PSU - Adding Blocks to Mahara ePortfolios: Single Images, Multiple Images, and PDF Files

Summary

This article explains how to use blocks in Malhara to add single images, multiple images, and PDF files to an ePortfolio. This article will be helpful to PSU faculty who want to add these kinds of files to their ePortfolios.

How-To

 

Instructions

Step 1 - Log in to myPlymouth

Step 2 - In the MyLearning section of the left-hand column, click on Mahara (ePortfolio). This will take you to your Mahara dashboard page.

Step 3 - Click on Main Menu on the upper right side of the dashboard.

Step 4 - Click on the down arrow next to "Create"

Step 5 - Click Pages/Collections under the "Portfolio" tab

Step 6 - Click the page name of the page you'd like to edit.

Step 7 - Click the pencil icon to enable edit mode.

Inserting a Single Image Block

Follow these steps once you are in edit mode.

Step 1 - For a single image block, select Image under the block type list on the left side of the screen.

Step 2 - Change the block title or remove the title by deleting the existing title text.

Step 3 - Select the image file you want in the block by clicking the check mark button to the right of the file name. You can also upload a file from your computer; it will be automatically selected.

Step 4 - If Comments are on, click the pencil icon to open the Edit file screen. Turn comments off. You can also change the file name and add a description in this menu. Click Save changes.

Step 5 - If you want to show the image's description to viewers of your page, click Show Description. This feature is off by default.

Step 6 - If you want the width of your image to be smaller than the column or row size, you can enter a new value in Width

Step 7 - Choose the Retract option to be manually, automatically, or never. Never is the default option. Save changes. You can test the retractable option by clicking Display Page under the page title

• To return to edit mode, click the Edit button on the upper right of the screen again.

Step 8 - When done, click Save.

Inserting a Multiple Image Block

Follow these steps once you are in edit mode.

Step 1 - For a multiple image block, select Image Gallery under the Media block type.

Step 2 - Click the radio button next to the option you want under "Image Selection." The following options are available:

• "Display all images from one of your folders"
• "Choose multiple individual images" (Best and most flexible option, recommended)
• "Display images from an external gallery"

Step 3 - Click the radio button next to the option you want under "Style." The following options are available:

• "Thumbnails" (default, square images)
• "Slideshow" (best and most professional option, recommended)

Step 4 - If you would like your image descriptions to display under your pictures as a caption, click "Show Descriptions" to Yes.

Step 5 - If using thumbnails: if you would like to place a frame around each photo, click "Use photo frame" to Yes.

Step 6 - If you want the width of your image to be smaller than the column or row size, you can enter a new value in Width.

Step 7 - Choose the Retract option to be manually, automatically, or never. Never is the default option. Save changes. You can test the retractable option by clicking Display Page under the page title

• To return to edit mode, click the Edit button on the upper right of the screen again.

Step 8 - When done, click Save.

Inserting a PDF File Block

Follow these steps once you are in edit mode.

Step 1 - Select the PDF block type. You can drag and drop the PDF block type into any area on the page that appears as a lighter color filled with dashed lines:  . Once you have the block positioned where you would like it, release the mouse to drop the block. You can also click on the block type and a window will pop up and ask you where you would like to position the block. After selecting the location, click Add.

Step 2 - Select the PDF file you want in the block by clicking the select button to the right of the file name. You can also upload a file from your computer; it will be automatically selected.

Step 3 - Change the block title or remove the title by deleting the existing title text.

Step 4 - If Comments are on, click the pencil icon to open the Edit file screen. Turn comments off. You can also change the file name and add a description in this menu. Click Save changes.

Step 5 - Choose the Retract option to be manually, automatically, or never. Never is the default option. Save changes. You can test the retractable option by clicking Display Page under the page title

• To return to edit mode, click the Edit button on the upper right of the screen again.

Step 6 - When done, click Save.

 

Outcome

Users should be able to insert blocks into their Mahara ePortfolios that contain a single image, multiple images, or a PDF file.

Further Readings

Accessing Mahara

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.