My first exposure to portfolios was when I started working with Okanagan College. The various office administration program(s) that I instruct include a portfolio component.  Students are required to compile their "best" work throughout the year. At the end of the 10-month period students then arrange their work into a flexible case creating a portfolio. We recommended that students use the portfolio as a tool to demonstrate their work to potential employers.

At the time, I thought this was a great idea and started my own portfolio by collecting various artefacts pertaining to my workplace skills and accomplishments. 

Upon enrolling in the MDDE program I explored my options of taking the thesis route versus the course-base route. After much deliberation I concluded that the course-based route was the best option for my desired outcome. As a result, I was introduced to the e-portfolio that acts as a "capstone" as an alternative to the comprehensive examination process. Once I began researching the MDE e-portfolio, I realized that my knowledge of portfolios was very limited and simple.