Lesson Topic

Digital literacy is a foundational concept that is incorporated across curricula so that we can better prepare our learners for the competitive 21st century world of work. Lessons start at the very lowest level—similar to how traditional zero-level literacy curriculum might—so that learners who may have never even touched a computer can get familiar with the parts and vocabulary. As learners progress through the curriculum, they are able to take assessments along the way to demonstrate their understanding and skills—plus they earn digital badges and certificates! For more advanced learners, we use project-based opportunities to facilitate deeper understanding of core tools such as word processing, spreadsheets, and website building.

​This lesson will focus on the basics of Google Sites in order to build a simple portfolio. ePortfolios are a vehicle for learning, a measure of personal growth, and a canvas to display evidence of learning. This ePortfolio is designed to be used not only as an assessment tool for teachers but as a tangible product that students can grow with and be proud of long after they leave our institution.

Goals for Lesson

By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
Achieve the following objective(s): 

• Create a website that includes text, images, and other files such as documents, spreadsheets, or slide presentations to share samples of their work with an audience.

Answer the following essential question(s):

• How can having a portfolio help me in school and in life?

Internalize the following enduring understanding(s):

• Do not share certain information online unless you are operating a business.
• Your audience will form an impression of you from the choices you make in designing and wording your website.
  
• Your portfolio is a living document that needs to be updated as you learn new skills and complete projects.

Materials

Drill and Practice
Quizizz - Google Sites
Quizlet - Google Sites
Tutorials
GCF Learn Free: Gain Job Skills
GCF Learn Free: Google Tips
Google for Education - Applied Digital Skills: Build a Portfolio with Google Sites

Learning Activities

Before the start of the course, students will access Quizizz and Quizlet (drill and practice) as a "pre-test" to assess what the current understanding of the topic is and the areas to focus on. Each section will begin with a guided lesson through the Applied Digital Skills curriculum (tutorial) with supplemental topics introduced along the way through GCF Learn Free (tutorial). Learners will revisit Quizziz at the conclusion of lesson 4 and Quizlet at the conclusion of lesson 5, both as formative assessment. Lesson 6 has a final assessment built in to the tutorial.

1. Introduction to Build a Portfolio with Google Sites

• Sign into your Google account.
• Open Google Sites.
• Create a new site.

2. Add a Theme and Title to Your Website

• Apply a theme to your site.
• Title your page.
• Change your header background.
• Add information to the footer, if you’d like.

3. Add an Introduction and Image

• Type in your introduction.
• Add an image.​​

4. Create Your “My Work” Page

• Add a new page to your site.
• Add a name to your page.
• Insert a work sample.
• Type in an explanation.
• Repeat the steps to add more work.

5. Share and Publish Your Site

• Share your site with someone for review.
• Publish your website.

6. Activity Reflection

• Build a Portfolio with Google Sites Quiz

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