Heroes and Villains Early adopters, champions and

institutional challenges to e-portfolio adoption

Libby Symonds and Huw RichardsUniversity of Worcester

Once upon a time….

• PebblePad introduced in October 2007

• Initial use limited to staff only

• Around 50 members of staff took part in the pilot

Early adopters

• Gives staff the opportunity to explore the software and develop their own portfolios

• Early users had a good understanding of the functionality and benefits before inviting students to use

• Less support needed when introducing to students

• More enthusiasm and commitment to using the tool

Champions

• Users who have used the tool effectively and promote and support others in its use

• Psychology department – video

• Education – audio

Continuing Professional Development

• Multiple uses

• CPD – individual

• Course development – collaborative working

• Learning and teaching – substance misuse

Institutional challenges

• ICT

• Saboteurs

• Clear purpose and support

In conclusion

• Early adopters can act as ambassadors and form a network of support for subsequent users

• Champions provide examples of excellent practice and promote the use of the system

• Institutional challenge can be overcome….

Contact details

• Libby Symonds – Team Leader – Learning and Teaching Technology Unit – University of Worcester e.symonds@worc.ac.uk

• Huw Richards – Senior Lecturer – Continuing Professional Development – Institute of Health and Society – University of Worcester h.richards@worc.ac.uk