LRC: Making Your Student ePortfolio: Website Builders &amp; Example Portfolios

Free Website Builders

Here are some of the many resources available for creating a free website. Creating a free account is pretty easy with all of them so you can try a few and get a feel for the differences.

Blogger
Blogger is owned by Google, which means that it is backed by much support and the process to set up a website through them is quick and relatively simple. Users have the option of using blogger for a general blog or they can set up entire websites. Users can choose among 100s of templates, create their own design, and hosting is free.
Canvas
Canvas (which Chesapeake College students already have access to through MyCampus) has built-in eportfolio functionality. Design options are limited, however. Also keep in mind: you will have access to Canvas for one (1) year after graduation. If you want to keep your portfolio active after you graduate, make sure to download the contents so you can recreate it in another service.
Google Sites
Google Sites offers a simple tool for free with several clean templates to choose from. Chesapeake College students have access to Google Sites via Skipjack Gmail accounts. The user interface is clean but some might consider the end product too simple. Offers the most to Chesapeake Students by way of privacy settings and unlimited access to features.
JimDo
Jimdo is another service allowing users to pick between free websites or fee-based options. Templates are modern and clean looking. Offers app for keeping your website updated on IOS or Android device.
Tumblr
Tumblr is primarily used for blogging websites but offers free hosting and templates. Advantages to tumblr are the quick set up, the integrated social network with other tumblr bloggers so you can follow what others are doing in their websites and the user interface is simple to use.
Weebly
Popular website building tool with well designed templates and slick user interface. Free account limits the type of video you can post as well as the ability to password protect pages.
Wordpress
Wordpress allows users to set up a free website with free hosting. Users can create a website from the landing page, select a template they prefer and customize page elements as needed. It is one of the most used sources for setting up blog websites

Example Portfolios

↑ Click/tap the website builder names above to view the examples for that tool! ↑

What's good about these examples?

Professional - no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, readable font choices, consistent & easy to use navigation
Visual Appeal - images that are not only interesting but add to the content
Comprehensiveness - all of the major areas of study are covered with a wide range of assignments
Variety - assignments are not just research papers, but a variety of media

↑ Click/tap the website builder names above to view the examples for that tool! ↑

Canvas Example Portfolio - Elizabeth
A Canvas portfolio created by a student at University of Washington.

↑ Click/tap the website builder names above to view the examples for that tool! ↑

Jimdo Example Portfolio - John Doe
A "mock" Jimdo portfolio created for Chesapeake College students.
Jimdo Example Portfolio - Vanessa
A Jimdo portfolio created by a student at Salt Lake Community College.

↑ Click/tap the website builder names above to view the examples for that tool! ↑

Weebly Example Portfolio - Amber
A Weebly portfolio created by a student at Chesapeake College.
Weebly Example Portfolio - Bobbi
A Weebly portfolio created by a student at Salt Lake Community College.
Weebly Example Portfolio - Kara
A Weebly portfolio created by a student at Chesapeake College.

↑ Click/tap the website builder names above to view the examples for that tool! ↑

Wordpress Example Portfolio - David
A "mock" Wordpress portfolio created by Salt Lake Community College.
Wordpress Example Portfolio - Joe
A Wordpress portfolio created by a student at Salt Lake Community College.

Library

Making Your Student ePortfolio

Free Website Builders

Example Portfolios

LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER LIBRARY