Going from Google Sites to WordPress

Being a novice to technology, and it being my first time to create an ePortfolio, I chose Google Sites because I thought it was user friendly, and easy to use to accomplish my needs of creating a website to portray my work from this program. However, I have learned that having a plug and play option is not necessarily the best way to design a website. There are many features that it lacks in the long run, that I will want to include in the future once I gain more experience with creating my ePortfolio for professional reasons.

I decided to make the conversion to WordPress because I wanted more flexibility to design and control the outcome of my website creation. With Google Sites, I didn’t have the same capabilities to customize things in the way that I wanted to reflect on my learning journey. WordPress, on the other hand, offered various themes, templates, and design options that gave a more professional feel and look. The thought of having full control over my ePortfolio was exciting, and intriguing. I wanted to try and stretch my limits, and push forth to something that I have never done or experienced. 

I will say that I did it over some time. However, it was extra hard, and so, very cumbersome, and complicated. The learning curve to WordPress was steep, and I was in over my head. But, I had spent so much time on it, that I didn’t want to start all over, and so I kept pushing forward, needless to say, most of the time I was kicking and screaming, and wondering why I even thought that I could make this change. This was hard work, and the time commitment was a lot more than I thought it would be. 

I started thinking that the two website design apps were completely opposite of each other. Google Site was user friendly, and straight forward. It was fun, and easy to use. I didn’t need to put a lot of thought into what I was using, and doing. However, WordPress required a much bigger commitment to learning new things, using different tools, such as, plug-ins, and basic coding. I’m still trying to get things to be just right. I feel like it will take more time. I spent a lot of time trying to fix things that I thought were much simpler while using Google Sites. Things like pages, and the navigation menu. The basic format and structure was much easier to use in Google Sites, than WordPress. I would be lying if I didn’t say that I hit major walls of frustration editing my ePortfolio. 

Even though that’s the truth of the matter, I have been able to feel some very rewarding moments that I am very proud of. I love being able to customize my website. I purchased my own domain name, picked my own theme, and have been adding my own customizations to it. I’m sure that over time I will continue to grow through the exploration process of it. Every time I fixed a problem, or was able to overcome a challenge, I felt so accomplished and happy. After hard work and dedication, my ePortfolio is starting to look and feel the way that I had hoped for. There is still so much for me to do and add to it. I am starting to feel like it is uniquely mine, and I’m doing my best to use it to express myself, so that others can see my personal touches to it.

I’m happy with the progress. I have come a long way. It’s been worth it! I have truly developed a growth mindset through the ADL Masters Program at Lamar University. I was able to push my limitations to new levels, gain technical skills, and overcome obstacles. My ePortfolio is my creation and reflection of my learning journey. This has truly been a hands-on experience.

I would only recommend for others to change from using Google Sites to WordPress if you want to challenge or push yourself. Definitely ask yourself the important questions, like what you want out of a platform. For instance, if you want full control over the design, layout, and functionality of your ePortfolio, then I would suggest switching to WordPress. In the long run, you will have an endless ability to customize your site. WordPress is often used in a professional setting with many tech companies throughout the world. And, I am most excited about owning my own domain name.

Just remember, this change is not for everyone. If you don’t like feeling overwhelmed with something so complex, and unfamiliar, then I would say to stick with Google Sites, or find something in between. Certainly, do your research, and if you don’t want to get technical, then I would not select WordPress as a happy medium, because you will not get through it hassle free.

In the end, it has been truly rewarding. When I look at it, I know what I put into it, and I appreciate it so much more. This website is all mine, and unique to me. It allowed me to express myself creatively. It was certainly my first hand experience, and the process is something that I will never forget.