Electronic Portfolios

Web Standards & Guidelines

Overview

Electronic Portfolios (e-portfolios), saved to storage device (CD-ROM, flash drive, or memory card) using PowerPoint software, can give an applicant the edge when applying for a job in today's employment market.  E-portfolios can also be posted to the web so that potential employers can screen potential employees. 

WITC supports e-portfolios for students and allows instructors to post them to their program page web site as long as they adhere to the Electronic Portfolio Standards and Guidelines.  The WITC Web Team reserves the right to refuse e-portfolios that do not adhere to standards.

Content, cleanliness and ease of use when touring through your electronic portfolio will be impressive to a potential employer.  Use the following standards and guidelines so that your e-portfolio loads quickly and will be easy to play through PowerPoint Viewer software and a browser.

Information to view and directions on downloading and installation of the PowerPoint viewer should be included on the cover of your CD case or included with your storage device.   Not all employers have the PowerPoint software available on their computer and the viewer allows the employer to view your presentation without having the PowerPoint software.  Please follow the step by step directions on downloading the PowerPoint viewer at the bottom of this page. 

Template and Standards

You may wish to use a template that has been preformatted for your use.  Please use guidelines below when inserting personal information, graphics, photos, samples of your work, sound and video.

Click Here for demo of an electronic portfolio.

Click Here for template with slides in landscape layout.

Click Here for template with slides in portrait layout.

If you wish to make a custom presentation or change the template, use the following standards and guidelines.

1. Master slide template must be used - NEVER use a wizard to create your presentation.
   1. To use Master Slide template select: View/Master/Slide Master
   2. To apply background to Master Slide select: Format/Apply Design Template. Note: over 75 additional design templates are available with Office 97 or 2000.  If you so desire, you can obtain the additional backgrounds by downloading those files from the Microsoft Office CD, or visit their web site at Microsoft.com web site for free downloads.  Those who are familiar with the software may  wish to create your own custom background.
   3. Once the design is applied select the text on the Master Slide and apply the appropriate font size (28 pt or more) and style of font (Arial is recommended).
   4. Add any logos if necessary.
   5. Close the Master Slide and you are now ready to create your presentation.   
      
2. All photos must be saved as .jpeg's - all line-art images must be saved as .gif's (unless gradient fill - then .jpeg).  Photos should be scanned and/or saved at a dpi (dots per inch) of no less than 75 and no more than 95.  If photos are taken with a digital camera, they must be resized and resampled.
   
3. No text smaller than 22 font size - (recommend 28 or larger).
   
4. Fonts should be bolded.
   
5. For the web; avoid the use of dark backgrounds (gray, light blue with black/dark text converts best for web viewing).
   
6. Keep animation to a minimum (animation will only work if created in Office 2000)
   
7. Avoid fly-in's or slow moving text. If you use animations for text, use "box-in/box-out" or "appear". Remember, animation slows the loading of your slides for your customers.  
   
8. Animation of text will work when viewed on the cd, but please be aware that animation of text  will just appear and not move on the web. 
   
9. Make every effort to adhere to the "Rule of Six" - six words per line, six lines per page.
   
10. Any form of copyright material is strictly prohibited. Items included but not limited to would be printed material, photo images, logos, animation, sound, video clips.
    
11. Action buttons must be included to direct an employer through the presentation page by page and back home. 
    
12. Last slide of presentation must contain a link to exit the presentation - otherwise you leave your future employer stranded!
    
13. Information to view and directions on downloading and installation of the PowerPoint viewer should be included on the cover of your cd or diskette  jewel case (see below).  Not all employers have the PowerPoint software available on their computer and the viewer allows the employer to view your presentation without having the PowerPoint software.
    
14. Ideally you should have two portfolio presentations.  Your main electronic portfolio to be given to future employers on cd or diskette and a copy that is modified for the web.
    
15. Information appropriate for cd/diskette may not be appropriate for web.  Do not put information such as home addresses/phone numbers/ references/ grades, or any other information that you do not want the world to see.  Instead, consider a comment such as "information will be provided upon request".  Use your own good judgment.
    
16. Your social security number is never appropriate for any format.  
    
17. Sound and video may be inserted on your cd or diskette.  At this time, sound and video inserts will not be accepted on e-portfolios uploaded to WITC webserver.

Directions to Download PowerPoint Player to View Presentations

Step 1 - Download and install viewer 

Step 2 - Create a download file on your "C" or hard drive

Step 3 - Select the presentation you wish to view.

Step 3 - Save file to your download folder

Step 4 - Open the viewer, then open presentation saved to your "C" or hard drive.