Three Approaches for Developing Digital Portfolios

As interest continues to grow for marketing oneself online, I am often asked for advice about the best approaches and tools for creating digital portfolios (DP) since different approaches and numerous tools are available for creating them. When asked, I first share my definition of DPs: DPs are goaldriven, organized, collections of materials published on the World Wide Web sharing one’s expertise and professionalism based on one’s reflection about them (Kilbane & Milman, 2003, 2005). Reflection is a key component, as Barrett (2000) explains, “A portfolio without reflections is just a multimedia presentation, or a fancy electronic résumé, or a digital scrapbook” (para. 35). After I share this definition, I explain that creating a DP depends on a lot of factors such as:Of course there are other issues to consider, but an important one is determining the approach for creating a DP. There are several approaches for developing DPs. In this article, I describe the integrative, turnkey, and Web 2.0 approaches.When I created my first web-based DP in 1998, there was only one approach (the integrative approach) for creating DPs and two options, applied separately or together, for producing them which involved: (1) creating HTML files using a basic word processing program such as Notepad or SimpleText or (2) using a website editor software program such as the now defunct Claris HomePage.Today, however, there are several tools available for creating DPs, some of which require little time and technical knowhow compared to tools typically used in the integrative approach. Each approach, however, has benefits and challenges, depending on the individual. For instance, in one approach, one needs to have more technical skill—for one person this might seem like an opportunity to learn new skills, whereas for another it might mean the approach is simply out of reach because the individual has no spare time to learn it. Therefore, it is useful to become familiar with these approaches to determine for oneself the best route to take for embarking on the DP creation journey.The integrative approach to creating a Web-based DP involves using a number of software programs or tools to create, organize, upload, and display materials. Knowledge of how to use these tools is necessary (or a willingness to learn them). I recommend the integrative approach to individuals who want the most control over the design of their DPs and who have the requisite resources (i.e., hardware, software), time, and skills for applying such an approach. Examples of software one might use when using this approach are:The turnkey solution, or web-based application approach, is an approach developed for individuals who wish to create DPs quickly and easily without having to know the mechanics (HTML) behind the scenes of the World Wide Web. Turnkey solutions are web-based, database-driven tools often available through paid subscription for the ability to create DPs using templates developed by the turnkey solution. They vary in their cost, ease of use, creative flexibility, storage space, technical support, and other features. I recommend the turnkey approach to DP authors whose employers or schools require a particular turnkey solution for the creation of DPs, those who do not mind the expense to develop a DP quickly and seamlessly, and/or those who simply do not have the time or skills for developing a DP. Examples of turnkey tools are:The Web 2.0 approach consists of using Web 2.0 tools such as blogs and wikis freely available on the Web for creating a DP. Of all these approaches described, this one requires the least technological skill although it necessitates learning the particular tool. I recommend Web 2.0 tools for those who do not want to invest the time and effort with HTML, but want to have a nice, polished-looking DP that does not require the time, cost, or effort involved in creating one using the integrative or turnkey solution approaches. Most of the tools available are free in this category, which makes them very attractive. Examples of tools that fall under the Web 2.0 approach are:Determining the best approach for creating a DP depends on many different factors and goals. Unless an approach has already been determined for you, it is important to explore the approaches for creating DPs and the tools associated with them. Also, be sure to examine examples of DPs created with them. Simply conduct a search of your favorite tools within an approach and use the term “portfolio.” Chances are, you will find many examples. Whether or not you do, an excellent resource for examining a DP created with different tools is Barrett’s (2010) My “Online Portfolio” Adventure. This site shares many of the tools available for creating DPs. For more on DPs in general, read Milman (2007).A portrait of a woman above text identifying Natalie B. Milman, Associate Professor at The George Washington University, with her Washington, D C address, phone number, and email inside a bordered rectangle. Associate Professor, Graduate School of Education and Human Development, The George Washington University, 2134 G ST, NW, Washington, DC 20052. Telephone: (202) 994-1884.