Browsing Hawaiian translation

61.

If you're wondering what Mahara or an ePortfolio is, why you might want one and what it can do for you, then read on -- you're about to find out.

62.

At the simplest level, Mahara is two things: an `ePortfolio <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eportfolio>`_ and a `social networking <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_network>`_ system combined. An ePortfolio is a system in which students can record "evidence of lifelong learning" -- such as essays, artwork or other such things they produce that can be stored digitally. Such things are known as *artefacts* in Mahara. Social networking systems need little introduction -- think `Bebo <http://bebo.com/>`_, `Facebook <http://facebook.com/>`_ or `MySpace <http://www.myspace.com/>`_. Basically, they give a way for people to interact with their friends and create their own online communities.

63.

But Mahara is much more than just a place to store files. Mahara also includes blogging, a résumé builder, and `Moodle <http://moodle.org/>`_ integration.

64.

The Mahara framework

65.

With Mahara, *you* control which items and what information within your portfolio other users see. Such items and information are termed artefacts. To facilitate this access control, all artefacts you wish to show to other users need to be arranged into one area. In Mahara this compilation of selected artefacts is called a 'page'. You can have as many pages as you like, each with a different number of artefacts, intended purpose and audience. Your audience, or the people you wish to give access to your page, can be added as individuals or as a member of a group. It can even be made publicly available.

66.

For example you could create:

67.

a page for your friends and family that includes holiday photos and a personal journal

68.

a page for your tutor, which includes assessments and your reflective learning journal

69.

a page to showcase your best pieces of work and your résumé for potential employers

70.

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