During the winter semester 2021/2022, the project started with a comprehensive needs assessment, concept development and the selection of the e-portfolio platform Mahara, which is particularly suitable for self-organised learning groups, as it allows students to create and manage groups independently of courses and lectures. Additionally, Mahara's social features such as groups, forums, messaging and feedback encourage independent networking, collaboration and reflective, self-directed learning processes.
Mahara was set up in a joint implementation process with the University Computer Centre (URZ) and adapted to the needs of self-organised learning groups. Additional support materials were developed during the content design phase.
During the pilot phase in the summer semester 20223 and winter semester 2023/24, different user groups were able to test the platform for different (potential) applications such as writing groups or language tandems, but also in the context of courses for didactic use for portfolio work.
The project was completed in December 2023 with the launch of the Mahara e-portfolio platform. The platform has been available to all members of the University of Jena since January 2024 and is being further developed with other partner institutions and projects. Feedback options have been integrated into the platform to enable participatory development of the system. In this way, user behaviour can be monitored and the system can be continuously adapted to the needs of lecturers and students.
www.mahara.uni-jena.deExternal link