Summary of my ePortfolio creation.
I looked at the various tools on the list and based on my background experiences with hosting my on content, I decided to go with the tool which would be the most expedient to get my content posted. I could have used Wordpress, but I've found the interface to be confusing at times and with Google Sites I just don't like the look even with custom templates. This left Weebly which I've been wanting to try as I know of several teachers that use this tool to create their classroom website. The only challenges I faced with it was getting the pages to look exactly how I had envisioned them. This wasn't always easy to do and there are several issues that I hope to delve a little more deeply into to improve the look and feel that I'm imagining.
SWOT
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis.
WeeblyStrengthsFast and easy to create a site and get the content up and available.
WeaknessesHave to follow their interface or delve into customization. Cost of having access to advanced features makes it more expensive then hosting by oneself.
OpportunitiesSimilarity in look and feel across projects and usage. Can export pages to be hosted by self.
ThreatsDependent on Weebly to host, unless trying to export which could cause issues in importing to a new host. If too much customization is needed then a regular web site creation tool such as Dreamweaver might make more sense to use.
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DreamweaverStrengthsTotal design freedom and customization possible.
WeaknessesSteep learning curve demands advanced skills for front end and problem solving back end issues. There can be a waiting period for new technologies to be incorporated in current releases, such as HTML 5.
OpportunitiesUnique brand and interface ideas can be realized completely without hand coding. Site is easily transported to new servers.
ThreatsChanges in versions could cause retraining or code conflicts. Not as efficient with code as other creation tools.
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WordpressStrengthsRelatively easy to set up on a hosted site. A lot of resources and shared information available. Open source code.
WeaknessesCan be vulnerable to hacking if versions not kept up to date. Can be prone to crashing when updating or cause database issues.
OpportunitiesMany pre-made design templates available to choose from to fit the needs of the user. Can be customized once theme is chosen.
ThreatsWhen hosting small issues can take the site down or cause considerable time to problem solve, especially when plugins are added which don't work well with other parts of the site.
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Google SitesStrengthsIntegrates well with other Google web tools. Interface relatively easy to learn.
WeaknessesFewer templates or customization available. Must be hosted on Google servers which could be problematic with privacy or proprietary information.
OpportunitiesEasy creation of web based information with many privacy setting available. Can be used as an intranet as well as outward facing, public front.
ThreatsMust be hosted by Google and problems with sites must be solved through Google techs.
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