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Build an ePortfolio with Google Sites
Create and publish an eportfolio through Google Sites to share samples of your work. This guide covers building an eportfolio with a program template.
Getting Started with Google Sites ePortfolios
An academic ePortfolio is your digital collection of course-related work, essays, reports, posters, photographs, videos, podcasts, and artwork. Your portfolio can also capture other aspects of your life as a student, such as volunteer experiences, employment history, extracurricular activities, awards, certificates, and more!
Sample Student ILO eportfolio: Nora Wilde ePortfolio
Organize Your Files
An ePortfolio should include examples of your work including projects or assignments, certificates (saved as an image file), images, videos or podcasts. These files need to be added to a publicly accessible folder in Google Drive.
- Open your web browser and navigate to Google Drive.
- Create a new folder called ePortfolio.
- Change the folder sharing permissions to public by following these steps:
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Select the Folder: Click on the folder to select it. You can tell it's selected because it will be highlighted.
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Open Sharing Settings: Right-click on the folder or click on the "Share" button at the top of the page.
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Change Sharing Settings: In the sharing settings dialog box, you will see the sharing options. Click on the "Change" link next to "Anyone with the link" under "Link sharing".
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Set Permissions: Select "Viewer" to allow users to view the content but not edit it.
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- Upload documents to this folder including a headshot for your profile (if required).
Sign in to Google Sites
- Open your web browser and navigate to Google Sites.
- Sign in with your Google account credentials. If you don't have a Google account, you'll need to create one.
Working with your Program Template
For students working on assignments that use a program template, follow the steps listed below.
Template
- Open the Program Template Folder
- Click on the Sign in button at the top right of your screen to access the template
- Click the more menu (3 dots)
- Choose Make a copy.
- Rename the file with your name.
Text Boxes
Replace content in text boxes using the text editor options. Add more text boxes using the insert menu.
Images
Your template includes a place holder for images that need to be edited with your choice of image.
Certificates
Convert or save all copies of certificates in an image format (PNG or JPG). PDFs will not work in an image carousel.
Google Drive: Documents
Sections of your template includes places for you to add samples of your work saved in Google drive.
Content Blocks and Other Elements
Use Content blocks to divide up sections of your document. There are other options for creating collapsible groups, buttons, divider and more.
Pages
Add new pages to your site using the Insert Page menu. Pages can be moved under top level categories to make subpages.
Customize
- Change your site document name in the top left corner.
- Make sure your site title was changed (see Step 1)
- Your template was built with the Simple theme, using a white background.
- Customize the layout and design of your pages by choosing a different theme, font, and colours.
Review
- Organize your pages and content logically and coherently. Ensure that your ePortfolio is easy to navigate and understand.
- Review and edit your ePortfolio for spelling and grammatical errors, formatting inconsistencies, and broken links.
- Regularly update and maintain your ePortfolio to reflect your latest achievements, experiences, and skills. If you have added a Google Doc resume, updating that file will automatically update your eportfolio.
Publish
Once you're satisfied with your ePortfolio, click on the "Publish" button to make it accessible to others. Input a custom Web address name for your site. Make your site access public.
Share
Click on the copy published link icon followed by clicking on the Copy Link button to share the URL of your ePortfolio with potential employers, colleagues, or mentors.
Assignment
Submit the copied Published site link to your assignment submission in MyCanvas. Consider embedding your ePortfolio on your LinkedIn profile or personal website to increase visibility and reach.