Discover the flexibility of the Mahara system with Packt's latest book

Sept. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- Packt's recently published book Mahara 1.4 Cookbook aims to show readers how to use Mahara efficiently in ways they have never imagined. Written by Ellen Marie Murphy, the book will show many different ways in which one can use Mahara, and how to exploit the various components of Mahara including leveraging the social networking component to build collaborative communities.

Mahara is an open source e-portfolio system with a flexible display framework. Mahara, meaning 'think', is user centred environment with a permissions framework that enables different views of an e-portfolio to be easily managed. Mahara also features a weblog, resume builder and social networking system, connecting users and creating online learner communities.

Mahara 1.4 Cookbook offers learning and techniques through recipes. It contains step-by-step instructions for Mahara users of all kinds. It is designed in such a way that one can refer to recipes chapter by chapter, or read them in no particular order. The book covers topics like customizing a large number of views and applying them to projects, using Mahara and Moodle together to share resources and training materials. It also teaches how to embed components from outside Mahara including RSS Feeds, VoiceThreads, and can be used to construct a complete resume package, including cover letter, that can be easily and rapidly customized for multiple employers. It can also be used to create a College Application portfolio.

This book also provides guidance in the use of Gimp, Picasa, Audacity, Word and other programs that can be used to create artifacts. It provides the reader with techniques for creating everything from dynamic and engaging web pages to complete projects, interactive groups, educational templates, and professional resume packages. By exploring the recipes in this book, one can learn how to use each of the various blocks and content areas including the resume sections, Journals, and plans. It also teaches how to archive a portfolio, and set access levels. From promotion and tenure packages, to photo galleries, to project templates; readers will discover how to use Mahara in ways they've never dreamed of.

This book requires only a very basic knowledge of Mahara and is meant for someone who would like to build their own e-portfolio. The range of recipes is wide, because Mahara's features can support portfolio development and use, regardless of level or purpose. To read more about the book and download a free chapter, please visit: http://www.packtpub.com/mahara-1-4-cookbook-for-training-...