"The uptake is phenomenal. To our knowledge, a nationally provided e-portfolio and social learning network for schools is a world first", says Kineo Pacific Director, Richard Wyles. MyPortfolio is a nationally available e-portfolio cloud service that runs on the open source e-portfolio software, Mahara.

E-portfolios provide learners with an easy way of recording their learning experiences, achievements, and evidence of learning. Learners who have used e-portfolios report having a greater awareness of their skills, greater confidence in their abilities, and feeling more independent as learners.

Learners today often create and use digital content, e.g. videos, audio clips, stories, photos, learning reflections, assignments, and other learning materials they source or create. Being able to easily link and integrate all these resources into a portfolio enables learners to create their own personal learning space in a safe and nurturing environment.

Unlike some social-media sites, the content created on MyPortfolio is by default private and the users (students and teachers alike) decide who can access any parts of the content. In choosing to share specific parts of a portfolio, the options include teacher/s, peer/s, a project group, or a class within a school or across schools, or between two people, etc.

Schools are also realising the importance of teacher portfolios and often encourage or even require their staff to establish their own e-portfolios for professional development and appraisal purposes. This also ensures staff familiarity with the application and teaching approach best suited to e-portfolio use.