How was my experience in creating my portfolio?
My experience in producing my portfolio was a positive one. I was at ease in identifying which content to include and write in each section and I developed the portfolio initially in a Word document, so that I could simply make alterations and check spelling and grammar before uploading the content online. I encountered various formatting obstacles with the Blogspot.com site and found I needed to make some compromises on how I wanted the overall portfolio to appear, so that it was clear and functional. Overall, I quite enjoyed creating my portfolio using Blogspot.com, for the most part, this site was easy to use and I found the available design layouts professioal. I am happy with the scope of detail included in my portfolio and its appearance. Also, the experience of creating my portfolio has allowed me to develop skills and knowledge of how to use and create webpages, which I believe is valuable for me to remain connected to the increasingly growing online network community.
What I learned in the process?
In respect to the portfolio, my main learning curve was creating hyperlinks. I have never dealth with these before and now that I understand how easy they are to include, I found myself putting hyperlinks into my portfolio wherever I could. I also learned for the first time that using an online webpage such as Blogspot.com, required me to write in and upload any pictures in various sections of the blogger site and then preview how these would appear in the actual webpage. This was interesting, as I am use to writing assignments in Microsoft Word documents, wheer as you go you are seeing how the document will look. Whereas, in Blogspot.com I had to play around with the settings and preview how they looked, to achieve the design and formatting I preferred.
What I had difficulty with?
I initially had difficulty finding an appropriate online webpage tool that I could use to create my portfolio. I researched online to identify what online software other students had previously used, how easy it was for them to use and how professional their final portfolio's looked. I didn't find much information and as the example portfolio provided in the PSY3306 unit had used a blogger site, I settled on learning by trial and error how to use Blogspot.com. With this site, I found that I could alter the design layout to one that appealed to me, but I was limited in my formatting options and how I could include my evidence. For example, every page opened in my portfolio includes the introductory page at the top, before the content of the page. This annoyed me and I believe it could make it confusing for readers of my portfolio, if any, to realise the content they were after is further down the page, however, I could not find any settings to remove this feature. Furthermore, I was limited in that my page content could only include text and pictures; therefore, I could not include evidence such as certificates. Also, although this site did allow videos to be uploaded, I found that the process was timely. As I attempted to wait many hours online for a short clip of my university graduation to upload to no success, so I decided to exclude it from my portfolio and use a photo instead.
What I might have done differently?
If I could re-do this portfolio over again, I would probably try to use another blogger site that might have provided more flexibility in the formatting options. If I had more time, I would attempt to learn how I could hyperlink the evidence I provided from hidden pages. As in my current portfolio, the evidence pages needed to ve visible on the homepage alongside my introduction in order for me to have a valid web address I could use to hyperlink these pages throughout my portfolio. I believe that other sites may have a setting option that enables this feature and that if I could have learned how to do this then my portfolio would have appeared more smooth and professional.
My experience in producing my portfolio was a positive one. I was at ease in identifying which content to include and write in each section and I developed the portfolio initially in a Word document, so that I could simply make alterations and check spelling and grammar before uploading the content online. I encountered various formatting obstacles with the Blogspot.com site and found I needed to make some compromises on how I wanted the overall portfolio to appear, so that it was clear and functional. Overall, I quite enjoyed creating my portfolio using Blogspot.com, for the most part, this site was easy to use and I found the available design layouts professioal. I am happy with the scope of detail included in my portfolio and its appearance. Also, the experience of creating my portfolio has allowed me to develop skills and knowledge of how to use and create webpages, which I believe is valuable for me to remain connected to the increasingly growing online network community.
What I learned in the process?
In respect to the portfolio, my main learning curve was creating hyperlinks. I have never dealth with these before and now that I understand how easy they are to include, I found myself putting hyperlinks into my portfolio wherever I could. I also learned for the first time that using an online webpage such as Blogspot.com, required me to write in and upload any pictures in various sections of the blogger site and then preview how these would appear in the actual webpage. This was interesting, as I am use to writing assignments in Microsoft Word documents, wheer as you go you are seeing how the document will look. Whereas, in Blogspot.com I had to play around with the settings and preview how they looked, to achieve the design and formatting I preferred.
What I had difficulty with?
I initially had difficulty finding an appropriate online webpage tool that I could use to create my portfolio. I researched online to identify what online software other students had previously used, how easy it was for them to use and how professional their final portfolio's looked. I didn't find much information and as the example portfolio provided in the PSY3306 unit had used a blogger site, I settled on learning by trial and error how to use Blogspot.com. With this site, I found that I could alter the design layout to one that appealed to me, but I was limited in my formatting options and how I could include my evidence. For example, every page opened in my portfolio includes the introductory page at the top, before the content of the page. This annoyed me and I believe it could make it confusing for readers of my portfolio, if any, to realise the content they were after is further down the page, however, I could not find any settings to remove this feature. Furthermore, I was limited in that my page content could only include text and pictures; therefore, I could not include evidence such as certificates. Also, although this site did allow videos to be uploaded, I found that the process was timely. As I attempted to wait many hours online for a short clip of my university graduation to upload to no success, so I decided to exclude it from my portfolio and use a photo instead.
What I might have done differently?
If I could re-do this portfolio over again, I would probably try to use another blogger site that might have provided more flexibility in the formatting options. If I had more time, I would attempt to learn how I could hyperlink the evidence I provided from hidden pages. As in my current portfolio, the evidence pages needed to ve visible on the homepage alongside my introduction in order for me to have a valid web address I could use to hyperlink these pages throughout my portfolio. I believe that other sites may have a setting option that enables this feature and that if I could have learned how to do this then my portfolio would have appeared more smooth and professional.
Conclusion
I completed a psychology degree at university as I wanted to change into a career that would fulfill my passion of helping others. I have discovered in the process that I find this area of study fascinating and enjoyable and that it is appropriately suited to my personality. I am looking forward to beginning my career in this field so that I can make a contribution to the community in the welfare of children and families. Furthermore, I believe I have grown as a person since beginning my studies, as I am more confident in my actions and abilities and I have developed many meaningful relationships during this time. I have also gained invaluable knowledge and practical experience that makes me feel as though I am capable of anything most days. Completing my undergraduate degree has also broadened the job options I thought possible for myself and I look forward to continuing my education and beginning to use the skills and knowledge I have developed in my studies out in the workforce. Also, I am excited and ready to have my wedding and start my own family, as well as to expand my knowledge of the world by travelling to various countries and experiencing first hand their culture.
