Tools

Choosing a Tool

You may choose the most appropriate tool to build the portfolios. Instructions are provided for a variety of free Web 2.0 tools: Google Sites, WordPress.com, Weebly.com, Yola.com. Here are the resources provided to support these tools. By the end of the second week, you will select the most appropriate tool, and provide a rationale for that selection. Here are the websites to support the use of each possible tool:

Dr. Barrett's "Selecting a "Free" Online Tool for ePortfolio Development"

Dr. Barrett's "Tools to Develop Electronic Portfolios: http://www.cic.edu/teach21/T21_website/ep/guided_tour/tools.html

Dr. Barrett’s “ePortfolios with GoogleApps” https://sites.google.com/site/eportfolioapps/

Dr. Barrett’s “ePortfolios with WordPress” https://sites.google.com/site/eportfolioswp/

Salt Lake Community College supports the following free tools: weebly.com, wordpress.com, yola.com.  They created tutorials for students in each of the sites: Weebly, WordPress, Yola.

Dr. Barrett’s website on using Mobile Tools for ePortfolio development: https://sites.google.com/site/mportfolios/

If you know how to use a specific tool, such as WordPress, use that tool. If you aren't sure, sign up for one or more of the free accounts and see which one is the easiest to use. If you want to brand your portfolio with your own domain name, then build that component into your decision. You will share your decision and the reason for your choice. I encourage you to work with a partner to choose the same tool and learn it together.

Pros and Cons of Different Tools

The table below compares some of the pros and cons of different "free" tools for creating e-portfolios. The costs for upgraded services are listed under "cons" and are presented here for comparison purposes. All of the services can be used fully free of charge, but there are differences when you want to personalize your portfolio with your own domain name, etc.

* Pros and Cons from Salt Lake City Community College