Getting Started

Learn how you can collaborate with the EdTech Center on custom projects and through the EdTech Center's template program.

To get to know more about your group and your goals, we ask all of our development partners (you) to carefully consider and thoroughly answer the following questions. You will be asked to bring these answers to our first meeting.

You can also download these questions as a Word document.

Determine Audience

1. Who are you trying to reach? List everyone you think might have an interest in your site.
2. Prioritize the list you created in step 1.
3. List as much relevant information about each audience group as you can. Relevant information could include demographics, knowledge of the subject, computer skills, internet skills, connection speed, processor speed, probably browser, helper apps, etc.

Set Goals/Objectives

1. List your goals/learning objectives for the site (keeping in mind your prioritized audience.) What will happen? How will this site improve upon similar materials already available or how is it different? Can these goals be measured? How will you measure?
2. List the goals of site visitors. What will he/she want to accomplish or learn at your site? How will the site visitor benefit?
3. Make a list of adjectives that describe the image you wish your website to portray about you or your group.

Establish Functionality/Interactivity Requirements

1. Consider how your website might help complete other job-related tasks. For instance, many groups have to report information to their department heads, trustees, funders, etc. Is there information that the website could be collecting (either by interacting directly with site visitors or collecting information in the background) that could be used later to generate reports, articles, etc.?

Indentify/Develop Content

1. Begin to develop a detailed outline of information to be included. This outline must be complete before moving forward. However, development of the actual content will continue throughout the design and development phases. If interactivity has been specified (see no. 6), begin to outline what information will be collected.
2. There can be issues to consider as you decide what images/illustrations you will use in your website. Learn more about image use issues, such as cost, copyright, and model release.
3. Consider content maintenance. Answers to the following questions will help you decide which technologies will be most appropriate for your site:
   
   • How often your content will change?
   • What skills do you have on staff to change content or will a content management system be available?
   • Who is responsible for recognizing a change needs to be made?
   • Who is responsible for making changes to the site?
4. Consider creating a Content Delivery Plan. This information will help you manage your content during site development and maintain your content after launch. Information includes:
   
   • Title of content item
   • URL (once established)
   • Does the content exist? If so, will it be edited and by whom?
   • Who is responsible for providing the information?
   • Who is responsible for writing the item?
   • How often does it change?
   • Who is responsible for editing the content and giving approval?