology provide a potential response to these challenges through the use of new and innovative educational tools. The ePortfolio solution, designed under the EPICA project, aimed at bridging the gap between higher education institutions and the workplace by helping students to showcase their employability skills is a core example of pedagogical innovation. Although the implementation of the solution was severely affected by the unprecedented arrival of the pandemic, successful adaptive measures were taken to ensure that it could respond to the demands to move to online learning. Said adaptations meant that despite a reduction in initial participation numbers, engagement with the ePortfolio remained satisfactory. Results demonstrating this success are presented. Opportunities and challenges are discussed in relation to the use of the ePortfolio.