Introducing E-Portfolio as Authentic Assessment Tool for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Imperatives for Smart Green Schools

The Smart and Green Schools initiative of Enugu State Government is an innovative and skill-oriented programme aimed at preparing pupils and students at basic education level to function effectively and responsibly in the era of Fourth Industrial Revolution. Assessment is crucial to effective and innovative educational practices. However, some forms of assessment hinder innovative educational practices. Education stakeholders are expressing concern over their inability to use standardised test for authentic assessment of students. This paper focused on introducing e-portfolio as an authentic assessment tool for pupils and students in the Smart and Green Schools in Enugu State. The paper x-rayed the current assessment practices in the schools and how pupils and students can develop functional skills such as critical thinking through the use of e-portfolios. The e-portfolio facilitates holistic assessment of learning. However, despite the relevance of e-portfolio towards robust and authentic assessment practices, the paper highlighted that most teachers do not possess sufficient knowledge to use e-portfolio for assessing the students’ knowledge and skills. In addition, the paper noted that the teachers, pupils and students’ digital literacy level is low for effective utilization of e-portfolio for authentic assessment of learning in the Smart and Green Schools. The study recommended among others, urgent and extensive training of teachers, pupils and students on the application of e-portfolio for effective delivery of authentic assessment of learning in the schools.