EDLD 5303 BLOG 4: Who Owns the Portfolio? A Reflection

This week, I’ve been contemplating an interesting question: Who owns the portfolio? The ownership of a portfolio, especially in an academic or professional context, can be a difficult issue with consequences for personal identity, intellectual property, and career development. Reflecting on various perspectives from my classmates has provided me with valuable insights and helped me form a more comprehensive view on this issue.

Personal Ownership: The Individual Perspective

From my understanding, it’s clear that the primary owner of a portfolio is, indeed, the individual who creates and maintains it. A portfolio is a personal collection of one's work, achievements, skills, and reflections. It represents an individual’s unique journey, showcasing their growth and expertise. Consequently, ownership of the portfolio is deeply personal. The content, arrangement, and display all mirror the individual's dedication and decisions.

Institutional Ownership: Context

Ownership in institutional or organizational contexts can complicate matters. For example, when portfolios are part of coursework or professional development, the institution may claim ownership over the framework and structure, guiding and assessing their development.

Collaborative Contributions

When portfolios are created through collaboration, the issue of ownership becomes increasingly complex. When several people participate in building a portfolio together, it is essential to recognize and honor each contributor's contributions. Ideally, collaborative portfolios should demonstrate a joint ownership, with explicit agreements on how contributions are acknowledged and attributed.

Personal Reflection and Integration

Upon reflecting on my classmates' perspectives and contemplating my own, I have come to understand that although individuals are the primary owners of their portfolios, this ownership is situated within a larger framework of influences and agreements. Institutions, collaborative partners, and intellectual property considerations all contribute to shaping the perception and use of portfolios.

In summary, the ownership of a portfolio is multifaceted. While it is fundamentally personal, embodying an individual's distinct accomplishments and reflections, it is also influenced by institutional context. Thereby the learner is the true owner (Attwell, 2012).