ePortfolio & Digital Badging

They show a degree, courses, grades... But there’s so much more to you! Here’s how Bay Path ensures everyone knows it:

Bay Path requires every student to create an ePortfolio, an online collection of written work, presentations, videos, digital badges – everything that showcases skills and experiences gained in and out of the classroom.

What's an ePortfolio for?

For helping you understand yourself! In putting together an ePortfolio, you will review all your work and experiences, then discern which accomplishments show the best of you. You will enjoy “Ah-ha!” moments and have time to reflect on your discoveries.

• “I see how my study abroad trip, summer internship, and research project led me to my career goals – and I can explain that journey.”
• “I see how my class project, off-campus job, and community service work made me a confident organizer, clear communicator, and effective leader – and I am ready to describe the skills I’ve developed.”
• “I see all I’ve done! I can express who I’ve become!”

For demonstrating for others your skills and abilities! “Does she really have good writing and verbal skills? Has she really mastered the technologies she claims?” Potential employers or graduate schools won’t have to wonder or worry. Your ePortfolio gives you a competitive edge over other applicants who claim the same skill set.

• “I hear her verbal skills.”
• “I see her technical savvy.”
• “I observe her clear writing.”
• “I understand how her diverse accomplishments all relate to this position!”

What goes in an ePortfolio?

Almost anything! For example, a Neuroscience student’s ePortfolio showcases her conference poster, her Honor’s thesis, her interview with a neuroscientist, and her final internship paper. This ePortfolio paints a rich picture of a student ready to pursue a successful future in neuro research – most immediately as a Ph.D. student in the University of South Dakota’s Biomedical Sciences Program.

What are students saying about ePortfolio?

The ePortfolio allowed me to see and reflect on my development. I've always had good grades and academic ethics, but I've grown so much over the years as a person, from being shy and reserved to being willing to speak my mind, go out of my comfort zone, and present publicly... I put together my ePortfolio in a way that reflected me as a person." Crystal's ePortfolio includes the goals she set for herself in her Women as Empowered Learners and Leaders (WELL) classes, her resume, and her presentation of an internship experience as assistant manager at Sylvester's restaurant in Northampton. Crystal says she started the internship with "Imposter Syndrome" but quickly realized "I DO belong here. I CAN contribute to saving costs, improving waste management, increasing efficiency... I AM a confident, intelligent businesswoman." - Crystal, Business Administration Major 

What are faculty saying about ePortfolio?

ePortfolio is a way for students to express their development and work over time. You may add anything you’d like to it, or it may be required. You should be proud of the work you add to it; it can show your development over time, or how you connected with your community.”

An ePortfolio is a place to upload all of your work... Not only does it organize your work, but it lets you reflect upon your learning and skills and see how you have improved. You will post in ePortfolio every year, and be able to see the progression and advancement towards reaching your goals. ePortfolio can also be a place where you learn your strength and weaknesses, so you can better yourself and plan for the future.”

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Badging

What are badges?

“Micro-credentials” in the form of digital emblems – each representing a mastered skill. They can be added to online résumés, LinkedIn accounts, and more.

Who uses badges?

They began at prominent organizations like IBM, Intel, and the Smithsonian. Now leading universities also award them.

What do Bay Path badges mean to employers?

Bay Path created badge requirements with input from business leaders so that when potential employers see a badge, they know it means real workplace skills. For example, the Technologically Resourceful badge means the student has all these skills.

How do badges work at Bay Path?

• Each badge comes with requirements that can be fulfilled in a variety of ways, including coursework, experience in campus organizations, and experiences with off-campus work and internships.
• Students can work toward as many badges as they want and choose one of three achievement levels for each badge. For example, a student may achieve proficiency, solid mastery or exceptional mastery in basic computer applications as she works toward a Technologically Resourceful badge.