6 Top Tips To Build A Solid eLearning Portfolio

How to Build an eLearning Portfolio
Summary: If you've been looking for a simple and straightforward guide to help you develop a winning eLearning portfolio, then you've come to the right place. In this article, I'll walk you through the process of creating an eLearning portfolio that effectively demonstrates your talents and skill sets to your potential employers and clients.

How To Build Your eLearning Portfolio

Whether you are an eLearning professional trying to land a job at an eLearning consultancy firm or an eLearning freelancer, building a solid eLearning portfolio is the key to success. In fact, the eLearning portfolio showcases your abilities; therefore it allows employers to determine if you may be a good match for their eLearning projects. In many respects, a well crafted and carefully planned eLearning portfolio has the power to give you an edge over the competition... which can mean the difference between landing your dream eLearning job and missing out on a golden opportunity.

1. Include A Range Of Examples To Showcase Your Diverse Talents

Your eLearning Portfolio should include a wide variety of examples that highlight your knowledge and skills. eLearning design, eLearning development, instructional design, and expertise of eLearning software are all key elements that you'll probably want to cover. For example, you may want to add eLearning storyboards or eLearning modules that were based on a specific eLearning authoring tool if you feel that your portfolio is already instructional design heavy. A good place to start when creating your portfolio for eLearning freelancing is to gather all of your past work examples and compile a list. Then, assess each one and determine how it would enhance your online eLearning portfolio. If you find that you have a number of eLearning projects that showcase similar skills or talents, such as those that were based upon the same goals or learning behaviors, then pick the ones that really stand out.

2. Provide An Explanation For Each eLearning Work Example You Include

You'll want to further explain the reasons why each case study, eLearning project, or eLearning course has been included within your eLearning portfolio. Talk about your eLearning design and development approach and how you solved a problem or achieved an objective for the client. What eLearning software did you use to achieve the end result? Where there any special considerations that make this professional achievement even more impressive?

3. Choose The Ideal Online Portfolio Platform

Selecting the right online portfolio platform to display your work examples is essential. Whether you are using a content management system or a free site, you'll want to ensure that the design, layout, and navigation are all well planned and carefully organized. You may want to consider a site that gives you the opportunity to create thumbnails of your projects where your potential clients or employers can click on to learn more about. Be creative about your portfolio design without comprising professionalism. When designing your online eLearning portfolio, don't forget to include contact information and background information about your professional experience and your education. Also, if at all possible, include client reviews or recommendations. However, be sure that your eLearning portfolio is succinct and free of irrelevant information and images. You ultimately want it to be informative, but not cluttered and chaotic.

4. Use A Variety Of Multimedia Elements And eLearning Software

Do not forget to include multimedia elements, such as podcasts and videos, when creating your eLearning portfolio. Clients and employers typically like to see a range of emerging or popular eLearning technologies in examples, because this lets them know that you are ready and willing to be on the cutting edge of eLearning design and development. Take this opportunity to show them that you are well versed in slideshow design, or that you are knowledgeable about how to create effective podcasts. By looking at your eLearning portfolio your potential clients or employers will realize that you not only know how to use eLearning software, but that you also know how to use such eLearning tools to achieve performance or learning objectives.

5. Create Different eLearning Portfolios For Different Audiences Or Niches

Keep in mind that it's perfectly acceptable to have more than one eLearning portfolio. In fact, it may be wise to create a separate eLearning portfolio for different niches or industries. For example, you can have one portfolio that is geared toward private sector education, and one that is for clients looking for online training modules. Doing this can allow you to provide relevant examples for employers and clients that showcase your specific talents and experiences that will be useful for their respective projects. Regardless of the niche or audience, however, your eLearning portfolio should always effectively convey that you know how to manage eLearning projects, curate meaningful content, and design eLearning courses or modules that hit their mark. This is true across the board. So, such examples should be included in every eLearning portfolio you develop.

6. Develop An Online Presence To Enhance Your Credibility

Aside from an eLearning portfolio, it's also a good idea to build an online presence through social media sites, forums, and blogs. Take a minute to think about it: if a potential employer or client is searching for you online and stumbles across a variety of blogs where you've guest-posted or you've been actively sharing your eLearning expertise, they're probably more likely to choose you over someone who lacks an online presence. I have seen that happen several times to our Top eLearning Authors. Do not hesitate to Publish an eLearning Article and brand your eLearning skills and knowledge. Also, be active online and pay careful attention to your online reputation. This can also offer you the chance to build a network of eLearning professionals who can help you to get eLearning jobs or come to the rescue if you need their experience or skill sets on future eLearning projects.

Yes, to create an online eLearning portfolio that shows off your strengths and talents may be time consuming. However, with these tips on-hand you can develop an eLearning portfolio that conveys your skills and puts you a notch above the other candidates vying for your next project.

Last but not least, you may find valuable the Top 10 eLearning Skills That eLearning Professionals Should Have article. In this article I will delve into the top 10 eLearning skills that will turn you into an ideal eLearning professional regardless of the niche, learning environment, or target audience.

Are you currently looking for your ideal eLearning job? Let eLearning Industry help you find the jobs that fit you best or upload your resume and increase your chances to get your dream eLearning job!