Adding reusable content

In Mahara you can create content once and reuse it across different portfolio pages. Additionally, there are content items that you place onto portfolio pages directly.

Content in Mahara includes reusable elements such as images, files, plans and tasks, journals and entries, and notes created on individual pages. These are referred to as artefacts.

Visit the detailed Mahara guidance on reusable content.

In this guide:

Types of reusable content
Adding content
- Files
- Journals
- Plans
- CV
Using your content

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Types of reusable content

In Mahara, everything you create or upload to the platform is known as an artefact. These artefacts can include documents, images, videos, journal entries, forum posts, plans, tasks, and notes, which can then be organised and displayed on your portfolio pages.

There are four main types of reusable content:

Files
Journals
Plans
CV

Adding content

Files

The Files area is your personal repository for storing and organising content within Mahara. You can create folders and subfolders to keep artefacts structured and easy to find. You can upload your files and media to be used across your e-Portfolio. Both files and folders are treated as artefacts, which means they can be added to pages in your portfolio.

If you are are adding an embedded video or audio file from your uploaded files, Mahara comes with the Video.js media player that allows for the display of a number of file formats without having another player installed on the device.

Click on the numbered hotspots below to find out how to use and manage files in Mahara.

Visit the Mahara guides for further details on managing and using files and using files, images and video.

Journals

The Journal tool allows users to record thoughts, experiences, and reflections online, creating a personal record of development over time. Similar to a blog, journals or individual journal entries can be added to pages, enabling others to provide feedback and comments and encouraging meaningful dialogue.

Every account includes one journal by default, with the option to create multiple journals through the account settings. Journal entries can also be shared within group spaces by members of those groups. To improve organisation, searchability, and ease of adding content to pages, it is recommended that both journals and individual entries are consistently tagged. You can add images, links, documents and more to your journal entries.

Click on the numbered hotspots below to find out how to use and manage journals in Mahara.

Visit the Mahara guide for more information on journals.

Plans

Plans are a useful way to organise and record learning, development, and longer-term goals over time. They work as structured to-do lists, allowing you to break a larger objective into smaller, manageable tasks with target completion dates and progress tracking.

You can use plans to:

Set personal goals and milestones for larger projects or learning outcomes.
Manage professional development activities and monitor completed learning over a defined period.
Keep a record of workshops, training, and other development opportunities attended.
Create personalised tasks for learners to complete at their own pace.

Plans and tasks can also be added to templates and shared with groups or individuals. This enables tutors or departments to provide a common set of tasks for a cohort, module, or programme, ensuring learners work towards shared objectivers while tracking their individual progress.

Click on the numbered hotspots below to find out how to create and use plans in Mahara.

Read the Mahara manual for detailed guidance on creating and using plans.

The CV area allows you to create an online curriculum vitae that showcases your qualifications, experience, achievements, skills, and goals. You can publish your entire CV or select individual sections to display within your portfolio pages, making it easy to present relevant information to different audiences.

The CV section can be used to create a professional cover letter or personal statement, record your academic qualifications and work experience, and highlight any certifications, accreditations, or awards you have received. You can also document your personal, academic, and career goals, along with the skills and strengths you have developed through your studies, work, and other experiences.

Each section can contain multiple entries, which can be edited, reordered, and updated as your experience grows. Individual components of your CV can also be added to portfolio pages, allowing you to tailor the information you share for different purposes, such as job applications, professional networking, or showcasing your achievements within a programme of study.

Click on the numbered hotspots below to find out how to use and manage your CV in Mahara.

Note that depending on your region or account settings, this area may be referred to as either CV or Résumé.

The Mahara manual has detailed guidance on using the CV plugin.

Using your content

Once you have populated your e-Portfolio with artefacts, you can begin organising and presenting them through Pages and Collections in Mahara.

A Page contains a selection of artefacts that you arrange and display to demonstrate your learning, skills, and achievements. These artefacts can include files, résumé information, journal entries, text, images, videos, audio, and other content. You can reuse the same artefacts across multiple pages, tailoring them for different audiences or purposes.

A Collection is a group of related pages linked together with the same access permissions, allowing viewers to navigate through your work in a structured way. Collections can be created from scratch or by copying an existing collection, helping you build a cohesive and professional e-Portfolio presentation.

Visit our guide on working with pages and collections in Mahara.

Digital Learning

Adding reusable content

Table of contents

Types of reusable content

Adding content

Using your content