Designing Interactive, Community-based Websites Michael MacIsaac

Outline Building Blocks (i.e. low level) – Software – Installation – Maintenance – Workplan Considerations (i.e. high level) – Audience and Communications – Barriers – Copyright – Persistence

Building Blocks

Software Open Source Software Closed Source Software Content Management Systems (CMS) Learning Management Systems (LMS) Operating System and Server Software

Closed Source Proprietary Software – E.g. Microsoft Source code is closed – Not available to public – Not shared Cost – Usually expensive

Open Source An antonym for closed source Refers to any computer software whose source code is available under a license that permits users to study, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form Often developed in a public, collaborative manner Cost – Usually free - yes, really free

Examples of Open Source Software Linux Firefox Thunderbird OpenOffice.org Drupal Apache PHP MySQL

CMS Content Management System – Management of all aspects of website content – Build powerful websites quickly – Modular design Examples – Drupal (very powerful) – Typo3 (faculty of arts) – Expression Engine (small cost) – Word Press (blogs) – Joomla (large community)

LMS Learning Management System – LCMS, CLCIMS Software tools designed to manage user learning interventions Examples – Moodle (open source WebCT) – Sakai (collaboration) – Segue (student strong) – Fle3 (media rich) – OLAT (interdisciplinary learning)

OS and Services Linux – Operating system (many flavors, like ice cream) – Debian (stable, powerful, apt-get package mgt) Apache – Most popular web server on internet PHP – Powerful scripting language (e.g. MySQL – Powerful open source database

Installation Hardware – Relatively inexpensive (i.e. max $5K) Server/Network Administrator – Responsible for software installation and reliable operation Web developer(s) – Individual or team (cost factor)? Hosting – Educational institution, private company All-in-one solution – Many options available

Maintenance Hardware and Software – Hardware failures/software updates Content – Web developer or dedicated management role Sustainability – Long term - after funding cycle – Costs

Workplan Project Manager – Additional cost – Worthwhile investment Timeline – Prioritize features – View website as evolving entity Flexibility – Incorporate into workplan and software choices – Do not lock into a software solution that cannot grow with your future requirements

Considerations

Audience Know your audience – Key to a successful website – Plain language pages (e.g. research) Exposure – Spreading the word (e.g. techniques) Communication – Ultimate purpose of a website

Barriers Navigation – Of paramount importance Bandwidth – Remote communities – Media (large file sizes) Language – Multiple languages – Translation costs End User – Computer literacy – Expectations (i.e. know your audience)

Copyright Original Website Material Contributed Material Creative Commons – defines the spectrum of possibilities between full copyright (all rights reserved) and the public domain (no rights reserved) Open Access – Publicly funded research

Persistence Over Time and Changes – Software obsolescence – Domain name or server changes Resources – Accessibility independent of changes Handle System – Solution – Permanent identifiers

Other Considerations Possible is anything In the end, non technical work will be most relevant to success Time, input, planning and effort (i.e. real world factors) will prevail Try not to get caught up in the web

Thank you.