My vision for my Portfolio

    

                                                Photo: Brands&People

As I work on my final project, I am not just completing an assignment, but I am creating something that will exist on the internet, available to everyone to see. Because of this, I have started to think more carefully about what it means to create content for a real audience instead of just turning in work for a grade. It changes how I approach both what I say and how I share information. The main topics I am exploring are media literacy, learning with AI, and online versus offline identity. These are all connected through how people interact with digital spaces. My intended audience is college students and young adults who regularly use social media and digital tools. These are people who are constantly consuming and creating content but may not always stop to think about how those experiences shape their thinking, behavior, and identity. For example, research on so-called “digital natives” shows that growing up with technology does not automatically mean someone is skilled at evaluating information critically, which is why media literacy is so important. By making my content accessible, I hope to help readers better understand the digital environments they navigate every day. Because my portfolio is open to the public, I also have to think carefully about how I use and share sources. One important decision is how to link to information. Instead of using university library links that require a login, I will use direct publisher or public-facing links. This ensures that my readers can at least see the source, even if it is behind a paywall. For example, when discussing AI in education, I might reference AI and Your Learning: A Guide for Students, which is openly accessible and provides practical advice. Choosing sources like this makes my work more useful because readers can immediately engage with the material I am referencing. At the same time, not all valuable sources are freely available. Some of the most credible research is behind paywalls, and as a student, I currently have access to it through my university. I want to give credit to authors and use high-quality information, but I also want my readers to be able to access what I am discussing. In some cases, I can bridge that gap by summarizing key ideas in my own words. It is important for me to give credit, make sources accessible, and establish my own voice. Giving credit shows respect for the original creators and strengthens my credibility. Making sources accessible helps my audience actually learn and explore further. At the same time, I am not just linking information but I am also interpreting it, connecting ideas, and adding my own perspective. Creating an open web portfolio also makes me more aware of barriers beyond paywalls. Some sites require accounts, meaning users have to share personal data just to read content. Others may be difficult to navigate or filled with ads, which can discourage engagement. My goal is to create a space that is easy to access, clearly organized, and genuinely helpful. Using a platform like Google Sites allows me to focus on clarity and usability so that my audience can engage with the content without unnecessary obstacles. Every choice I make, from the topics I cover to the links I include, shapes how accessible and meaningful my work will be. By thinking carefully about openness and barriers, I can create a portfolio that not only informs my audience but also contributes to a more connected and inclusive digital space.