Pebble Pad is an E-Portfolio software package but with added extras. It draws together a range of tools into one package, and allows you to use them privately, share them with other users and even publish them onto the extranet for the whole world to see!
Essentially Pebble Pad is a place for students to create a profile (like Facebook) aimed at showing their own learning and skills. This information can be built up by a number of different methods, such as them creating their own CV’s or by filling out pre-made forms to show their learning such as SWOT analysis forms etc. These forms can be stored privately within their Assets stores or shared between students or academics and be allowed to collaborate on the file, or if they are applying for jobs can be published live to the internet allowing anyone to view them.
Academics can come into play on a number of levels, by simply informing students of this resource and showing them how to use it (the resource in itself is very intuitive so students should pick it up rather quickly), and leaving the rest to the students on how they’d like to use it. Academics can also create custom forms for students to fill out so these forms could be tailored to their course/placement etc. Or a full blown Portfolio structure could be created which would be a number of areas which they are required to fill out and show knowledge of their learning which could draw in forms etc. An Example Portfolio shown below:
The Software is currently in its Pilot stage however it is fully usable and anyone with a UOP username and password is able to use it:
http://eportfolio.plymouth.ac.uk
You can also download a preview Portfolio which I created for Midwifery students on the HSW gateway:
http://eportfolio.plymouth.ac.uk/pebblepad/gateway/gateway.aspx?gatewayoid=1161
So try the above link if you would like a closer look to see what all the hype is about. Further information about Pebble Pad can be seen on their website and their Wiki.
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