Developing a Web 2.0 Strategy

Abstract

Web 2.0 technologies are changing the way our staff and students (potential, current and past) relate to one another and our Universities. Embracing these technologies provides a great opportunity to enhance the University experience, but also presents a number of risks and challenges. So how do Universities develop a strategic approach to embracing Web 2.0? These services have the potential to impact on a wide range of areas, including:

• Information Technology (what services, if any, do we need to provide? How do we react to a constantly changing landscape? How do we manage security/acceptable use?)
• Learning and Teaching (many children now start using Web 2.0 services at primary school - aren't students going to expect it at University? How do we make the most of these technologies to enhance the learning experience?)
• Marketing (what shall we do if we can't control our Web presence? What do potential students expect?)

This talk explores these issues and the approach taken by the University of Wales, Newport, where Web 2.0 technologies are seen as an important part of the IT Strategy.

Resources

The slides are available on the Slideshare service. http://slideshare.net/lisbk/developing-a-web-20-strategy/1

Discussion Groups 1

Abstract

This year's discussion group topic is Building Collaboration. Half the discussion groups will be looking at building collaboration across institutions i.e. other departments and organisations within your institution and students, while the other half will be looking at building collaboration with peers i.e. the Web Management Community. In the first discussion group session you should identify the main challenges to attempts to build collaboration, you will then agree on the top three issues. These issues should then be addressed in the second discussion group session. In this session you should seek answers to the most important issues. Each discussion group should choose a reporter who will give a brief report back on Friday 16^th June in the session running from 11:45-12:30.  

Parallel Sessions 1

Delegates can attend one of the following parallel sessions.

• A1: The Rise and Rise of Digital Repositories: Communication and Quality Facilitators:  Julie Allinson and Mahendra Mahey, UKOLN.
• A2: Access Grid Node - the What, How, and Why Facilitators: Rob Bristow, University of Bristol and Mark Lydon, i2a Consulting.
• A3: Chatting with Brian: What do Chatbots have to offer the Education Sector? Facilitators: David Burden, Managing Director, DADENLIMITED and Marieke Guy, UKOLN.
• A4: Web 2.0: Addressing Institutional Barriers Facilitators: Brian Kelly, UKOLN and Lawrie Phipps, JISC.
• A5: 'Not blue, a bit random, and not too Scottish': Designing a Web site the hard way.....? Facilitator: Debbie Nicholson, Web Support Officer, University of Essex.
• .A6: Writing for the Web Facilitator: Tim Matschak, Cass Business School, City University, London.
• .A7: Getting your Hands Dirty with Podcasting Facilitators: Andy Ramsden, Learning Technology Advisor, Learning Technology Support Service, University of Bristol and Paul Ayres, SOSIG Research Officer, ILRT.
• A8: Using Web Services to Support e-Learning Facilitators: Paul Trueman, Netskills, University of Newcastle.
• .A9: Sharing and Exploring Team Knowledge with Wikis Facilitators: Philip Wilson, University of Bath.

Managing Standards – Delivering a Quality Assured Web Environment

Abstract

Universities undertake research through a mesh of partnerships, collaborations and contractual relationships. Major research funding bodies, such as government departments, are increasingly encouraging their contractors to adopt formal quality assurance standards - such as ISO 9001:2000. If you haven't come across this already, you are likely to see it very soon! This talk discusses the impact of quality standards on the way Web resources - internal and external - are defined, delivered, managed and reviewed in academic environments. An over-view of the quality requirement is presented, along with some pragmatic suggestions to help you deal with it.

Resources

The slides are available on the Slideshare repository service. http://slideshare.net/lisbk/managing-standards-delivering-a-quality-assured-web-environment/

Delivering Information: Document vs. Content

Abstract

This talk aims to problematise the document, asking the following questions: what is a document? How does it impart information to its reader? Can it be replicated on screen? It proposes answers using the arguments of Hughes and King (1993) who contend that the document is a layered social artifact that exists to 'wrap' content. This 'wrapping' provides the reader with the knowledge they need in order to apply social rules to their reading of the document, and so become able to interpret its content. Some information systems writers argue that the need for social knowledge in a task negates the possibility of its automation. Following the logic of this argument, delivering a document (a container of rule) through the existing set of social rules that govern Web interaction, means that the full function of the electronically reproduced document becomes masked or confused. At best this makes the role of the document superfluous to its content, making the content difficult to interpret. At worst it makes the content incomprehensible to the user. This raises a further question: what purpose is served by reproducing documents online? Following from the above arguments, it is possible to argue that 'pure' content, rather than the imitation of printed paper, is likely to be a more successful way of imparting information through the Web.

Resources

The slides are available on the Slideshare service. http://slideshare.net/lisbk/delivering-information-document-vs-content

Web 2.0: Behind the Hype

Abstract

The Web is changing. It is no longer a phenomenon but has integrated itself within our culture. However for those creating Web services times are far from stable. A wide range of Web-based applications continue to be developed, such as blogs, wikis, podcasting, social networking software, RSS feeds etc. The Semantic Web is still on the cards and now we have Web 2.0, an opportunity for a more sharing, more participative Web? Is it just hype? Will these progressions make any difference to the way in which we go about our work? What does Web 2.0 mean to the Institutional Web? This panel session will offers a number of different perspectives on the potential of Web 2.0 within learning activities - the library perspective, the commercial perspective and the HE/FE perspective.

Resources

Brian Kelly's slides are available on the Slideshare service. http://slideshare.net/lisbk/web-20-behind-the-hype-panel Scott Wilson's slides are available on the Slideshare service. http://slideshare.net/lisbk/web-20-a-learning-and-teaching-viewpoint Paul Miller's slides are available on the Slideshare service. https://www.slideshare.net/iwmw/library-20-236314678

What Does Openness Mean to the Web Manager?

Abstract

Openness appears to be all the rage: open standards for interoperability, open source for software development and deployment, and open content for sharing knowledge. What brings these phenomena together is a commitment to openness. But how do colleges and universities engage with openness? And more particularly, what does it mean for institutional Web managers.

Resources

Brian Kelly's slides are available on the Slideshare.net service. http://slideshare.net/lisbk/what-does-openness-mean-to-the-web-manager/ Randy Metcalfe's slides are available on the Slideshare service. https://www.slideshare.net/iwmw/what-does-open-source-mean-for-the-institutional-web-manager

Sector Statistics

Abstract

After discussions with various people in the education sector it became clear that there was a requirement for some industry wide statistics about Web site activity. These Sector Statistics have been collated by Nedstat and will provide organisations, specifically universities, with a means of benchmarking the performance of their Web site. Further information is available on the Sector Stats page.

Resources

The slides are available on the Slideshare service. http://slideshare.net/lisbk/sector-stats

Parallel Sessions 2

Delegates could attend one of the following parallel sessions

• B1: Making RSS work in your Institution Facilitator: Barry Cornelius, Computing Services, University of Oxford. See Barry Cornelius' biographical details.
• B2: FOUND IT! Using Information Architecture and Web Management to Help the User Succeed Facilitators: Duncan Davidson, Information Manager, University of Abertay Dundee and Donna Wilkinson, Information Specialist, University of Abertay Dundee. See Duncan Davidson's and Donna Wilkinson's biographical details.
• B3: Intranet Managers' Community Session Facilitator: Keith Doyle, University of Salford. See Keith Doyle's biographical details
• .B4: Search Technology within the University Environment Facilitators: William Mackintosh, Web Manager, University of York and Damon Querry , Senior Web Development Officer, University of Newcastle upon Tyne. See William Mackintosh's and Damon Querry's biographical details.
• B5: Archiving the Web: What can Institutions learn from National and International Web Archiving Initiatives Facilitators: Michael Day, DCC, UKOLN, Maureen Pennock, DCC, UKOLN and Lizzie Richmond, University Archivist, University of Bath. See Michael Day's, Maureen Pennock's and Lizzie Richmond's biographical details.
• B6: Keep SMILing Facilitator: Adrian Stevenson, Internet Services, The University of Manchester. See Adrian Stevenson's biographical details
• .B7: User Testing on a Shoestring Budget Facilitators: Emma Tonkin, UKOLN and Greg Tourte, UKOLN. See Emma Tonkin's biographical details.
• B8: Exposing yourself on the Web with Microformats! Facilitator: Philip Wilson, University of Bath. See Philip Wilson's biographical details.
• B9: 'Show us 'yer medals!' - Who needs Professional Development? Facilitators: Chris Young, Netskills, University of Newcastle and Paul Trueman, Netskills, University of Newcastle. See Chris Young's and Paul Trueman's biographical details.

CMS: Challenging the Consensus [Debate]

Abstract

Previous IWMW sessions have focussed on issues such as:

• Should we buy or build our CMS?
• Which CMS should we implement?
• How do we implement our CMS?
• How can we measure the impact of our CMS Implementation?
• And how do we address The CMS Challenge?

But last year it was claimed that "There is no such thing as a silver bullet" and that a CMS will not solve all your problems. Has the CMS bubble bust? Has content management become content mis-management? In the light of new approaches, such as Web 2.0, and new 'ways of doing things' is there a feeling of disillusionment with 'ye old CMS'? Or does a CMS remain the backbone of a good institutional Web site? In this debate you will hear the arguments for and against content management systems and will have an opportunity to express your views.

Resources

A set of slides on "CMS: Challenging the Consensus - For The Motion" are available on Slideshare https://www.slideshare.net/iwmw/iwmw-2006-cms-debate-challenging-the-consensus A set of slides on "CMS: Challenging the Consensus - Against The Motion" are available on Slideshare https://www.slideshare.net/lisbk/cms-challenging-the-consensus

Discussion Groups 2

Abstract

This year's discussion group topic is Building Collaboration. Half the discussion groups will be looking at building collaboration across institutions i.e. other departments and organisations within your institution and students, while the other half will be looking at building collaboration with peers i.e. the Web Management Community. In the first discussion group session you should have identified the main challenges to attempts to build collaboration, you will then agree on the top three issues. These issues should then be addressed in this, the second discussion group session. In the session you should seek answers to the most important issues. Each discussion group should choose a reporter who will give a brief report back on Friday 16^th June in the session running from 11:45-12:30.  

Reflections on 10 years of the Institutional Web

Abstract It goes without saying that the Web has changed significantly over the last 10 years and that institutional Web sites have changed with it - just use the Wayback Machine to look back at your own site in 1996 to see what I mean. Such changes have not simply been in terms of style and substance but also in terms of how we expect to interact with, use and re-use the content and services being made available to us. In short, the Web has changed us and the way we learn and work. This talk will look back over the last 10 years and highlight some of the key technical, social, political and legal changes that have taken place and the impact these have had on the institutional Web sites we deliver now and will deliver into the future.

Resources

The slides are available on the Slideshare service. http://slideshare.net/lisbk/reflections-on-10-years-of-the-institutional-web/

Conclusions

Workshop conclusions and details of IWMW 2007

Access Grid Node – the What, How, and Why [A2]

Abstract: Access Grid Node (AGN) is an exciting area of development in communication within the academic, research and commercial worlds. Using open standards to transmit video and audio using IP Multicast networking, it is a type of video collaboration that allows a rich and immediate means of communicating with remote sites, while also being able to share presentations, data, complex visualizations and video. AGN is a technology that scales; from a single user node running with a Webcam on a laptop, up to a lecture theatre with multiple cameras and projectors. It also scales from one-to-one conversations to multi-site meetings, seminars and conferences. This session will be an opportunity to understand what is involved in setting up an Access Grid Node, what uses can be made of it, and to discuss some of the human interaction and pedagogical issues that arise from interacting via this medium. Learning Objectives By the end of the session participants will have a better understanding of how access grids can support e-learning and research.

Chatting with Brian: What do Chatbots have to offer the Education Sector? [A3]

Abstract Artificial Intelligence, once only the subject of geeky science fiction novels, has in recent years become a near reality. One of the defining moments in this move towards 'thinking computers' was when, in the footsteps of ELIZA and PARRY, ALICE, the world's first open source chatbot and winner of the prestigious Loebner Prize for AI, took centre stage. A chatbot is a software program (or robot) which attempts to mimic the art of human conversation. It does this by use of AIML (Artificial Intelligence Markup Language) an XML-compliant language. Chat bots can be text or speech based and have human characteristics. They can provide us with a new and engaging way of communicating with your users, for example on an FAQ page. But what about the questions they raise and the issues they surface?

• Can they make sites more accessible or do they break fundamental usability rules?
• Do users like them, or find them irritating or even patronising?
• Are they the next best thing or a 5 minute wonder?
• Can they really benefit the education sector?
• Can a chatbot ever really learn?

In this session these questions and more will be discussed in relation to Brian, the IWMW's chatbot. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will:

• have a better understanding of what a chatbot is
• have considered many of the issues relating to chatbots and other bot applications

 

Web 2.0: Addressing Institutional Barriers [A4]

Abstract: Many institutions have an interest in exploiting Web 2.0 technologies in order to provide richer networked services in areas such as teaching and learning, research or administration. However the enthusiasm which delegates may have after hearing about innovations taking place elsewhere often wains on returning to work and encountering a variety of barriers to the use of such technologies. This workshop session will review the barriers which we may face and will outline a model and strategies which can be be used in order to address such barriers. Learning Objectives By the end of the session participants will:

• have a better understanding of the barriers that they may face within their institutions when attempting to implement Web 2.0 technologies;
• have outlined a strategy with which to tackle these barriers.

 

‘Not blue, a bit random, and not too Scottish’: Designing a Web site the hard way…..? [A5]

Abstract: This session will show how putting quality measures in place can prevent getting a brief for a Web design job that reads "not blue, a bit random, and not too Scottish". Don't laugh, this actually happened! This hands on session will get participants thinking about how they can introduce quality assurance procedures within the web design process. It will cover establishing a 'quality loop', creating measurable standards and will introduce ways to enable clients to be better informed about what they want from their new Web site. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will learn:

• How quality in Web design fits into the bigger picture
• How giving clients a little more knowledge needn't be a bad thing
• How the 'quality loop' works and how it can easily be applied to Web design procedures to benefit both the client and the Web team
• How planning requirements in advance can reduce the desire to hit clients with a big stick!!

 

Writing for the Web [A6]

Abstract: Why should we write for the Web and how is it different from other ways of writing? And even if we know what to do, how can we implement this and persuade others? This workshop will review the principles of writing good web copy and compare them to other examples of writing. We will look at the role lay-out and audience play in this. Participants will be able to try their own hand at writing and reviewing text, and will be able to explore strategies of how to create good copy for their sites. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants:

• will understand what makes good web copy
• will appreciate how web writing compares with other media
• will have explored strategies for improving Web copy on their Web sites

 

Getting your Hands Dirty with Podcasting [A7]

Abstract The aim of this workshop is that by the end the participant will be able to answer the following five questions;

• What is podcasting?
• How do you create, distribute and subscribe to a podcast?
• What is good practice in terms of designing and creating podcasts?
• How might podcasts be effectively used in an educational context?
• Where should people go for more information?

To place this workshop into a wider context, then two podcasting related observations can be made, firstly, over time more people are discussing the use of podcasting in education (Chan and Lee (2005), Lee (2005) and secondly the creation and subscription to podcasts continues to grow exponentially. A key question is, as podcasting continues to grow in popularity what does it offer the educational community as a learning technology? This workshop aims to overcome the initial hurdles of understanding what is a podcast, the processes involved in creating an appropriate podcast as part of a learning activity, and finding out where to go next in terms of more information. The workshop objective is that at the end of the session the participants are more knowledgeable and confident about what podcasting is so they can concentrate on the more challenging question of how to effectively employ them within the learning process. In terms of practical skills then the participant would have completed all stages of the eLearning design and development process with respect to podcasts. They will have, identified different potential applications, thought about the strengths and weaknesses of the technology, designed an appropriate learning activity, scripted and recorded the podcast and uploaded to the web for distribution. The workshop is designed as a collaborative experience, so the numerous tasks will be completed in small groups. Throughout the facilitators will be referring to current good practice and appropriate literature. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will be more knowledgeable and confident about what podcasting is and what it involves so that they can effectively employ them within the learning process. They will have answered the questions outlined in the abstract.  

Using Web Services to Support e-Learning [A8]

Abstract Web services technology provides the opportunity to integrate applications and business functionality in to existing Web-enabled VLEs. A Web service exposes business functionality by both consuming and producing data in XML format. Future online learning environments may be fully developed and maintained using a Web services infrastructure. Web services solutions as yet still need to reach their full potential; particularly in the academic sector. In this session Paul will demonstrate potential uses of web services to support e-Learning and present guidelines on how to consider making best use of this emerging technology. Learning Objectives This session will:

• Provide an insight in to the potential of Web Services for academic environments
• Provide an overview of Web services technology
• Allow participants to view a Web service in action and comment on how they make effective use of web services infrastructures within their academic organisation

 

Sharing and Exploring Team Knowledge with Wikis [A9]

Abstract: In December 2005 the Web Development team at the University of Bath set up a departmental wiki where they could keep track of information. This workshop explains the reasons for using a wiki, not just for education but for codifying knowledge and working practices in departments and how they can best be utilised so that it is used by everyone in the department, and how to stop it becoming an unmaintained silo of archaic data. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will:

• Understand what a wiki is
• Be familiar with how a wiki works
• Understand how wikis can be extended to meet custom requirements
• know how to integrate wikis with their standard working practices

 

The Rise and Rise of Digital Repositories: Communication and Quality [A1]

Abstract The discussion group will begin with an overview of the current repository landscape, looking at the different types of repositories, their use within education and the range of issues relating to repositories, including cultural, social, legal, technical and policy considerations. Current JISC work in this area will be highlighted, focussing on how this work will contribute to raising quality standards in repository development, through interoperability and the use of open standards. Participants will work in groups and will be assigned roles for the following stakeholders:

• students and researchers
• lecturers
• librarians and information managers
• department and institution managers
• Web and IT managers

Groups will be asked to examine the issues raised from the various perspectives and to try and identify the barriers and possible solutions to the implementation and uptake of repositories. At the end of these discussions, each group will feedback their conclusions. The session hopes to demonstrate the importance of communication between stakeholders for the successful implementation and use of repositories. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will have gained:

• A clearer understanding of the digital repository realm
• An awareness of current work in this area, in particular that being funded by JISC
• How a repository can help to raise quality standards within education
• The challenges posed by repository implementation
• The need for communication between stakeholders

 

Making RSS work in your Institution [B1]

Abstract In this workshop session, we explore how to make RSS work in your institution. Recently, the University of Oxford has risen to this challenge: it has delivered a devolved institutional newsfeed system. This workshop session will discuss how this system was produced and will demonstrate how easy it is to produce news items and get them displayed on a Web page or delivered through RSS. The session will look at:

• how to deliver a devolved institutional newsfeed system;
• the benefits to departments of doing this;
• how to succeed in attracting customers to the newsfeed system;
• some of the interesting issues when providing a newsfeed system;
  • authentication and authorisation;
  • support for multiple newsfeed formats;
  • support for utf-8;
  • support for aggregation and categories;
  • handling events and delivering iCalendar.

Participants will be able to explore these ideas during a hands-on session that uses the University of Oxford's newsfeed system. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will:

• have understood how newsfeeds fit into their institution;
• have grasped how easy it is to build a newsfeed system;
• be aware of some of the issues involved in delivering a newsfeed system;
• have hands-on experience of producing news items, delivering RSS and producing news on a Web page;
• be in a position to sell these ideas to their own institution.

 

FOUND IT! Using Information Architecture and Web Management to Help the User Succeed [B2]

Abstract: Access to, and management of, University information, services and resources is key to providing a quality student experience at the University of Abertay. The University Portal provides one of the key interfaces for accessing this information and the vision for the University portal is to be the University Online. The Portal should provide logical, clear routes to these services and information resources. Users must be able to find relevant information and perform transactions without prior knowledge of University structures; information discovery must be intuitive and pertinent to the user. The University of Abertay's Information Strategy aimed to link plans for Web Services (the portal) and Information Management to provide a coherent and holistic approach to Portal development. The Information Strategy was written in the context of, and with reference to, wider University strategies. It was realised that successful linkage of the two plans and greater partnership between the teams could bring significant benefits to the quality of the user experience on the University Portal and enhance information retrieval. This would in turn aid in achieving the strategic aims of the University and further the University's Quality Enhancement agenda. This session will examine the development plans, the related projects - University Portal and Information Architecture, where we have been, current work and the road ahead. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will be able to:

• Identify the areas where Information Architecture and Web Management work best together.
• Identify the benefits that this approach brought to the user.
• Appreciate the value that Information Architecture and Web Management can bring to institutional strategies and objectives.

 

Intranet Managers’ Community Session [B3]

Abstract What is an intranet? Everyone has their own view of this. Is it content for just staff? Is it content for staff and students? Is it password protected content? Is it content which is only available within the firewall. All of these definitions can still be heard. For the purposes of this session, it will mean content, services and portals for internal users - staff and students - but excluding the Virtual Learning Environment, as this has its own technologies and strategies. In most educational institutions, the intranet is not seen as a priority as, not unexpectedly, it often comes third behind student information and the virtual learning environment. However, the intranet can potentially make a huge difference to institutional admininistrative systems. This can improve efficiency, simplify work processes and therefore indirectly improve the student experience. In this session, Keith Doyle will outline the elements of the University of Salford's intranet and describe the four key elements of information architecture and how they have informed the development of the University of Salford intranet. There will be a chance for all participants to share local developments and examples of good practise in intranet and portal developments, with the ability to view institution's password protected intranets. There will be a discussion of how a peer group might help support developments in this field. By the end of the session participants will:

• Gain a better understanding of existing activity around intranets and portals
• Meet up with other people interested in this area, and raise the profile and energy around intranets.

 

Search Technology within the University Environment [B4]

Abstract he University of Newcastle upon Tyne has implemented a Google Search Appliance. The University of York is committed to the purchase of the Google Mini. The session will discuss the reasons for selecting these products and how they add value to an institution's Web site. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will have had:

• A chance to discuss the deployment of Google search technology

 

Archiving the Web: What can Institutions learn from National and International Web Archiving Initiatives [B5]

Abstract Institutional Web sites have become an increasingly important tool for disseminating key institutional information to and between staff, students, researchers and the general public. They are widely recognised as key front-office mechanisms for the communication of important information, but the long-term survival of Web site resources and data with non-transient or enduring value is often overridden by the short-term benefits of on-the-fly Web site management. As a result, even institutions with Web site archiving policies can find themselves falling victim to the so-called digital dark ages and fail to preserve valuable information. This problem grows in significance when the Internet or intranet is the sole publications medium for institutional material or information. Drawing on our knowledge and experiences in archiving and digital curation, this workshop session will explore ways of addressing the challenge of website archiving at an institutional level. As preservation begins at source, the starting point for successful preservation and archiving of Web sites and Web-based resources is quality. The workshop session will therefore be in keeping with the overall theme of the workshop, that Quality Matters. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will have:

• Gained an understanding of the value of web archiving for institutional resources.
• Explored the challenges and currently available options for large scale and institutional Web archiving.
• Developed an appreciation of how Web site quality control can impact on the long-term survival of Web-based resources.
• Collaborated in the development of a life-cycle-based approach to archiving Web-based resources.

 

Keep SMILing [B6]

Abstract Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL - pronounced "smile") is a W3C standard markup language that adds powerful multimedia and timing capabilities to basic layout and formatting. SMIL allows you to create sophisticated looking presentations without the need to purchase expensive or complicated software or develop expertise as a video or audio editor. See last year's IWMW presentation Customers, Suppliers, and the Need for Partnerships by Stephen Emmott for an example of a SMIL presentation. In this session we will give an introduction to the SMIL standard and show how it can be used to create rich multimedia presentations. We will explore some of the problems and issues that arise when creating SMIL presentations, such as quality and copyright issues, and we will look briefly at some of the alternative technologies for creating time based presentations, comparing these to SMIL. A PC lab is not available for this session but we intend to provide a number of laptops for hands-on use. If you have your own laptop that you could take along to the session then it would be very helpful to have a SMIL player such as Real Player (click on 'Download the free RealPlayer only), the free Audacity audio editing software and LAME encoder installed on it, as these will be used in the hands-on demonstration. If you have any questions about the session or installation of these programmes please contact m.guy@ukoln.ac.uk. Learning Objectives By the end of the session participants will:

• A basic understanding of how the W3C SMIL standard can be used to create rich multimedia presentations.
• Experience of creating a SMIL presentation, which will help them to create presentations of their own.

 

User Testing on a Shoestring Budget [B7]

Abstract User testing is often considered to be prohibitively expensive, complicated and time-consuming; the good news is that at least two of these assumptions are wrong. This hands-on session demonstrates how to use scenario-based user testing to check out the usability of a small application. It concentrates on accessible and practical real-world techniques for user testing, analysing the results, and working out how to apply them - as quick fixes, long-term aims or feature requests. Learning Objectives: This session is intended to demonstrate a method of user testing that can easily be understood and reused. It is principally designed to help attendees understand the uses of user testing, and gain an understanding of how to apply these skills in the real world.

Exposing yourself on the Web with Microformats! [B8]

Abstract How do people make use of the data you publish on the Web? If you publish a staff directory, how do people currently add contact details to their address books? Copy and paste has had its day, Microformats are a way of making the data you already publish not only useful, but re-usable and re-purposable for relatively little effort. This session considers how these data formats can help you solve specific data problems on your site. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will:

• Understand what microformats are
• Understand the scenarios in which they can be used
• Considered ways in which microformats can be used for their own data
• Understand how using microformats on their own Web sites can improve data

 

‘Show us ‘yer medals!’ – Who needs Professional Development? [B9]

Abstract You may be new to a Web-role or you may be more experienced, with a set of useful skills. Either way, increasingly there is a need for recognised individual development and accreditation in order to progress in within your organisation and with your own career. Alternatively you may be dealing daily with others who do not appear to have the skills they claim! This could be slowing down or reducing the overall quality of the service you are employed to provide. The process may be in place but if the staff required to keep it moving cannot demonstrate the required skill, who ends up doing all the work?. Would it benefit you to have accredited content providers to call apon? This session will discuss the issues surrounding the topic of training and accreditation for all providers and developers of Web content and systems. It will provide an opportunity to appraise current programmes and inform the development of a set of recognised qualifications, designed to meet the needs of our community.

• Is accreditation important?
• Who benefits?
• Who recognises it?
• What is currently available to people like you?
• How, when and where is it delivered?
• What key skills are required and by whom?
• What might happen in the future?

There will also be the opportunity to contribute development of a set of recognised qualifications, designed to meet the needs of the community. Learning Objectives: By the end of the session participants will have gained:

• an awareness of a range of professional development programmes available to them and the others they may be working with