Intro to the interface
Mahara is a multi-purpose platform that can perform many tasks, and therefore can be quite tricky to navigate the first time round. It's worth remembering that you can always find your way back to the starting screen (Dashboard) by selecting the Cranfield Mahara logo.
There are three main areas: Content (where you store all your digital assets), Portfolio (where you display your work and choose who has access to it), and Groups (where you can create private or public spaces for online discussion and collaboration).
You access all these areas via the Hamburger Menu in the top-right of your screen:
Dashboard:
Think of your Dashboard as your control panel. Here you can access pretty much any part of your ePortfolio in one click, plus you can see what's been going on on any pages you are interested in.
- Find out more about the Dashboard in the Mahara Wiki >
Content:
Think of the Content area as your storage cupboard. You house your artefacts and data in there for use elsewhere. Here you can update your CV information, record thoughts and reflections in journals, store files, create plans, and record CPD activities.
Everything you place in your Content area is private by default. It will only be visible when you add artefacts from there into a page and share it.
- Find out more about the Content area in the Mahara Wiki >
Portfolio:
The Portfolio area is used to present your artefacts that are stored in your Content area. You can create single Pages, or groups of Pages called Collections.
Here is where you can also choose what access you'd like to give your Pages/Collections, see what has been shared with you by other Mahara users, and export your entire content if you so wish.
- Find out more about the Portfolio area in the Mahara Wiki >
Groups:
The Groups area is where you can access study groups that have been set-up for you as part of your module. You also have the power to create your own study or special interest group that could be closed or open for new members.
- Find out more about the Groups area in the Mahara Wiki >