title: Quantitative and qualitative analysis of student feedback on ePortfolio learning.
abstract: At the University of British Columbia, we introduced an ePortfolio assignment in the operative dentistry clinical simulation module and conducted a pilot study to explore the usefulness of ePortfolios as a learning tool for dental students. Qualitative assessments included student self-reflections on the ePortfolio experience. In the quantitative evaluation, ePortfolio learning was hypothesized as a multidimensional experience with four dimensions: 1) an ePortfolio experience is valuable for learning operative dentistry; 2) an ePortfolio is time-consuming, but overall a useful experience; 3) ePortfolio learning requires technical skills that are manageable; and 4) ePortfolio experience may be beneficial for lifelong learning. Overall, both quantitative and qualitative assessments demonstrated that students valued ePortfolio learning as a positive experience. In multivariate analyses (confirmatory factor analysis), the four-dimensional model of ePortfolio learning was confirmed. Future studies are needed to validate or revise the four-factor model of ePortfolio learning in different student cohorts.
authors.affiliation: University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. drkg@interchange.ubc.ca
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Gardner
authors.forename: Jolanta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aleksejuniene
mesh_terms: D001290:Attitude; D001955:British Columbia; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003188:Composite Resins; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000145:classification; D003764:Dental Materials; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000145:classification; D003801:Dental Veneers; D003814:Dentistry, Operative / Q000193:education*; D004497:Education, Dental; D006804:Ergonomics; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007858:Learning; D009862:Online Systems; D023861:Photography, Dental; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D013850:Thinking; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D003764:Dental Materials; D003723:Dental Amalgam