E-Portfolios &/or Blogging with First Year Undecided Students

As I am preparing for another semester of UB 101 (First Year Experience Course), I have spent some time reviewing my syllabus. One of the assignments I am considering for the course is the creation of an E Portfolio which is designed to be maintained throughout the undergraduate experience.

Is anyone else using blogging/e-portfolios with their students? How about incorporating them into FYE courses?

Here is the tentative assignment. Any feedback appreciated.

Assignment #1
Create an E-Portfolio

Note: "E-portfolio" and "blog" will be used interchangeably throughout this piece (and the semester). They are referring to the same thing.

The most important question first:

Why:

• Will increase your visibility on the Internet and connect you with topics you care about. This in turn can lead to OPPORTUNITIES!
• Employers love them!
  
• You will graduate with something tangible; can continue to use after you leave
• Allow for collaboration; where opportunities are born and learning takes place
• Opportunity to help others interested in your field
• Can utilize any media you choose; suits all learning styles...if you don't like to write, post video!
  
• Free & required

Who:

• You as the author
• Classmates & the public as the audience & collaborators

OK time for specifics...

What:

• Watch this video
• Create your E-portfolio via Blogger (If you already have a blog, start a fresh one just for your E-portfolio)
• Be sure to make your blog URL something identifiable to you (e.g., jillianreading.blogspot.com) so that employers can find it easily. If you are uncomfortable with this at least use something professional/creative (e.g., johneportfolio.blogspot.com). Let me know if there are questions on what is appropriate for our purposes. I MUST BE ABLE TO DISCERN WHO THE AUTHOR OF THE E-PORTFOLIO IS!
  
• Watch some additional videos on e-portfolios & blogging
• Uploading a Video with Blogger
• Adding a gadget to your blog
• Creating a blog list
• E Portfolios for Starters
• E Portfolio Rationale
• When contributing to your E-portfolio be sure to spell check, use proper grammar and adhere to a professional writing standard.
  
• Write or create a video post which answers the following 2 questions as your first entry
• What do you hope to learn while studying at the University at Buffalo? This needs to go beyond one or two sentences. Really consider what your educational goals are and where you want to be at the end of your undergraduate career.
  
• Describe your dream career. What would the typical day consist of? What would your office look like? Who are your clients? Do you work alone or in a group?Give as much detail as possible
  
• Email me the URL of your blog & your name by __________
  

When:

• Ideally you will update your e-portfolio whenever you have a piece of finished work (e.g., research paper, presentation, project)
• You should at minimum update it at least once per month
  
• For this course, you will receive a few portfolio assignments but you are welcome to add anything additional that you feel is a good representation of your work