Role of Digital Portfolios in Online Skill-Based Courses

Published Paper PDF: View PDF

Dheeraj Malhotra

Independent Researcher

Chandigarh, India

Abstract
Digital portfolios have become integral to online skill-based education, offering a multifaceted platform for learners to curate artifacts, engage in reflective practice, and demonstrate competencies to instructors and external stakeholders. Over the past decade, their adoption has shifted from simple repositories of final projects to dynamic learning environments that support iterative development and authentic assessment. This study investigates how digital portfolios influence learner engagement, self‑regulated learning, and perceived mastery in online skill‑based courses. Drawing upon a comprehensive literature review and a cross‑sectional survey of 200 adult learners enrolled in five distinct skill‑based programs (web development, graphic design, project management, technical writing, and foreign language proficiency), we analyze usage patterns, reflective behaviors, and feedback mechanisms. Survey data reveal that structured portfolio activities—such as weekly artifact uploads, guided reflection prompts, and instructor comments—significantly enhance learners’ motivation and self‑regulatory strategies. Correlational and regression analyses demonstrate that higher update frequency and deeper reflective engagement predict stronger self‑regulation and perceived competency. Qualitative responses highlight both the affordances of portfolios for professional identity formation and the challenges of technological usability and time management. Based on these findings, we propose a set of best practices for instructional designers, including clear milestone rubrics, scaffolded reflection exercises, and integrated peer review, to maximize the pedagogical potential of digital portfolios in online skill‑based curricula. The study concludes with implications for platform developers, instructors, and future research avenues focusing on longitudinal outcomes, employability metrics, and discipline‑specific implementations.

Keywords

Digital Portfolios, Online Learning, Skill-Based Courses, Learner Engagement, Authentic Assessment

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