Using online course portfolios for assessment and learning in the Graduate Certificate in Flexible Learning

In this paper we will talk about some of the learning experiences of the staff and the participants and our approach to evaluating this teaching for learning strategy. We will present initial evaluative results and reflections as we aimed to evaluate the use of the online course portfolio for a range of purposes, including the following dimensions:

• effectiveness and authenticity as an assessment tool and as part of the principal learning task in the course;

• value of the online nature of the assessment tool to the achievement of the intended learning outcomes;

• value as a tool for documenting and demonstrating learning and professional development for the course and the individual;

• value as a tool for enabling the learning processes and outcomes for the participants to be more 'visible' and accessible to staff and other participants;

• value as a tool to facilitate a collaborative reflective learning process;

• as a way of experiencing incorporation of technology in teaching and learning processes from a student perspective.