Using E-Portfolios for Meaningful Teaching and Learning in Distance Education in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Web-based technology has proven itself indispensable in education, especially in distance education and in developing countries. Technological advances and the Covid-19 pandemic have forced higher education institutions to be innovative in delivering education in their countries. This paper seeks to demonstrate the role and value of e-portfolios as an alternative teaching and learning tool in distance education and the online environment, especially in developing countries. A systematic review of peer-reviewed academic studies of e-portfolios between 2010 and 2020 was conducted. A total of 18 papers were selected according to the inclusion criteria. The review shows that the use of e-portfolios is still a relatively new trend in developing countries. The study also revealed that e-portfolios can infuse important skills such as self-directed learning, critical thinking and lifelong learning. These results have the potential to help institutions to creatively design appropriate support tools and strategies alongside the implementation of e-portfolios in their contexts.

Self-Regulated Learning in Kenyan Classrooms: A Test of ePEARL, a Process e-Portfolio

“…Hence, the bulk of evidence on e-portfolios comes from the context of tertiary school and has been generated by western research. In the Global South, the study of the benefits of digital portfolios for university students has incurred some growth too (Modise & Mudau, 2021). The publications in this journal (e.g., Hendikawati et al, 2019;Karami et al, 2019;Lukitasari et al, 2020) are indicative of this interest.…”