Sunday, 13 May 2007

Intranet Responsibilities

All information and services (i.e. requirements) delivered by an IAT intranet need to be assigned as responsibilities to permanent staff within the organisation. These staff will be trained to take responsibility for the administration of their area/role's information or service.

The following table needs to be completed (i.e. responsibilities assigned) before creation of an intranet can commence.

Responsibilities for the New Intranet
Responsibility
IAT Dept/Branch
Person(s) Comments
Content



Structure and chart of all parts of Directorate & IAT org
HR
Angela

Accurate contact information for IAT directories
HR, IT & Schools/Branches
Admin Staff in each area

Profiles (key summary info) of each IAT school, department, unit
Relevant unit/dept
Admin Staff in each area
Outlines & updates about all IAT projects
Relevant project
Project Managers

All HR information for staff to be available - applications, getting settled, policies & procedures, what happens when you leave, etc HR
Nadia, Sahara, Layla

All Finance info, forms, policies
Finance
Huda, Nishita

All I.T. info..
IT
Husham

All Operations info..
Operations
Phil, Abdul Aziz

All Professional Development info..
Staff Development
Tony, Amal, Layla

Best practice sharing area
Staff Development Tony, AC's, Schools

News, announcements & updates
All Departments
Admin Staff in each area
All required forms & letters to be available electronically
All Departments HR & Finance especially. Others as desired.





Services



Contacts directory for all IAT Depts, Schools & Projects
HR, IT
Gulf HR Admin
Gulf HR integration
Calendar & Events listing
Relevant Departments Admin Staff in each area
Online helpdesk for all relevant Depts & Areas
Relevant Departments
Allocated or generic helpdesk person

"Ask the Managing Director" enquiry form
John McFadyen

General complaints/feedback form
HR
Layla

Coordination of file/document sharing areas
Relevant Departments Intranet/GHR admin

Coordination of collaborative workspaces
Relevant Projects/Depts Project/Dept users

Administration of discussion forums including classifieds system

Intranet/GHR admin
Project or Team management areas & tools
Relevant Projects/Depts Project/Dept users




Other Duties



Administration of all users and permissions

Intranet/GHR admin
Administration of integration with MS Office & other applications
IT
IT Dept Rep

Support & Training for intranet administrators and end-users

Intranet/GHR admin
Creation of specialised content (graphics, multimedia)



Translation of bilingual content



Overall intranet administration of content & services (e.g. portals)

Intranet/GHR admin
Administration of intranet ICT needs (server, active directory, network)
IT
IT Dept Rep





Monday, 2 April 2007

New IAT site - Feature Summary

Here's an abridged list of features of the new IAT website for staff to check out. These elements currently contain example content for demo purposes, so the major task for staff is to suggest ideas/preferences or provide actual content for use on the new, live site.

> Attractive, animated gallery for IAT to promote its key messages with an illustrative photo and concise description.

> Prominent promotional space for news, announcements or events that IAT wishes to highlight. Current examples: Summer school, Application deadlines, New Schools / Programs (e.g. Aviation College).

> Auto-generated presentation of latest news for each key audience on home page. E.g. Future Students, Current Students, etc. These are linked to the relevant News blogs (also auto-refreshed).

> On-site Media Gallery can display all types of pictures and videos which can be viewed in slideshows and integrated in content throughout the site.

> Fully-integrated IAT Google Calendar, allowing users to add individual events to their own calendar or subscribe to the whole calendar. They can then see these events or dates of interest in their calendar or Google home page and receive email reminders of them.

> Dynamic (auto-refreshes) ability to publish engaging content "libraries" that can expand over time. E.g. student or teacher profiles

> Sophisticated online applications form with ability to save applications and return, upload any required files, send automatic notifications, allow conditional questions and provide automatic, live graphical results.

> Development of much more informative, useful and attractive content and services.

> Full, flexible multilingual support allows the user to select their language only once and see any content that has been made available in their language while still seeing other content that hasn't been translated.

> Flexible Contacts directory listing both main contact points (e.g. admissions, feedback) and School listings. Includes online contact forms.

> Single, organised Downloads area allows any IAT area or school to make available any forms, documents or files for downloading. It is also possible to allow users to upload to these areas.

> Static and interactive maps provide visual details on our locations & how to get there. Virtual tours with Google Earth are useful for expatriate prospective staff or other non-local site users.

> Simple, web-based form creation tool allows all common types of forms to be published on the IAT site. E.g. For surveys, feedback, service requests, etc.

> Alternatively, for basic site interactivity and feedback, polls (with live results) are available.

> Dynamic content spaces can be used across the site to automatically refresh it, provide insights into IAT or publish content "nuggets". E.g. Education Quotes

> Gateway to all intranet services that are or will be available (webmail, HR system, student results). Secure content and services can also be published behind login access in client-specific portals. Separate application services can be easily integrated (e.g. Recruitment)

> RSS feeds allow users to receive relevant news on their home pages or using "live bookmarks".

> Best practice navigation including Quick Links visible at the top of all pages and a Keyword Search available in the left margin that automatically links all common searches with the relevant destination. E.g. Searching for "apply" takes you to the How to Apply page.

> Online visual representation of information that is efficiently linked with offline maintenance of it.

Sunday, 1 April 2007

New Website - Unresolved Questions

These issues need to be resolved by the end of April:

1. How should the new IAT website affiliate itself with the U.A.E. government and any other institutions or agencies? E.g. Simple government logo with link to government website.

2. How much of the site will be available in both English and Arabic? If not every page/content, then what process will determine new content creation or editing?

3. How will the new IAT site be associated with related but separate websites like Emirates Skills? Suggest provide in-context summary from "Projects" section and link.

4. All IAT schools & branches should at least have overviews on the main site. However, some may (now or in the future) have specific web needs that are more extensive. Capability exists to create associated individual sub-sites but the operation of these will need to be discussed.

Thursday, 29 March 2007

New IAT Prototype Online!

The prototype new IAT website is now available for all staff to review and commence actual publishing of their information and services.

Please see: http://www.new.iat-uae.com/

Stay tuned to the blog over the next few weeks as I will be providing direct links and further details and examples on the various new features available and suggested ideas.

Tuesday, 20 March 2007

New homepage photo competition!

Photos for the main graphic space on the homepage of the new website are currently being collected. The current examples used in the prototype can be viewed in this gallery

The photos chosen will be captioned and should reflect the main aspects, messages and selling points of IAT we wish to emphasise or promote.

Please send in your suggestions for the kind of pictures & themes we should use and we'll try and get an illustrative photo. Or if you have a suitable photo, just send it in.

These will be added to the gallery and the best ones will be selected.

Prizes

Apart from the pure joy of winning and having your idea or contribution on the new site - chocolate and gratitude in equal measures!

Tuesday, 13 March 2007

"Web Wonders" Presentation

Topic

Exploring modern teaching & learning uses of online resources that are accessible to everyone.

> Commercial e-learning systems like Blackboard/WebCT or Skillsoft are expensive and only accessible through the organisation.

> Sophisticated, free e-learning systems or tools like ATutor/Moodle normally require a degree of setup and tech-savviness.

> Our focus is on websites, resources & tools that are freely available on the web and have very simple startup and usage requirements.

Interactive Language & Numeracy Practice

> UK DFES interactive learning - literacy, language & numeracy practice.

Fun, Educational Participation/Community sites

> wikiHow - read and write how-to guides for everyday life.

Participation Tools for Class Teaching & Learning

> Wikispaces - Ex 1

> Blogs: Edublogs Ex 1

Podcasts & other Audio tools

> Freelanguage podcast list - specifically for learning English

> podOmatic - create, find and share podcasts

> Chinesepod

Video, Animation & other Rich Media


Finding Online Content for Teaching & Learning

> Wikipedia > Wikimedia > Internet Archive > Podcast Alley > Picasa > Photobucket > Webshots > Yahoo CC

> Reference list

Online Curriculum Resources

> MIT

> Connexions

> Curriki

> Curriculum podcasts > EPN podcasts

> techLearning

Assessment Tools

> Chalkface

Visual & Presentation tools for Learning

> Flashcard Exchange - use and create flashcards to learn anything

> Empressr - online presentations

> Formatpixel - online graphic publishing

Free Online Courses & Units

> Openlearn - free, mainly text-based topics

Online Portfolios

> Digication - Ex 1 Ex 2 Ex 3

Social Networking for Education

> You've heard of MySpace Check out > Elgg.org

> ELGG.net - for teachers: Ex 1

> Ning - Ex 1

Tools for the Classroom

> Quikmaps

> Google Earth Showcase

Website Creation

> Weebly > Google Page Creator

Useful Websites for Students


> World Newspapers

> Global Voices Online

Organisation & Class Tools for Students & Teachers

> Mynoteit

> Schoopy

> Engrade

> Chalksite

Technology Guides for Educators

> Google for Educators

> EdTechLive podcasts

Simple, Integrated Tools for Schools


> Google Apps for Education

Getting your Content Online!

> Google Docs & Spreadsheets

> Slideshare

> Scribd

> Zoho

Tool, Resource & Site Reference Lists

> Web 2.0 Directory

> Web 2.0 Teaching Tools

> Blendedlearning resources

What Else is Going on?

> Second Life meets Moodle

Sunday, 11 March 2007

New IAT site design ideas

The prototype for what will become the new IAT website is in development and will be released in the next week to enable ongoing, active participation in the creation of the new site. Different examples or ideas will be able to be tested on a live, working site.

One of the first aspects to be settled on through the prototype will be the new site's design - its presentation, layout, graphics, style, etc.

Below are selected examples of design features you may wish to consider:

Attractive, engaging, nicely-organised homepages

> Cornell Uni

> Appalachian State Uni

> Azusa Pacific

> Goucher

Homepage main graphic area conveys key messages/themes well

> Azusa Pacific - Video features and photo slideshow that links to main content

> Singapore Polytechnic

> Boston Uni - modern & interactive main graphic area with video, pics, features & integrated content

> Carnegie Mellon undergrad - advanced interactive, visual content

> York Uni - homepage main visual space emphasises main difference ("selling point")

> Appalachian State Uni

Well-designed portals/gateways into site's with extensive info & services

> Lancaster Uni

> Allegheny College - compact, well-organised, gateway

> Uni of Brighton

> Ithaca College

> Baylor

Site design suits the type of organisation

> Cornish College of the Arts - large, art image gallery with contemporary art background.

> DIT Music & Drama

> Leeds School of Design

Simple, organisation of site into areas for each key site audience

> Cornell CALS - simple main menu organised by audience (prospective students, etc...) but also presents key topics (teaching, research, extension) separately.

Engaging, modern sites for students

> Biola undergrad

> Lancaster admissions

> Oberlin admissions

Vocational & Technical Sites conveying their focus, purpose & priorities

> Polytechnics Canada

> Singapore Polytechnic

Tuesday, 6 March 2007

Management Update

Purpose

To review and coordinate the progress of the IAT Website & Online Services Project at senior management level and make/approve required decisions and actions.

Attendees

John McFadyen, Phillip Rutherford, Mohammed Al Nayedi

Agenda

Item
Activity
1
Review & update on current progress of all project initiatives.

(a) Confirm scope of all project activities and how they fit into overall strategic ICT plans. >project list >online systems
(b) Discuss project management and communication. Establish regular Directorate management meetings if desired. >project communication & groups
(c) Review and finalise project plans and timeframes. >all project plans

2
Progress new IAT website.

(a) Overview of new website development plans & activities. >website plan outline >website project
(b) Summary of feedback and reviews of existing sites and organisation needs. >feedback & reviews
(c) Discuss involvement of staff and required resources. >website resources
(d) Establish desired formal project team meetings. >website project groups
(e) Discuss key issues & alternatives and make decisions. >key issues
(f) Run through examples and approve finalized requirements and priorities. >requirement scope
(g) Confirm recommended approach to development (system choice, setup arrangements, prototype creation). >website plan >emirates skills

3
Progress new IAT intranet.

(a) Overview of new intranet development plans & activities. >intranet plan outline >intranet project
(b) Summary of feedback and review of existing intranet usage and needs. >feedback & reviews
(c) Discuss involvement of staff and required resources. >intranet resources
(d) Establish Dept representatives and formal project team meetings. >intranet project groups
(e) Discuss key issues & alternatives and make decisions. >key issues
(f) Run through examples and approve finalized requirements and priorities. >requirement scope
(g) Confirm recommended approach to development (system choice, setup arrangements, prototype creation). >intranet project

4
Summarise Agreed Actions & Outcomes.

(a) See IAT Website decision summary below.
(b) See Intranet decision summary below.





IAT Website Approved Decisions

1. Confirm website plan, timeframes and project management.
2. Define target audiences and level of information & services to be delivered. Resolve key issues & alternatives.
3. Identify current & future staff involvement for design, development, content sourcing/creation & ownership/maintenance, online service provision & website administration and support.
4. Approve requirements scope & priorities.
5. Confirm development approach (system, setup & prototype creation).
6. Confirm roles and interface with associated websites (e.g. VEDC) and other online systems (new Intranet).

Intranet Approved Decisions

1. Confirm intranet plan, timeframes and project management.
2. Define extent of information & services to be delivered. Resolve key issues & alternatives.
3. Identify current & future staff involvement for design, development, content sourcing/creation & ownership/maintenance, online service provision & administration and support.
4. Approve requirements scope & priorities.
5. Confirm development approach (system choice, setup arrangements, sharepoint test site creation).
6. Confirm roles and interface with other systems. E.g. Business systems (HR, Finance, student data), IAT website, other external sites.

Summary of Progress, Conclusions & Agreed Approach

1. All project plans inclusive of timeframes and intended activities have been finalized and published.

2. Reviews and analysis of current and desired website, intranet and online service usage have essentially concluded. The new website, intranet and online services will be developed to replace the existing systems and deliver effective solutions for the identified target audiences and extended information/service needs that will be delivered online.

3. The requirement scopes for the new IAT website and new intranet have been completed with priorities assigned, feasibility noted and recommendations made (e.g. to develop or not; evaluate usage during prototype; deliver through another system).

4. An open invitation for staff involvement has identified several (mostly teachers and not in Dubai) with an interest in contributing their experience and skills when time & location permits. The graphic designer in Dubai (Ismail Ghareeb) is also actively participating. However, it is likely that all near-term development work for websites, the intranet and other web-based services/tools (e.g. online applications, e-learning) will depend on the Project Consultant (Adrian). However, this is a temporary position and future staffing for development (e.g. extension/customization), professional content creation, administration, support & training should be planned and resourced.

Formal allocations of responsibility for dept/school representation & liaison; content sourcing, creation, ownership & maintenance; and online service provision (contact points, administering forms, updating directories, etc) should commence ASAP during the prototype development.

5. Any formal groups & meetings desired for project management, progress reporting, decision-making and consultation/reference should be established early during prototype development by senior management. Informal consultation, liaison and progress updating will continue through the blog, email and ad hoc meetings. It is highly recommended that a formal group for the intranet project be established with representatives from all departments/functions & schools.

6. Principles and guidelines covering all the online systems to be developed as part of this project have been created. This online systems overview indicates what systems are being developed, for which purposes, and how they will interact and be accessed.

7. Given agreement on requirements and system purposes, development will commence on prototypes for the new IAT website and intranet. These prototypes will be developed in flexible systems to allow ongoing refinement of live, working models. Priorities for both the new website and intranet are being identified to ensure these are the first aspects addressed in the prototype development.


Monday, 5 March 2007

Website Design Principles

The elements of effective website design which will be used to develop the new IAT website are outlined below (reference source) with conclusions about what they imply for IAT's new site design.

Content

Content is the information provided on the site - including text, sound, animation and video. Good content should be engaging, relevant, and appropriate for the audience. You can tell it's been developed for the Web because it's clear and concise and it works in the medium.

Structure and Navigation

Structure and navigation refers to the framework of a site, the organization of content, the prioritization of information, and the method in which you move through the site. Sites with good structure and navigation are consistent, intuitive and transparent. They allow you to form a mental model of the information provided, where to find things, and what to expect when you click. Good navigation gets you where you want to go quickly and offers easy access to the breadth and depth of the site's content.

Visual Design

Visual design is the appearance of the site. Good visual design is high quality, appropriate, and relevant for the audience and the message it is supporting. Visual design should be consistent in overall "feel" but also customized within individual spaces when the site is serving distinct, multiple audiences.

Functionality

Functionality is the use of technology on the site. Good functionality means the site works effectively in using contemporary website capability to provide information and services. It should load quickly and work regardless of the user's system or browser. The design and implementation of technology should be as intuitive as possible and enhance the typical user's experience and satisfaction - not the developer's.

Interactivity

Interactivity is the way that a site allows and encourages you to do something on it. Good interactivity facilitates the engagement of users by: (1) making content & services more engaging and interesting, (2) facilitating participation by users - whether getting in touch (enquiries), providing their input (polls, feedback) or obtaining services (forms & applications, directories, payments, etc).

Overall Experience

The overall experience encompasses content, structure & navigation, visual design, functionality, and interactivity, but it also includes the intangibles. The quality of the overall experience determines how long people stay on a site, whether they make an enquiry or participate, if they'll come back or refer the site to others, and, most importantly, whether they obtained what they were looking for.

Implications for new IAT website

> The visual design and interface of the new site should be re-created in an attractive and professional way that meets contemporary expectations.

> IAT needs to determine the main target audiences for its website. E.g. (1) prospective students and their parents, (2) prospective staff & partner organisations, (3) existing students & staff, (4) government, GHQ & community stakeholders.

> Information & service needs for these users that will be met through the new website to be fully identified. This will determine the scope & amount of detail to be made available on the website and also delineate between information to be provided on the website and the new intranet. E.g. For current staff.

> The content and functionality for delivering the required information and services on the new site needs to be created & developed in effective ways. Content cannot be simply copied from existing documents or sources. Delivering services online should also be done in effective ways - e.g. not just linking to a Word doc form but creating online forms that can be submitted directly through the site.

> For the information and services on the new site to accurately and effectively service site users, all content and services need to be connected with the relevant IAT organisation areas. E.g. Enquiries and applications from prospective staff with HR. Enquiries and applications from students/parents will connect with who? (a centralised point or a position in each School?)

> The structure & navigation of the site must: (1) make it extremely simple for all users to find the area, content & service of interest; (2) allow for a considerable amount of content to be made available without the site being confusing or overwhelming through efficient organisation & hierarchies; (3) enable the site to expand in scope as IAT grows while maintaining an effective structure; (4) allow re-use of content and services in separate areas or ways without creating duplication.

Emirates Skills Demo!

The Emirates Skills site prototype is now available online for review. >> View Demo Site

While a simple site, it serves as a pilot for the new IAT site, allowing an early, practical demonstration of the type of functionality that will be made available in the new IAT website and how it will work.

Please take a look and add your feedback. Note, the site (including design and content) is still undergoing refinement.

You will find examples of contemporary presentation, dynamic images and news, interactive content, photo galleries and events listing among other things.

Contact Details

Ismail Ghareeb. Graphic Design. Email: ismail.ghareeb@iat.ac.ae

Adrian Lobo. Web Development. Email: adrian.lobo@iat.ac.ae

Thursday, 1 March 2007

Current IAT e-learning Activity

In developing new e-learning initiatives & solutions, it's important for us to identify all existing uses of technology for teaching and learning at any school or program in IAT. These existing examples will be very valuable in generating ideas & discussion and making sure that the new solutions developed support these needs.

Many of these examples will be online and we will link to them here. However, other electronic resources (e.g. multimedia, desktop applications, etc) should also be listed here.

Websites, Blogs & Wikis

> Omar's EFL site - used for teaching English by Omar Al Nousri at Al Ain.

> Al Ain GHQ Wiki - GHQ Global English

> Al Ain IAT Rocks blog - a simple tool for students to think, reflect and interact in English.

> IAT 10.07 web journal - allows students to post their reflections about the class on an individual page during the program and receive feedback from the teacher.

> Stewart's ICT site - contains material for Dubai ICT classes and photos.

Learning Management Systems (e.g. Moodle)

> Metwally's Moodle classroom - interactive tools & learning in an online environment

Online Video, Audio, Pictures & Multimedia

>

Desktop Applications & Resources

E.g. language programs, presentations, media.

>

Wednesday, 28 February 2007

Al Ain Technology PD Sessions

There has been a strong consensus on the need for professional development activities as part of this project and the first (pilot) organised sessions are intended to be held at the Al Ain campus every two weeks. The initial session is scheduled for 3:10pm in the Library on the 28th of Feb.

Objectives

> To develop a core group of staff (mostly teachers) at a campus who will subsequently be able to drive and facilitate the effective use of technology for teaching & learning more broadly in the school and among teaching staff.

> Enabling teaching staff to actively participate in the evaluation, selection, design & implementation of technology deployed by IAT to support teaching and learning.

> Using practical pilot intitiatives to identify and address many of the specific challenges and issues relating to the usage of technology for teaching & learning at IAT. E.g. How do we make the tools we use engaging and appropriate to the type of students and program at each IAT school? Can we ensure that all students have the skills & access to participate?

The PD/Workshop Program

> Is intended to be structured with a schedule of activities and outcomes developed.

> Will be focused on practical activities with online tools, "sandboxes" and demo systems set up and made available.

> Should identify and trial desired/suggested learning resources & tools.

Participants

> Murray Grant. Al Ain Coordinator. Email: murray.grant@iat.ac.ae
> Adrian Lobo. Technology Facilitator. Email: adrian.lobo@iat.ac.ae

Teaching Staff: Elmetwally Elmenshawy, Kamal Ben Selama, Kevin Carillo, Omar Al Nousri, Shikha Dhanak, Ismail Fayed, Walid Shawish

Schedule

Session
Agenda
1 - 28th Feb
- Assemble group and introduce participants
- Discuss ideas and form consensus on program aims & structure
- Identify issues/challenges to be tackled or resolved through program (e.g. large variation in tech-savviness of students and teachers)

Actions:
(a) Teachers to provide specific requests & suggestions for program
(b) Adrian to come up with recommended tools and solutions to trial

2 - 21st Mar
- Review & confirm suggested ideas & recommended solutions to explore
- Provide overview of access to tools & solutions
- Discuss how participants will proceed in their exploration & usage

Tools / Resources

(1) Wikis: About, Comparison, WS, PB, WP
Education References: EW TH

(2) Blogs: About, B2, WP, EB

(3) e-Portfolios: About, Dig,
Ref: Wip, EPL,

(4) Rich Media Usage (Pics, Video): BS, FL, EPN, WS,

(5) Finding Free Content (Media): About, WM, YCC,

(6) Complete LMS: ATutor, Features, Hosting, Content,

(7) Teaching & Learning Tools (e.g. Quizzes): 4t, EL, KS, QB, OP, CF, FE,

(8) Learning Resources: Curriculum - TL, DF,
Ed Websites - HSW, WP, BBC,

Organise by subject - English, Maths, Science, IT, Vocational
English: BBC,
Science: BBC, BF,
Social Science: BBC,
Maths: BBCS,

(9) Public Community Sites: WH, AN, EH,


Actions:
(a) Explore chosen tools and commence individual projects
(b) Contribute examples and input for common projects
(c) Homework reading: CL, LT,
(d) Adrian to provide support & advice for all activities
(e) Teachers to prepare initial demos on projects for next session

3 - 17th April
- Discuss and settle on all pilot projects
- Review demos of new projects
- Decide on how these projects will be progressed between sessions

Draft Project List

(1) Wikis for Teachers: Kevin Carillo -

(2) Wikis for Classes: Omar Al Nousri - GHQ English

(3) e-Portfolios: Tools - Edublogs, Wikis. Who?

(4) Blogs for teachers or classes. Who?
Ex 1, Ex 2

(5) Discover & use suitable online education resources. Who?
TL, DF, HSW, WP, BBC, ML

(6) Choose and utilise Web-based Teaching & Learning tools. Who?
4t, EL, KS, QB, OP, CF, FE

(7) Find and integrate rich media content. Who?
PO, WM, IA, PA, PI, WS, PB, YC

(8) Implement a Learning Management System. Who?
Suggested tool: Moodle

4

5

Tuesday, 27 February 2007

New VEDC Website

The Vocational Education Development Centre (VEDC) - in Shahama, Abu Dhabi - is a part of IAT that is currently jointly run with the Armed Forces General Headquarters (GHQ). It was established to provide an alternative, vocationally-focused education program for Emirati teenage boys.

VEDC has already initiated a project to develop its own website for its unique programs & activities. However, now that the broader IAT website redevelopment project has commenced, the VEDC initiative will be aligned so that the new VEDC site will have a consistent IAT presentation and be cohesively linked to the main IAT website.

Discussions about VEDC's online requirements and to align all future IAT websites are planned for the 4th or 5th of March at VEDC in Abu Dhabi. Please contact the IAT staff below if you have an interest in this initiative.

Project Contacts

> Karam Al Lawand. IT Lead Teacher. Email: karam.allawand@iat.ac.ae
> Keith Shaw. Email: keith.shaw@iat.ac.ae
> Adrian Lobo. Email: adrian.lobo@iat.ac.ae

Sunday, 25 February 2007

Intranet Requirements

Please add your ideas and requirements for the new intranet project as comments to this post, which will be used to update the table below. Alternatively, you can email them to adrian.lobo@iat.ac.ae. The aim is to have all key requirements listed and prioritised here by the 4th of March, so that solution analysis & recommendation can take place.

Notes on Table
1. Any examples are generally listed in order from least sophisticated to most sophisticated.
2. "Requestor" is listed only if unique to a specific person/area.
3. "Difficulty" refers to the complexity of development.
4. "Analyst Recommendation" indicates the suggested approach by the Project Consultant (Adrian).

Requirements for the New Intranet
Requirement / Idea
Examples / Details
Requestor
Priority
Diffic.
Analyst
Recom.
Approved
Outcome
Content






Profiles, structure, directory, who's who and chart of all parts of Directorate & IAT org


High
Low
Develop

Profiles, main activities & and directory for all Campuses


High Low Develop
Outlines & updates about all IAT projects


High Low Develop
All HR information for staff to be available - applications, getting settled, policies & procedures, what happens when you leave, etc

High Low Develop
All Finance info, forms, policies


High Low Develop
All I.T. info..


High Low Develop
All Operations info..


High Low Develop
All Professional Development info..


Medium
Low Develop
Best practice sharing area


Medium Low Develop
News, announcements & updates


High Low Develop
All required forms & letters to be available electronically


High Medium
Develop







Services






Contacts directory for all IAT Depts, Schools & Projects


High Low Develop
Calendar & Events listing


Medium Low Develop
Contact/Enquiry details or form for all Depts & Areas


High Low Develop
"Ask the Managing Director" enquiry form

High Low Develop
General complaints/feedback form


High Low Develop
Ability to store & share all types of files in organised groups


High Low Develop
Can effectively collaborate on shared documents & activities


Medium Medium
Develop & Evaluate
Organised discussion forums including classifieds system


Medium Low Develop
News & announcements areas for Depts, teams & Schools


High Low Develop
Project or Team management areas & tools


Medium Medium
Develop & Evaluate

Staff messaging & chat service


Low
Medium
Not required

Shared & requested task management facilities


Medium Medium
Develop & Evaluate
Teaching & Learning spaces to be available to all Schools and teachers


Low
Medium
Use separate e-learning tools








Interface & Usability






Web-based portal interface that acts as gateway to all info & services for staff.


High Low Develop
Simple login & permissions system to provide secure access & customized "views"


High Medium
Develop
Structure to facilitate easy navigation & finding of required info


High Low Develop







Other Functionality & Capability






Ability to easily search all content & files


High Low Develop
Direct integration with MS Office applications


High Low Develop
Seamless interface with IAT website, internet sites & both internal & external online services


High Medium
Develop
Accessible remotely through internet


High Low Develop
Can utilise multimedia - pictures, video, Flash, etc.


Medium Medium
Develop
Ability to support multiple languages & translations


High Medium
Develop







Administration & Usage






System is easy & intuitive to use with no intensive support or training requirements


High Medium
Develop
Simple, web or desktop based content creation, editing & publishing


High Low Develop
Enables content re-use, approval & auto-publishing


Medium Low Develop
Sophisticated site usage & monitoring tools


Medium Low Develop
Can readily identify and manage old or unused content or areas


Medium Low Develop
Dynamic content management. E.g. Latest news/events modules.

Medium Low Develop