Collaboration in ePortfolios with Web 2.0 tools in initial teacher training / La colaboración en eportafolios con herramientas de la Web 2.0 en la formación docente inicial

Abstract

Collaboration is a specific process in the construction of portfolios. In the case of electronic portfolios, Web 2.0 tools make collaboration a key process. The process known as networking refers to the online connection and collaboration with others, which the social web contributes to the literature of electronic portfolios. This research describes and analyses the pilot implementation of an ePortfolio in the Early Childhood degree programme at the Ibiza Campus of the University of the Balearic Islands. The paper presents a qualitative research study which aims to understand collaborative students’ activity from multiple points of view. In view of this, the data collection techniques used are diverse: analysis of work done by students, Likert scale and group discussion. Atlas.ti software has been used to obtain a qualitative analysis of the students’ discourse. In general, the results show positive attitudes, with a gradual increase noticed in the students’ use of the tools and, finally, with collaboration being expressed in peer work, especially in relation to technology. The analysis carried out enables us to observe tensions between open tools, collaboration and assessment. The research has important implications for practice as it allows us to deduce how to improve the collaboration process in ePortfolios thanks to the introduction of Web 2.0 tools.