eLearning portfolio of confidential work samples

How would you put together an eLeanring portfolio of work samples when all your work has been proprietary/confidential?

I need to create some materials in PowerPoint and Captivate to display my skills to potential clients, but it all has to be "fictional" as I can't use the work I've done previously. If you've been in the same boat, how do you pick your topics, based on the skills you want to highlight? Would you pick an existing program and create a tutorial for it? Work on a basic topic like choosing a car? What's worked best for you in impressing a potential client?

posted by Orland Outland

You may be interested to read the "Are you a Freelance eLearning Developer? Are you interested to know how to create an online portfolio?"



Dawn Schliesser said: I have been in a similar situation, and what I did was use the framework for the training that I created and substituted a fictional program and company in place of the real one. When I presented the portfolio I told the reviewers that the concept of the class was what I designed but the name and product had to be changed b/c of NDA requirements. It worked well for me and no secrets were disclosed in the process.

Chad Dvoracek said: I would suggest creating at least one example where you are selling your skills and talents, a creative resume of your experience, accomplishment and skills. This will help accomplish a number of goals including reinforcing why they should choose you as a partner. I created a slide rocket creative resume using a movie, sound, graphic design, interaction as a sample. My skills are no where close to many of the professionals on this group (What an amazing collection of creative and talented people!) and it is a basic presentation but it may give you some ideas. http://portal.sliderocket.com/CATAR/chad-dvoracek

Brendan Strong said: I created some Word help/tutorials. The important thing (I think) is to try and follow the approach taken when creating the material your most proud of.
If you have time, try to encompass as much of the media you have used (e.g. Interactive tutorial, screen recordings, narration, quiz, etc).
I knew a guy once who actually created a module called "How I build elearning", using Articulate, Camtasia and a local copy of Moodle. He used this for interviews as a sort of portfolio to describe the kind of work he'd done, and guide conversation about his approach.

Gary Hinkelman said: It is tough in offering and showing off your skills and projects, from a previous company. It amazes me when asked to show my work. I don’t mind show my work, yet it technically not mine. When nearly all companies don't allow you to 'take' your work with you when you leave. So, in an interview, am I dishonest if I show my previous work? What if I refuse to show my stuff? Yet, not negatively being evaluated for that loss of a value/promise. When you know the company you are interviewing will have the same policy. For me much of my work is behind the .mil (military) domain and you can't see it.

I stand true to myself, and offer a sample of my work, in doing my best not to dishonor my promise to my previous position. I developed a presentation, it is animated showing my skills and created at my home. It highlights my skills, software, etc, sort of an animated Resume. You can even d/l my cover letter, resume, and ref letters. I do have screen captures only of my previous work and not the whole project. I also, put a disclaimer at the bottom and explain it to the interviewer. My disclaimer details who truly owns the product. Tongue and cheek trying to not offend or be negatively judged in either direction.

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