The e-portfolio at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) has sparked a wide range of opinions among students, revealing a spectrum of experiences ranging from frustration to appreciation.
In interviews conducted by the Globe, varying viewpoints surfaced, with many students expressing dissatisfaction with the e-portfolio assignment.
Lilo Tuiono, SLCCSA’s vice president of Academic Pathways for the 2024-25 year, emphasized that the predominant complaint is not about the staff or the space available for the e-portfolio, but rather the assignment itself.
“For years, the number one complaint students have had is how much they find the e-portfolio assignment pointless and frustrating,” Tuiono stated.
In response to this widespread dissatisfaction, Tuiono has made improving the e-portfolio a priority during her tenure.
“This year, we want to know from students directly what their feelings are toward the assignment and what problems they face,” she added.
Over the past three years, SLCCSA has worked to address student concerns regarding the e-portfolio platform.
Tuiono noted that the first year was focused on making the system more user-friendly, while the second year centered on aligning the understanding of the program among faculty and students.
The current year entails collecting direct student feedback.
To this end, SLCC’s ePortfolio Office recently conducted a poll aimed at identifying specific issues students have encountered with the program and assessing the level of dissatisfaction among the student body.
While some students have voiced their discontent loudly, questions arise regarding how representative their views are of the entire student body.
Brittany Hall, a journalism and digital media student graduating this semester, expressed a more favorable view of the e-portfolio.
“It’s confusing to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty easy,” Hall remarked.
She encouraged fellow students to reach out to the e-portfolio office for assistance, stating, “There is an e-portfolio office and they can help you.”
Contrasting Hall’s experience, sophomore Dallin Stuart, a communication major, shared his frustration with the program.
“I just don’t like it. It takes too long. No employer has ever wanted to look at it,” he said, adding concerns over the site’s appearance: “It looks sketchy – like it will steal my information.”
In contrast, Olivia Larson, a sophomore switching to education studies, highlighted the e-portfolio’s benefits.
“It’s handy – a good way to show off some of your work,” Larson said, acknowledging that while she initially faced challenges, resources like videos from the office were essential in assisting her.
Her primary struggle lies in writing reflections, as she finds it difficult to encapsulate a semester’s worth of experience succinctly.
Andrew Strong, a sophomore venturing into secondary education, appreciates the e-portfolio’s creative potential.
He noted, “I was more interested in making it pretty than making it functional.”
Despite facing challenges during initial use, Strong eventually found satisfaction in crafting an organized and visually appealing portfolio.
“I like clear directions,” Strong explained, reflecting on his early confusion with the program.
Overall, while SLCCSA continues to receive complaints, students like Strong and Larson are discovering the value of the e-portfolio in enhancing their educational experience.
This realization helps to explain the administration’s unwavering support for the initiative, as it has the potential to showcase student work and foster a sense of personal expression.
image source from：https://www.globeslcc.com/2025/04/22/e-portfolio-student-opinions-reflections-complaints/
