L’expérimentation du eportfolio à l’université : questionnements autour de la réflexivité

Abstract: he development of professional skills has been guiding French university policies, especially since the 2007 Loi relative aux libertés et aux responsabilités des universités (LRU, Law on the Liberties and Responsibilities of Universities). The will to integrate digital technologies makes this area all the more favourable to setting up eportfolios. Institutional injunctions are rarely accompanied by a pedagogical discourse (Houot, Issenmann & Nowakowski, 2013). So, the eportfolio, in the way it works and can be used, is multifaceted (Salinas, Marín & Escandell, 2013; Siampou & Komis, 2011). Emphasizing processes, it implies the development of a reflexive initiative (Loisy & Lison, 2013), but under certain conditions (Bibeau, 2007; Naccache, Samson & Jouquan, 2006). This article documents the place given to the reflexive function of the eportfolio for its implementation by stakeholders. The study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 in seven institutions of higher education. In semi-structured interviews, thirty-eight teacher-researchers, trained engineers, trainers, project holders and students shared their experiences. Firstly, the eportfolios that were set up aim for the development of students’ reflexivity in their learning and practices. The terms and conditions for access influence the possibility of exercising reflexivity, particularly when deciding between self-promotion and self-protection. Finally, the eportfolio’s ease of use is essential. Without it, there is a risk of hampering reflexivity or contradicting the initiative: in other words, establishing an eportfolio does not guarantee a reflexive practice (Garnier & Marchand, 2012).