Students: Getting started

There are several different things you can do in Elgg:

• You can create a reflective blog - 'Your Blog'.
• You can create folders and upload files - 'Your Files'.
• You can create groups of friends - 'Your Network'.
• You can link to RSS feeds - 'Your Resources'.
• You can use an online work-based learning contract - 'Your Placement'.
• You can create an online profile - 'Your Profile'.

How do you get started?

The first thing you will need to do is to create an access group, so that only certain people, such as your workplace mentor and tutor, have access to see your work.

Check with your tutor and mentor before granting access rights.

>> Select 'Your Network' tab.

Before someone can see your work, they have to be your 'friend'. Your tutor will already be your friend, and you should be able to see them now!

Step 1: To make someone your friend, firstly search for them by name using the search box at the bottom right hand corner of the page. When the search results are displayed, click on the person you want. You can then make them your friend by clicking on the link in the yellow profile box at the top right of the screen.

Make sure that your workplace mentor is one of your 'friends'!

Step 2: When you have linked to your mentor and any other friends, go to 'Access controls' under the 'Your Network' tab.

Step 3: create a name for this access group, and click the 'create' button.

This will give you a new group box, where you can make certain friends members of this new group, or remove them. For example, your employer and tutor should be members of one group, so that you can give them access to your placement work.

Remember to save your group!

Now when you post a new entry to your blog ('Your Blog'), create a new folder or upload a file ('Your Files'), you can restrict access to the groups you create.

This means that some blog entries and files may only be seen by you and others you choose, and some can be shared with whoever is logged into the system. Private access means that only you can see your files or blog post.

For more information on Friends and access controls, click on 'Page Help' under the 'Your Network' tab.

For more information on blogs, click on 'Page Help' under the 'Your Blog' tab.

For more information on creating files and folders, click on 'Page Help' under the 'Your Files' tab.

>> Select 'Your Profile' tab, then 'Edit this profile'.

Only fields you fill in are shown on-screen. Who sees these fields depends on the access rights you grant for each one, or you can set a default access restriction that affects all fields.

Important!

Keep personal details, such as address and telephone numbers, private. If you are unsure how to do this, check with your tutor.

Step 1: Type in a short introduction to yourself in the 'Who am I?' field, and give appropriate access rights.

Then scroll down to the 'Brief description' field and type in a sentence about yourself with access rights to all logged on users. This will be used in your sidebar profile.

Step 2: Remember to scroll down to the bottom of the page, and click on the 'Save your profile' button!

Step 3: Now try adding a picture of yourself for others to see on the sidebar. Once you have a picture on the computer you are using, you can upload this to be displayed on the sidebar.

>> Select 'Your Profile' tab, then 'Change site picture'.

Step 4: Browse for the picture, give it a description, and then click on the 'Upload new icon' button.

For more information on creating and editing your profile, click on 'Page Help' under the 'Your Profile' tab.

Finally...

This brief guide should have got you started and familiarised with Elgg.

You will also need to use the online work-based learning contract, found under the 'Your Placement' tab. This should be done under the supervision of your tutor.

For futher information, try using the 'Page help' sections on Elgg, or ask your tutor.