In Transition: An Activity Theoretical Analysis Examining Electronic Portfolio Tools' Mediation Of The Preservice Teacher's Authoring Experience

Author

Rebecca Fiedler, University of Central Florida

Keywords

electronic portfolios, eportfolios, teacher education, teacher preparation. educational technology

Abstract

Co-chairs: Dr. Donna Baumbach Dr. Gail West Background: Electronic portfolios are increasingly used to make critical decisions about teacher candidates and program accreditation. Adoption rates for portfolios are at nearly 90% for schools, colleges, and departments of education (Salzman, Denner, & Harris, 2002). Over 50% of institutions who rated themselves or were nominated by others as exemplary users of electronic portfolios use web-based database-driven electronic portfolio systems (Strudler & Wetzel, 2005b; Wetzel & Strudler, 2005b). There is a paucity of theory-driven, systematic, rigorous research on electronic portfolios and a need for in-depth, context-aware research on such initiatives. Purpose: To explicate the differential impact of different portfolios systems on preservice teachers. The overarching research question was, "What are the preservice teachers' experiences using tools to create an electronic portfolio?" Setting: The Teachers College at a large university and the Education Department at a small liberal arts college. Participants: Six preservice teachers at each institution served as key participants. Informal interviews with numerous other participants provided additional data. Research Design: Qualitative multi-site case study informed by Engeström's Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) (Engeström, 1987). Data Collection and Analysis: Document analysis, focus group interviews, individual interviews, thinkaloud work sessions, and lab and classroom observations provided data. Qualitative data analysis was informed by Creswell's "data analysis spiral" and Engeström's CHAT. Findings: Visits at both institutions presented several of the key ideas in the CHAT framework including the networked nature of activity, the portfolio as a boundary activity, contradictions within the portfolio activity, and changes to the portfolio activity system. Additional themes included transition, creativity, reflection, and resources.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2006

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Baumbach, Donna

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Education

Department

Educational Research, Technology, and Leadership

Degree Program

Instructional Technology/Media

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0001015

URL

http://purl.fcla.edu/fcla/etd/CFE0001015

Language

English

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

STARS Citation

Fiedler, Rebecca, "In Transition: An Activity Theoretical Analysis Examining Electronic Portfolio Tools' Mediation Of The Preservice Teacher's Authoring Experience" (2006). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 816.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/etd/816