ePortfolio Requirements
Students admitted to the SIRLS master's program in May 2007 or later are required to create four reflections: the 504 reflection, the mid-program reflection, the professional reflection, and the final reflection. These mark milestone points in the students' progress through the program. Each reflection should be at least 1,200 to 1,500 words in length and include several artifacts with the exception of the professional reflection, which might not have appropriate artifacts to include.
This reflection indicates the deep learning that has occurred during the foundations class. It is not a summary of what has been learned but a narrative that demonstrates the depth of understanding of the content presented during the course. The self-reflection presents students' personal views of topics covered in the course and discusses how and why these views were developed. It gives insights into students' personal learning through the course content. It should be tied to the appropriate competencies. Typical artifacts for this reflection might include the issue paper, the final exam essay, the study questions assignment, a link to the website, the interview, or the student's section of the group presentation. Each artifact needs to be tied into the learning described in the reflection, and the learning described needs to be tied directly to whichever SIRLS competency statements are applicable.
The mid-program reflection will occur when a student has completed half the coursework. This reflection should be substantive, describing each course the student has taken and ways the coursework has begun to shape the student's understanding of library and information science at the midpoint of the degree. The mid-program reflection should also describe how the coursework has contributed to progress toward specific competencies. The reflection must include a summation that provides an overview of major goals accomplished so far and that looks forward to what still needs to be achieved in the second half of the program. Typical artifacts for this would be research papers, course reflections or journals, pathfinders or other research guides, databases, or other course related assignments. Each artifact needs to be tied into the learning described in the reflection, and the learning described needs to be tied directly to whichever SIRLS competency statements are applicable. Only courses taken for the fulfillment of the master's degree requirements are to be reviewed.
This reflection indicates the learning that has occurred during a professional development activity (such as attending a research presentation or an AzLA meeting). Any learning experience done for SIRLS course credit, such as an internship, practicum, or volunteer work completed as service learning, cannot be used for the professional reflection. Such a reflection is not a summary or mere description of the activity, but a narrative that demonstrates the depth of the student's understanding of the significance and value of the activity. While no artifacts are required, if a student has created a poster session or other conference presentation material, it would a valuable inclusion. This reflection should be tied to the SIRLS competency statements that are applicable. DigIn certificate courses taken for credit within the certificate program only -- not those used for master's credit -- may be used for this reflection.
The final self reflection is a comprehensive, well-organized and clearly-written essay about the student's learning experiences at SIRLS. The student will be in the final semester of coursework in library and information science. Therefore, the essay should consist of an in-depth discussion about her or his learning experiences, challenges, and understanding of the field. This reflection should be a clear indication of the student's preparation as a professional. Final reflections should also document that the student meets the entire list of program competencies. This does not mean that the student must review the courses discussed in the Mid-Program reflection. Typical artifacts for this reflection are similar to those used for the mid-program reflection. Each artifact needs to be tied into the learning described in the reflection, and the learning described needs to be tied directly to whichever SIRLS competency statements are applicable.
The final reflection must be submitted by the following dates:
Students will not be certified as having completed requirements until all requirements, including the successful completion of the portfolio, are met.
After students have completed a reflection and posted it, the evaluators will have access to the reflection for review and comments. If the reflection meets requirements (i.e. length, content, artifacts), a comment indicating approval will be added by each reviewer. If the reflection needs revision, a comment detailing the revisions needed will be added by one or both evaluators. Students are responsible for checking their ePortfolios to see whether reflections have been approved or if additional work is needed. Additional work should be completed in a timely fashion, usually within fourteen days of the request for revision. The time frame may be shorter for the final reflection in order to ensure graduation. After the final reflection is approved, a SIRLS full-time faculty member will review the entire ePortfolio to see that it meets the SIRLS graduation requirements.