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Chapter 9
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-8856-8.ch009
ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the use of ePortfolios in the recognition of prior learning (RPL) and professional
recognition (PR) within higher education contexts. The term eRPL refers to the recognition practice of
utilising ePortfolios for RPL and similarly, ePR refers to the use of ePortfolios for PR. Both are relatively
new phenomenon and a developing feld of practice and utility. The eRecognition framework developed
by Cameron (2012) is built upon to explore the utility of ePortfolios across higher education through
a content analysis of papers presented at the ePortfolio and Identity Conference (ePIC) from 2008 to
2012 (n=307) and articles published in the newly established International Journal of ePortfolios from
2011 to 2013 (n=31). Harris’s (2000) boundaries and boundary-work framework is applied to position
eRecognition practices within the contemporary educational context and the challenges and changes
being brought upon educational practices and structures through the open learning movement.
INTRODUCTION
The aim of this chapter is to gauge the use of ePortfolios in the recognition of prior learning (RPL)
and professional recognition (PR) across higher education contexts through a content analysis of recent
conference papers and an academic journal both focused on the use of ePortfolios. The term eRPL
refers to the recognition practice of utilising ePortfolios for RPL and similarly, ePR refers to the use of
ePortfolios for PR. Both are relatively new phenomenon and a developing field of practice across edu-
cation and human resource contexts. The chapter builds upon the eRPL and ePR framework developed
by Cameron (2012) to explore the utility of ePortfolios across higher education by identifying eRPL
practices through a content analysis of papers presented at the ePortfolio and Identity Conference (ePIC)
and articles published in the newly established International Journal of ePortfolios (IJeP). The content
eRPL and ePR in Higher
Education Contexts
Roslyn Cameron
Curtin University, Australia
Linda Pfeiffer
Central Queensland University, Australia