Personal Space Start Page
From ETS
Contents |
Background and Ideas
With the Blogs at PSU set to upgrade to MT 4.2 for the start of the Fall 2008 semester, we are redesigning the page the first appears in a given user's personal webspace prior to modifying it. We would like to create a page that provides real motivation and guidance related to clicking through to MT and creating their portfolio/blog/site. It would be best if the page were simple with perhaps a single quick start video (ScreenFlow) that would show a user how to have their site running within minutes. It would be best if the user were simply shown the video and were presented with a link that authenticates them, adds them to MT, and asks them to create their first site, presumably at the root of their PASS space.
I came across the following page at Evernote and really like the simplicity and opportunity to share some basic ideas and a screencast showing how it works. Clearly some PSU work would have to be done to this, but to me it works. What I like:
- area at the top of the page that allows for imagery that shows what can be done -- a series of screen shots of built MT powered sites could be placed there
- area at lower right for sharing a series of steps required to get started
- area at lower right to place a quick how to screen cast
- I'd want to put a big "Create my Site" link on the upper part of the page ... maybe a "get started today" or something similar
Mock Up
Here is a visual mock up created by Audrey Romano:
The text of the page (feel free to edit this in order to iterate towards a version that we will actually use):
Your web space is ready! Now it's time to make it your own.
Create. Reflect. Connect.
Just a few ways you can use your Penn State personal web space:
or
You can use your personal web space to:
(4th option) and more!
Academic Blogs
Document your university experiences. Take notes. Connect with classmates, colleagues, professors, and advisers.
Portfolios
Plan and reflect upon your learning at Penn State. Show samples of your work, photos, and media. Connect with potential employers.
Personal Sites
Create your own attractive blogs and websites. Write about any topic. Expand your social network.
(Image)
Two overlapping shots. One of a web page and another of the wysiwyg editor for that page.
It's Easy!
(embedded video)
Learn how to use your personal web space.
Learn More
- The Blogs at Penn State - blog help, faqs, forum
- portfolio.psu.edu - examples, advice about evidence, audience, and evaluation
- FAQ about www.personal.psu.edu - know the rules and regs, info about PASS
- other options (http://portfolio.psu.edu/web_editor) - use common web design software to create your site.
Video
Video will use the same visual look of the webpage.
What are the goals of the video?
- creating a website has never been easier
- You can use your space for many things
- personal webpage - create a website and make it your own
- portfolio - reflect on time at penn state
- blog - connect with classmates
- demo how easy it is to create website
Theme create connect reflect through out video?
"Create, Reflect, Connect" tagline
