Welcome to the 21st Century.  Print portfolios use to be the thing, but in today’s digital age, online portfolios are quickly becoming the standard.  Let’s face it, today’s students are hooked on smartphone technology.  When surveyed, Millennials said one of the most loved features of their smartphones was their camera, which they use for more than just taking selfies.  So, why not embrace what students love to do and put it to work in the classroom/clinic floor?

Digital portfolios allow students to showcase and market themselves in today’s digital world.  They can provide a link to their digital portfolio for potential employers to view during the interviewing process, as well as share their online portfolio galleries with clients in the waiting area and/or station to aid in the client consultation process.   In addition, students can create and manage their portfolios seamlessly by simply uploading the images they have taken directly from their smartphones or tablets.

Here are some ways that you can start putting digital portfolios to work in your school:

• Start integrating student portfolio assignments into your school’s curriculum on a daily or weekly basis. After all, a digital portfolio should never become static; they should remain ever-changing.
• Before and After Photos – Have students document client transformations by collecting before and after images of makeovers.
• Show Diversity – Encourage students to showcase a variety of styles within their portfolio i.e. special occasion, texture, smooth and sleek, different lengths, men’s cuts, etc. The goal is to have students capture a variety of talents and abilities that they can showcase.
• Categories – Have students create categories for easy viewing such as “short hairstyles,” “long hairstyles”, “color and highlights,” “special occasion styles,” “makeup,” “current trends,” etc.

There are many options available when it comes to utilizing digital portfolios in your school, from an array of apps to websites and other platforms, some of which are free while others require paid for subscriptions.  Spend a little time doing your research to find the perfect fit for your school.