Digital Portfolios with Adobe Express: AI Optional, Creativity Required | AI Insights with Andy

This past semester, I had the opportunity to teach transfer students in the OSU Bookends section. It was an exciting chance to explore career-transferable skills through their general education coursework by showcasing items in a digital portfolio. Recently, Adobe Express released training on user-friendly templates for portfolio design. It’s not an art class, but a class to provide additional tools. Of course, we talk about AI.

🛠️ Why Adobe Express?

Adobe Express is free for our students and has a web-based desktop app that is pared-down version of their other products. While it limits some features used by pros, it’s helpful for those new to creative design and offers a flexible, intuitive platform for students to create multimedia-rich portfolios.

🎨 AI-Powered—But Not AI-Dependent

What I appreciate most is the balance Adobe Express strikes between automation and control. Students can use AI to generate design suggestions, layouts, or even content starters. But for those who prefer a more hands-on approach—or who are cautious about AI—they can opt for stock images, custom uploads, or start from scratch. The built-in stock asset search is helpful practice for students to learn about fair use and copyright.

Flexibility is crucial. Some students are excited to explore AI-generated assets, while others prefer to avoid them entirely. Adobe Express supports both paths.

📚 How I Use It in the Classroom

1. Start with a Template or Prompt: Students can choose or “remix” Adobe’s portfolio templates or use AI to generate a layout based on a prompt.
2. Add Content: They upload images, videos, and documents that reflect their work such as essays, artwork, presentations, or even 360 VR videos.
3. Customize with Themes: Fonts, colors, and layouts are adjusted to reflect their personality or professional goals. You can even copy the hex codes for scarlet and grey!
4. AI or Stock Assets: Students can use Adobe’s generative AI tools to create visuals or browse the extensive stock library if they prefer not to use AI.
5. Publish and Share: With one click, they generate a shareable link. We use PebblePad as our digital portfolio but students can link the assets anywhere including LinkedIn.

⚠️ The Template Trap

One creative challenge I’ve noticed is the over-reliance on templates or AI-generated slides. While these tools can jumpstart the creative process, they can also lead to cookie-cutter designs that lack individuality. For students, especially those building resumes or personal brands, this can be a missed opportunity.

It’s another balancing act in emerging technology. AI-generated slides can be helpful in specific contexts. For example, when creating a résumé, it’s fascinating to see how an AI interprets your experience and skills.  I often find myself using AI to generate outlines, then refining the structure and visuals to better fit the student’s voice and goals.

♿ Accessibility Matters

While I enjoy using PowerPoint’s Copilot features to generate slides quickly, I’ve found that Google Slides still holds an edge in accessibility. Being web-based, it’s easier for students to collaborate in real time, and it integrates more seamlessly with screen readers and accessibility tools. The embed code from Google to PebblePad works seamlessly.

I used the Adobe Express “Video Explainer” template to create a process of converting a resume into PowerPoint with Copilot, then importing to Google Slides.

• 👉 Transforming a Résumé into a Presentation

🧑‍🏫 Adobe’s Canvas Modules for Canvas

Adobe has released a set of Canvas modules designed to help integrate Adobe Express and AI into the curriculum. These include ready-to-use learning kits, lesson plans, and LMS-compatible resources that align with digital literacy and creativity goals.

• 👉 Adobe AI Resources

These resources are a great way to scaffold student learning while giving them the freedom to explore AI tools responsibly and creatively.