Completing a professional portfolio has been a part of teacher preparation programs for years. Now the portfolio is being recognized as a professional development tool for in-service teachers as well. The advent of the Electronic Portfolio enables both the pre-service and in-service teacher to quickly and easily add content, manage assets, and establish clear connections between standards and portfolio artifacts. The EP becomes a life-long tool, which evolves throughout a teacher's career.

In addition, use of an Electronic Portfolio allows students and faculty to:

• Access the Portfolio application from any computer with Internet access
• Collaborate across distance (through the reviewer interface or feedback)
• Become a more reflective practitioner
• Ease the transition from an assessment portfolio to an employment and professional development tool
• Transition from collection and annotation to presentation in one simple step
• Set future goals and track progress
  

Ultimately, the most important benefit of working with an Electronic Portfolio may be the sense of accomplishment derived from collecting, annotating, and reflecting on achievements and successes across the continuum of a career path.