EVALUATION OF INFORMAL LEARNING PROCESS THROUGH AN E-PORTFOLIO
EVALUATION OF INFORMAL LEARNING PROCESS THROUGH AN E-PORTFOLIO
Keywords: informal learning; e-portfolio; assessment
Although informal learning has not a unique definition in literature, it is usually defined as a learning activity made by the learner beyond formal institutions, which can be intentional or spontaneous, without a pre-structured path. Some scholars also think that informal learning can happen within formal places, provided that it maintains a natural, intentional or unintentional, approach to the environment. The advantage of promoting informal learning through a process of inclusion within formal learning paths, is strong: the relationship between formal and informal learning can be activated by the use of e-portfolios, which are virtual environments lacking in structures, imposed tools and external tasks. Learners, according to Wenger's community of practice theory can negotiate and make reifications of common built knowledge. This paper deals with the problem of evaluation in e-portfolios about reification and participation processes, highlighting possible evaluation practices for both aspects of informal learning and a consequent possible importation of significant knowledge artifacts into the traditional classroom.
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