i3 learning community “Making online learning communities useful and sustainable” March 2, :15-12:15

1.How is the model classroom portal useful in the marketplace? 2.How do we create a robust tool that isn’t duplicating what is already out there? 3.What niche are we filling? 4.Before we venture down the road, how do we know how much to invest so that we will really be useful? CLI’s Questions What are your questions?

Focus of this session How do we make online learning environments useful in the marketplace? How do we keep from duplicating what exists? lead a discussion about the "business" side of technology implementation touching on what we have learned about online systems that are truly useful and sustainable in the current marketplace.

Focus on the why… Then figure out the best what. TED TALK at_leaders_inspire_action.html

The Golden Circle Why How What

Value Proposition & Differentiation There are many providers / distributors of literacy resources on the internet. What will differentiate your organization’s site? What is your competitive advantage? –Focus on what your organization is known for and is your signature project or work. This is the foundation of your strategy.

Risks Market influencers What are key market trends that your organization must monitor that could impact your competitive advantage? –Funding –Technology developments –Universities or other service providers –Shift in educational trends

User Types Who are your users that you are targeting? –Students, teachers, principals… Is there a fee for users? –Public –Registered –Subscriber

Content Interaction Will content be generated only by your organization? Will users be able to generate and add content to the site?

Website Resource Responsibilities Content: Roadmap Manage content creation Maintain & update content Technology: Integration with other systems Widget development Infrastructure review Community Management: User management Nurturing community Moderating community activity Other: Pricing / Packaging Marketing Product support (Internal/External Users)

Website Types to Consider What combination is your organization in need of? 1. Personal Websites 2. Photo Sharing Websites (Flickr)Personal WebsitesPhoto Sharing Websites 3. Community Building Websites(Facebook)Community Building Websites 4. Mobile Device Websites 5. Blogs (taking note)Mobile Device WebsitesBlogs 6. Informational Websites (Wikipedia)Informational Websites 7. Online Business Brochure/Catalog 8. E-commerce Websites (Amazon)Online Business Brochure/CatalogE-commerce Websites

Nine Criteria for Evaluating Educational Websites 1. Audience 2. Credibility 3. Accuracy 4. Objectivity 5. Coverage 6. Currency 7. Aesthetic or visual appeal 8. Navigation 9. Accessibility

10 Keys to Effective Non-profit Websites 1.Clear Description of the Organization’s Mission/Purpose 2.Concise but Complete Information About the Organization’s Background and Basics 3.Clear Idea of the Sites Visitors and the Organization’s Audience 4.Information for Donors 5.Information for Volunteers 6.Photos of People Who are Impacted 7.Contact Information 8.Design that Fits with the Organization’s Culture 9. Newsletter Signup 10.News and Events Sections

CLI’s Software Solutions Objective: a singular solution that can combine the functionality of Campaign Monitor ( Marketing) and Constant Contact (Event Management), while adding the additional capability of integrating with SalesForce.com. Solution: CVent (also considered Acteva)

CLI’s Software Solution Objective: Operational Portal Solution: SharePoint Large install base across all portal solutions Best integration with MS Office and other MS applications (Database, Applications, Reporting, etc.) Most extensive library of pre-configured tools and applications to leverage (both Open Source like and add-on vendor supported functionality) Largest pool of support resources for CLI to draw upon for on-going support, maintenance and enhancements (both internal hires and contractors) Benefit of taking advantage of MS SharePoint tool aggressive non- profit discounts - essentially neutralizing many of the cost reasons to consider an Open Source solution like Drupal.