Mahara

Mahara means 'think' or 'thought' in Te Reo Maori. Mahara is an open source e-portfolio system with the ability to display learning evidence in a number of different ways, depending on the needs of the learner or practitioner.

An e-portfolio is a learner-driven collection of digital content demonstrating experiences, achievements and evidence of learning. E-portfolios provide learners with a structured way of recording their learning experiences and work history.
E-portfolios can be developed quickly and easily to capture live evidence through the use of computers and mobile devices, and can include a range of digital evidence such as audio, video, photographs and blogs.

Mahara includes many features to support a range of e-portfolios and the creation of online learner communities;

• Free open source software
• Designed by educators alongside open source experts
• Manages, stores and displays media-rich content
• Users have the ability to select who will see their information and in what format
• Learner-centred
• Showcases accomplishments
• Flexible Resume Builder
• Social Networking for learner communities
• Group collaboration tools
• Template sharing
• Supports multiple languages and themes
• Supports multiple organisations on a single platform
• Flexible, "pluggable" architecture
• Interoperable with Moodle and other learning and training platforms
• Import and export using open standards

NetSpot has over ten years experience using proven methodologies to implement and support eLearning software including Learning Management Systems and collaboration tools. NetSpot has developed specialised knowledge across a range of key eLearning and collaborative technologies such as Moodle, Mahara and Wimba and has established an enviable track record of managing successful projects at an enterprise level.

Low Risk Co-sourcing Model
NetSpot offers a blended alternative to traditional outsourcing called 'co-sourcing' where the University and NetSpot build a tight integration with existing management, systems and expertise and NetSpot's own resource capability in
Australia. In this way the perceived benefits of in-house operation, such as lower risk and higher control, can be matched with the efficiencies of outsourcing through a partnership with NetSpot.

Capability Across Multiple Systems
NetSpot has developed specialised knowledge across a range of key eLearning and collaborative technologies and has established an enviable track record of managing successful projects. We can bring our skills and resources into your
organisation allowing you to selectively call on services such as those listed in the diagram.

Mahara is designed to provide users with the tools to demonstrate their life-long learning, skills and development over time to selected audiences.

The NetSpot Difference

NetSpot offers premium technology services for the education sector with an emphasis on scalable, high availability solutions and working relationships which are responsive and flexible. NetSpot is also a Moodle and Wimba partner in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. We understand education as well as technology and focus particularly on working at the enterprise-level over the long term. Our offerings are around managed Mahara hosting; Mahara training; help desk; development, integration; and content migration services.

To find out more about Mahara, visit the Mahara website at http://www.mahara.org/