Training Workshop Basic page

Mahara Training Materials

Open source e-portfolios

Overview  |  Basics  |  Journals  |  Multimedia  |  External Content  |  Sharing  |  Professional Learning  |  Templates  |  Reflection

Build a simple page

 

Create a page

One of the simplest things you can do in Mahara is build a page. A page is a website that is made up of 'blocks'. These blocks can be anything: text boxes, videos, images, journal entries etc. Have in mind this simple, three step process for creating a page:

• Step 1: Describe.
• Step 2: Edit.
• Step 3: Share.

All things possible in Mahara stem from different combinations of these three steps.

Activity

To start this process, log in and click the 'Portfolio' tab. Choose 'Create page'. This will begin the three-step process to create a new page from scratch: Step 1: Describe. Give your page a title and a description. Click Save. Step 2: Edit. Add content to your page. You've got a lot of choice, so begin with two simple things: text boxes and an image: Click the General tab, then drag a 'text box' down onto the page. Give it a title and write some text introducing yourself. Add an image.   Adding an image to Mahara Click the 'Files, images and video' tab, then drag the box called 'An image' down onto your page. It will ask you to choose a file or browse to one on your harddrive and upload it. If you make a mistake, you can edit a block. by clicking the small 'configure' cog in the top left corner of a block. When you have finished adding content to your page, click Done. Step 3: Share. At the moment, no one except you can see your page. To share it, click the link near the top of the page that says 'Share'. You'll see a list of your pages, and be able to share them by clicking the picture of the key under 'Edit access'. Choose Too easy? Try this for a step-up challenge: create a learner profile that contains the following things: When editing your page, add a column by clicking one of the green arrows at the top. A photo of something related to an interest of yours.

Once you have finished your page, edit page access, add a secret URL and email that secret URL to me and one other person. This will enable us to see that page even if we are not members of the Mahara system.

Primary Theme

 

Myportfolio primary theme

Catalyst IT has developed a theme more suitable for primary schools, with larger icons and easier to use navigation. This makes Mahara more approachable for younger age groups by emphasising primarily visual interface. Here's a video of what it looks like:

Question

How many different metaphors for e-portfolios can you think of? Choose one and explain why it is a fitting comparison.