Start thinking about what service/platform you’ll try out for building your class portfolio. You’re not committing to use it outside this class or after this semester, so consider trying something new. For this class, you’ll need to develop skills in making content visible to the public, but you can take many steps to remain anonymous if you prefer. Ask your instructor if you’re running into challenges and need help.

Here are some free website building resources. 

• Google Sites through TAMU: http://sites.google.tamu.edu Very plain and limited, but lack of flexibility keeps you focused.
• WordPress: https://wordpress.com/ An older platform, so it’s more mature/stable but also a bit more technical. Customizable with many many plugins. I find it’s the right balance between ease and control to use for my sites.
• Weebly: http://www.weebly.com/ Intended to launch an attractive site quickly via a guided setup wizard. Its limited design options may get in your way.
• Wix: http://www.wix.com/ Intended to make visually striking effects easy. Many designs to choose from, but its structure might get in your way.

You’ll want to be able to upload images and PDF files directly to your site, or put store them on Google Drive (available through TAMU) and link to them on your site. You’ll want to be able to upload audiovisual media to YouTube, Vimeo or similar, and embed them into your site. You could use SoundCloud or similar sources for audio-only content, but I recommend always trying to publish it as a video on YouTube, at least with one title screen or a small slideshow for visuals, to maximize discoverability and what people get out of your work.

Note: Weblog-format websites are prone to attracting SPAM comments. Comment functionality might be useful for our work, but isn’t necessary, so it may be easiest for you to turn off comments or allowing outsiders to login/register altogether.