e-Portfolio for Collaborative Learning in Study Abroad: Case of VIA Asia/US Exchange Programs

Abstract

VIA Asia/US Exchange Programs is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing understanding between the United States and Asia through service and education. As one of the initiatives to stay competitive, VIA rolled out a program called Exchange for Social Entrepreneurs and Leaders as an innovative program that brings together college students from Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, and California to Silicon Valley to study social entrepreneurship and leadership. Due to the intensive nature of the program, students were required to start working on projects well before they arrived in Silicon Valley. In order to manage the operation of the program effectively and track the activities and learning of the students who are spread across different continents, VIA decided to implement a collaborative e-Portfolio system. This paper addresses the unique features of VIA’s XSEL program and how they were enhanced by utilizing an e-Portfolio system.