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How Dublin City University uses Mahara to support learning at scale

17 Oct 2025, 4:57 PM

Dublin City University enhanced student learning with Mahara portfolios, improving reflective practice and graduate attributes.

Background

Dublin City University (DCU), known for its forward-thinking approach to education, set out to enhance student learning with the introduction of ePortfolios in 2016. With a goal to utilise reflective learning and develop graduate attributes, DCU turned to Mahara, the open source ePortfolio platform, to bring this vision to life. Led by Lisa Donaldson, a Learning Technologist with a background in ePortfolio-based assessment, the project gained real traction, reshaping how learners approach their learning, assessment, and professional development.

DCU’s strategic plan 2012-2017 highlighted the need to embed graduate attributes into student learning, and ePortfolios were seen as a vital tool for this. Lisa, already familiar with ePortfolios from her Master’s degree, took charge of leading the project within DCU’s Teaching Enhancement Unit.

The team selected Mahara as the portfolio platform and called it 'Loop Reflect'. They introduced it as a way for learners to not only track their progress but also reflect on their learning. Initially, the focus was on using ePortfolios for assessment, but it soon expanded to include extracurricular activities.

Opportunity

Before the successful rollout of Mahara, DCU had struggled to introduce ePortfolios. There was a general lack of understanding around how they could genuinely improve learning and assessments. The challenge wasn’t just technical; it was also about engaging both learners and staff.

The pilot project itself posed an unexpected challenge: what was supposed to be a small trial ended up with nearly 6,000 students and staff with six weeks using Mahara, far more than originally anticipated. This sudden uptake, driven by word-of-mouth and enthusiastic lecturers, required quick thinking to ensure support structures were in place.

The goal was to move beyond traditional assessments and offer learners a more flexible, reflective way to demonstrate their learning journey.

Solution

Lisa’s leadership, along with the support of her colleagues in the Teaching Enhancement Unit and the wider Mahara community, proved critical to the project’s success. She reached out to other institutions already using Mahara and gathered insights on best practices. The platform’s flexibility enabled DCU to create templates and workflows that worked for a diverse range of faculties.

Key elements of the initiative included:

A rapidly expanding pilot: The initial pilot, aimed at a small group of learners, grew rapidly to include 6,000 students and staff within a few weeks, largely due to positive feedback from both staff and learners.

Collaboration with faculty: A big part of the success was due to working closely with faculty to design ePortfolio templates that aligned with their specific needs. Lisa’s team also provided training to help faculty understand how to integrate ePortfolios into their teaching.

Loop reflect example portfolio
Loop reflect example maps

Student support through 'Eterns': To keep up with the rapid growth, Lisa introduced the concept of 'eterns'—student volunteers who helped their peers navigate the platform and understand the wider concept of folio thinking. The eterns provided valuable support and also contributed to the ongoing improvement of using portfolios at DCU.

Building a national community: Realising that collaboration was key, Lisa didn’t stop at DCU. She reached out to other Irish institutions to bring together academics and support staff interested in portfolios, which evolved into Eportfolio Ireland(external link). This group enabled institutions to share knowledge and resources, helping each other along the way.

I worked with people, and I collaborated with people that knew more than I did. And I highly recommend that because what I found was with the Mahara community, it's very open, very welcoming, and very given to sharing.

- Lisa Donaldson, former Learning Technologist at DCU

Results

The results of the Mahara implementation at DCU are impressive:

  • Widespread adoption: Within the first year, over 10,000 learners were using Loop Reflect, a testament to the platform’s quick adoption across different faculties.
  • Increased engagement: Both learners and staff found the platform beneficial for its ability to provide a more holistic view of student learning. The ePortfolios enabled learners to showcase their achievements, reflect on their learning, and create a lasting record of their progress.
  • Support and scalability: The introduction of eterns was instrumental in scaling support for the platform. Their hands-on assistance, particularly with faculty and learners unfamiliar with ePortfolios, ensured a smooth rollout across the university.
  • Sustained growth: By 2021, Mahara was being used in over 110 different programmes and modules, compared to just 30 before the pandemic. The platform became a staple in DCU’s assessment methods and continues to support student learning today. Portfolios continue to play an important role at DCU in its commitment to innovating learning and teaching scenarios and preparing students for their professional lives. 

Listen to Lisa

If you'd like to learn more about the ePortfolio practice at DCU, you can listen to Lisa’s episode on our podcast 'Create. Share. Engage.'

Learn more about portfolio practices

Catalyst has been the main development company behind Mahara since 2006, supporting organisations on their portfolio journey. Whether you're interested in community-focused learning, reflective practices, or enhancing your learning strategy, we're happy to help.

Contact us to discuss how Mahara can support your goals.

The images included in the case study are from DCU students who have given permission for them to be shared. Thanks to the students for letting us include these.

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