Selecting "Free" Online Tools for ePortfolio Development

All day today, I have been working on a new web page: Selecting a "Free" Online Tool for ePortfolio Development. The chart is developed for K-12 schools, but I think it is applicable to higher education.

I have also updated the diagrams linked from the following page on Interactive Portfolios that illustrate how to translate reflective blog entries into a thematically-organized showcase portfolio, using the first four types of tools listed below. These pages also cover the steps for using that tool throughout the portfolio development process. I identified these major categories of free tools (with links to the diagrams):

1. WordPress and its derivatives for schools: EduBlogs and KidBlogs
2. GoogleApps Education Edition, including Docs, Sites, Blogger & Digication
3. Mobile Apps with supporting websites
4. Free website builder & hosting tools that include blogs, such as Weebly, Yola
5. Open source ePortfolio tools that require a server (Mahara, OSP/Sakai)

In this Free Tools chart, I then identified the different purposes/processes we want to be able to implement with these tools, asking: What is your purpose for creating portfolios? How does each tool support each process?

• Capturing & storing evidence (stored in online system)
• Learning/Reflecting (organized chronologically) Planning & setting goals
• Formative Assessment  -Giving & receiving feedback & Collaborating
• Marketing/Employment  -Presenting to an audience
• Accountability/ Summative Assessment
• Collect data for Accountablity Reporting
• Showcase work thematically -Presenting to an audience

In the cells in the matrix, I put my best estimate of the capabilities of each tool for each process. I also looked at some of the technology infrastructure and support needs, asking "How does each tool match the support resources available?"

• Server required?
• Programming required?
• Ease of Use for Students
• Age Appropriate Grades K-12
• Teacher Controls (setting up accounts, controlling content & process)

If you have already selected or are using one of these tools, do you agree with what I have written about the features? If you haven't selected a tool, what further information do you need? What did I leave out?