Portfolio Creation

Introduction

During this course and the BOLS program you will be using a blog to post reflections. For this activity you will be creating a Google Site website that you will use as a portfolio. Blogs and websites/portfolios are similar in the sense that they both can easily contain text, hyperlinks, images, and videos.  However, there are important differenes as explained in the image to the right.   

You will be using your Google Site portfolio to display and describe various projects throughout the program.  At the end of the program--with some modifications--you will be able to share your portfolio with others, including potential employers. Similar to your blog, you will first create a basic Google Site and learn how to create pages that include text, images, video, and hyperlinks.  If you are new to Google Sites, the video to the right intorduces you to some of its features.

NOTE: You are free to create an online portfolio using a different tool if you prefer.  However, we will only be providing support for Google Sites.  

 

 

 

1. Create an online portfolio using Google Sites

To create a Google Site, go to https://sites.google.com/site/  and login using your Google Account. If you do not have a Google account you will need to create one here.
 
Google Sites recently changed and now allows you to create a website using "Classic" or "New" Google Sites. This page compares "Classic" to "New" Google sites. If you are given the option, I strongly recommend using the new version because it looks like the "Classic" Google Sites will be going away and migrating from "Classic" to "New" can be a bit of a pain. 
 

This tutorial will help if you want to use the "New" Google Sites.  NOTE: When I made this tutorial "New" Google Sites didn't allow for nested pages or different levels of pages. That has since changed and you can now nest pages one level deep.  
 
 
When creating your Site DO NOT use the class website template, if given the option use a blank template!  Trust me, it will be easier this way.
 		  
 

2. Edit your home/front page

When you create a Google Site it automatically creates a homepage. Similar to your first blog post, you will introduce yourself on your homepage.  However, this should be a more professional introduction (remember that you may want to share this portfolio with potential employers). The introduction on the homepage should have the following:
  • A paragraph introducing yourself to those who will be visiting your portfolio.  
  • Insert a picture 

3. Submit Your Google Site Portfolio