Professional Services Website Development

Engage

After this course’s completion many of you will go on to begin creating webpages and web content for individuals and organizations.  Many of you may also go on to study this at the next level in college.  In both of the scenarios it will benefit you greatly to have a concise collection of your work with which to showcase your abilities in the areas of graphic and web development.  

In developing this it will help you immensely to research what makes an effective portfolio and also be sure that you have the resources to help code this in a modern fashion.  Please consider the following questions and keep a word document with your reflections.

-What is the purpose of my digital portfolio?
-Who is my intended audience for the portfolio?
-Which projects will I include on my portfolio and why?
-How do I plan to distribute this information upon completion?
-What is my plan to create this portfolio?

Please review the websites provided in the Explore section.  Any additional thoughts or reflections based on your research should be included in your write-up as well.  

Explore

Please review these resources and include your thoughts in your write-up.  The sites are broken up into two sections, one for resources in relation to digital portfolio development, and on in relation to the technical support you may need in creating it.

Digital Portfolios

Digital Portfolios
http://reta.nmsu.edu/lessons/digital/

Tips for an Effective Digital Portfolio
http://www.ettc.net/tech/tips/portfolios.htm

Color Scheme Generator
http://colorschemedesigner.com/

Web Site Templates
http://www.websitetemplates.org/

Freelance Job Site
https://www.getafreelancer.com/

Technical Sites

HTML and CSS Review
http://www.w3schools.com

 

Explain

Students, throughout the year you have been compiling your best work with the intent of displaying it on this digital portfolio.  This portfolio can be used in many different fashions.  For those heading off to college next year it can be used both the display to your future IT professors your abilities and strengths.  For those not graduating this year and those who are, this portfolio and the end product of the CD can be used to distribute to prospective clients to illicit business.  The area of graphic and web design is always open for work, and you have the ability to make a great deal of income.  This portfolio can demonstrate to prospective clients what you are capable of, not only with the work samples, but the construction of the portfolio itself.

There is much thought that must go into this portfolio.  Namely, you must decide what is your best work.  What assignments best demonstrate your abilities and creativity?  You must also put a great deal of thought into the design of your webpage which will act as the housing device for your work.  You need to consider layout, color scheme, and user friendliness.  

Once all of these factors have been considered, you will need to design your CD cover and insert.  This must be thoughtfully done because if your CD is bland, what is the reasoning someone would have to open it?  The design of the CD and the insert needs to match the design effects you have integrated into the webpage itself.  This will further give you an opportunity to showcase your graphic design skills and your attention to detail.

Elaborate

Once you have completed the project you must think about your mode of distribution.  There are many avenues with which to distribute this.  Think about your teachers here at school, many of them may need assistance with their educational webpages.  Think about your place of work, this could be great opportunity to create or help with graphics for your boss.  Consider your parents, their friends or your neighbors, opportunities are everywhere.  

Before you distribute the CD you may want to consider constructive criticism.  I will obviously be on hand throughout the design process for support and guidance.  But do not forget about your fellow classmates.  There is a wealth of knowledge present in this room, and do not be afraid to ask them for their opinions.   What looks good and makes sense to you may not to the end user.   This is why outside input is critical.

Evaluate

Your grade for this assignment will be as follows:

75% - Development of the webpage and the contents within.  Your grade will depend on the extent of design in the overall portfolio, the assignments you chose to include and what changes you made based on prior grades, and the graphic skills integrated.  I will be looking for your design to be done completely through HTML and CSS.  All formatting will need to be done through CSS, and additional points are available for those who choose to integrate Javascript into their design.

20% - CD insert and sticker design.  Your grade will be affected by your choice of design in relation to your webpage design.  Do the two go together?  Have the same design and color schemes been used?  Is your contact information included?  Does the autorun program work?

5% - Distribution of the portfolio.  You will be expected to seek out work with this project.  A write-up of your efforts and projects garnered is expected 1 month after the completion of the project.   Your grade will depend on the extent to which you went to find business.

Extend

This portfolio will serve you in the years to come.  Be sure to use it whether for core class work, college course work, or eliciting business.  

You will be provided with 2 copies of your CD.  More can be created upon request.  

Remember this portfolio should be used as a supplement to any resumes, college applications, or job prospects.  In addition, those moving on to Computer Science or Dual Enrollment Web Design should