I was asked to curate my ePortfolio for my Nonverbal Communication (COMM 314) class this semester. While I try to keep my ePortfolio up-to-date regardless, I thought it would be helpful to have a fresh pair of eyes on my original portfolio to see what could be improved. I set up an ePortfolio Peer Mentor appointment to discuss some website changes that had already been suggested to me with the mentor I chose, a fellow student named Alexis.
Resumes and Embedded PDFs
My first objective was to learn how to embed a PDF version of my resume directly into my website. While the communication class I originally created this portfolio for did not allow this option, it was recently suggested to me that I update my resume page to fit this format and my current class allows this option.
Embedding a PDF was much easier than I thought. Alexis demonstrated to me that it was as simple as downloading an app within the website and that I had multiple options of having the PDF displayed on the page. She even pointed out that the PDF viewer had a built-in download function, meaning anyone accessing my resume could easily save a copy for themselves. I decided to create an updated resume page using the PDF viewer and chose to hide my original resume page just in case I ever want or need to switch it back for a future course.
Other Suggestions
My peer mentor also offered up some additional design suggestions.
She emphasized the idea of adding movement to my website pages. She said that adding moving elements, whether they be videos, GIFs, or interactive stickers, really helps to draw the eye around the page and add visual interest. She suggested trying to add this element throughout my website and to focus on image diversity.
She suggested that I implement more pictures of myself throughout my website. She stated she had a preference for this just because it generally makes a portfolio feel more personal.
She showed me how to anchor text to other pages on my website for easy cross-referencing.
She suggested that I insert my projects directly into the website using the PDF viewer function rather than having them hyperlinked to text and images.
Overall, my peer mentor was impressed with my ePortfolio. She really enjoyed my color scheme and attention to visual design, especially the gallery of photos I have on my "About" page. She did not really have any negative comments to say about my portfolio and only offered up her suggestions as advice, not mandatory changes. Overall, I think it was a successful collaboration to improve my ePortfolio.
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