Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
experience. Just as in the case of the moving image mass communication
mediums such as film and television, the Web portfolio has the potential to be
anonymously viewed by anyone with Internet access. Web portfolios are a
media that illustrates a construct that connects with the ideas put forth by
Marshall McLuhan when he declared the existence of the “global village”
created by electronic media. In 1997, in his topic
On McLuhan: Forward
Through the Review Mirror
, McLuhan stated that “In the electric age, we
wear all mankind as our skin” (p. 47). This was extended by his concept that
technology is an extension of man. He puts the idea into literal terms by
explaining in his topic
The Medium is the Massage
that the wheel is an
extension of the foot, and electronic circuitry is an extension of the central
nervous system. So following Professor McLuhan's theory, I propose to say
that the Web portfolio is an extension of the appearance. Specifically, the Web
portfolio is an extension of the public and professional appearance of the
creator within cyber space and transferring into everyday public life. So when
developing the Web portfolio, we must take care to insure that it properly
represents our intended appearance. The appearance is constituted by content,
design, functionality, and the overall persuasive impression that the Web
portfolio makes on the viewer. Let's say a job candidate goes in for an interview
and shows his Web portfolio to the potential employer. When the site loads,
rather than present his latest project accomplishment at his programming
position with ABC company, hardcore heavy metal begins to play and a photo
montage of the job applicant slamming a beer and banging his head at a concert
loads on the homepage. This is not a very constructive Web portfolio page. It
has nothing to do with personal likes or dislikes, it is about persuasion. If that
was a Web site for a heavy metal band or a personal site for a band member,
that would be great, but for a Web portfolio, you need to focus on the specific
goals you have for the viewer. The Web portfolio creates an appearance that
you as the creator must control.
The Benefits of Web Portfolios
The creation of a Web portfolio offers the following benefits to individuals:
•
Creation of a Web portfolio makes you a learner
•
Creation of a Web portfolio provides opportunities for you to learn about
technology
