Common Portfolio Error Messages and Some Tips

Common Errors When Uploading Documents

All error messages appear in the top, right corner of your screen. They will remain on your screen until you manually close them. If you're having trouble with a document, please watch your screen for an error message. Some of the most common are:

1. You may see a message that says: "Due to technical constraints, please try to limit file upload sizes to a maximum of 300MB." This is actually a reminder about file size and not an error message. Go ahead and upload the file, but click only once. Clicking a lot of times slows things down even further. When the system is being used heavily, you'll need to be patient.

2. The file name is too long. You can close the document and rename it or do a Save As function, rename it and complete the upload.

3. The file type may not be accepted. The Portfolio system accepts the most common file types, like PDF, both the old and the new versions of Word, jpegs and other image files, and most common video files. File types are limited to those most accessible to the evaluators. If the file type is not accepted, save the document as a different type and complete the upload. For a complete list of accepted file types, click here.

Some tips

1. Click only once. Clicking multiple times will only slow you and your fellow students down even more.

2. Turning a document into a PDF preserves formatting and makes for a faster upload. This is especially good for format-heavy documents like lesson plans and resumes. Save your document as a PDF; upload it, and then attach it as evidence. In the text box, point the evaluator toward that document with language like this: "Please see the attached PDF for the reflection. Evidence will be found in the Word document." Or something to make sure the evaluator understands you have not just submitted a blank proficiency.

3. If you have resisted the world domination of MicroSoft Word and do not have the latest version which allows you to save a Word document as a PDF, you can download a free and non-malignant application called Cute PDF. Follow all the directions. It really works.

4. Label evidence clearly so the evaluator knows what to expect.