OBSERVA Portal: Academics' Pedagogical Development through Storytelling and Digital Curation

The OBSERVA Portal is a platform designed to promote professional development for academics in higher education through the sharing of teaching practices. The OBSERVA Portal is a platform designed to enhance professional development for academics in higher education by facilitating the sharing of teaching practices. This study explores the intersection of digital storytelling and digital curation in supporting professional development among Brazilian academics using the Portal. Grounded in a framework that combines professional development, storytelling, and curation, this qualitative study involved twelve academics who participated in a structured curation process. The participants engaged in interviews, a live session streamed on YouTube, and collaborative work with the research team to curate and finalise content for publication. A follow-up interview was conducted to capture their reflections. The findings reveal that participation in the Portal encouraged reflection, collaboration, and recognition among academics, positioning them as co-authors of pedagogical knowledge and fostering a more engaged professional community.