Project 4:
Developing a Client Proposal

Preliminary Design Proposal for New Educational Technology Website

Summary

This proposal details how the UT Brownsville Educational Technology website will be redesigned to look more modern, increase student/faculty interaction, and simplify the registration process.  This redesign will be accomplished using open-source technologies to allow for dynamic content generation, as well as to keep costs low.

Introduction

We at Monsoon River Designs aim to redesign the UT Brownsville School of Education’s Online M.Ed. program in Educational Technology website in an attempt to update its overall design, reach a global audience, and address student and faculty concerns. The website will be reformatted to a current, modern design in a cost-effective manner.

Purpose

Our survey and analysis of the website has determined that it requires the following work:

  • Website redesign: keeps the site current, so that it looks similar to other online programs.
  • Implement current technologies: Create a design that implements current Web 2.0 methodology, dynamic content generation, RSS news feeds, and Flash animation.
  • Content Management System: allows for future immediate content additions.
  • Communications system: increase interaction between students and faculty.
  • Update registration process: allows students access to more detail about online classes.

Objectives

LIMITS

This proposal doesn't cover updates to server technology.  Depending on the technology used, some server programs may need to be updated or installed.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

  • Website redesign: 29 hours
  • Implement current technologies : 28 hours
  • Content Management System: 12 hours
  • Communications system: 20 hours
  • Update registration process: 20 hours

Implementation

Website redesign

  • Graphic design: 10 hours
  • Layout design: 10 hours
  • CSS design: 5 hours
  • W3C Compliance: 2 hours
  • Cross-browser check: 2 hours

Note: The schedule for web design is dependent on department decisions. Once the initial design has been approved, the final design can be created.
Implement current technologies

  • Student testimonial input area: 8 hours
  • Dynamic content generation (dates, calendar, news): 12 hours
  • RSS news feed: 4 hours
  • Flash animation slide show: 4 hours

Content management system

  • Install and configure Mambo CMS: 8 hours
  • Integrate with web design: 4 hours

Communications system

  • Install and configure Moodle Learning Management System: 2 hours
  • Install Skype Presence Block for Moodle: ½ hour
  • Customize Skype Block to allow for instructor to enter Skype office hours (3 hours)
  • Install Quickmail Block for Moodle: ½ hour
  • Integrate site design with Moodle template: 4 hours
  • Integrate Moodle with Horizon Wimba and Flash communication server: 10 hours

Update registration process

  • Integrate current registration system into Moodle: 10 hours
  • Sychronous meeting customization – customize registration process to allow students to see what synchronous hours are required before registering: 10 hours

Costs

Website redesign

  • Graphic design: $350
  • Layout design: $350
  • CSS design: $175
  • W3C Compliance: $70
  • Cross-browser check: $70

Implement current technologies

  • Student testimonial input area: $280
  • Dynamic content generation: $420
  • RSS news feed: $140
  • Flash animation slide show: $140

Content management system

  • Install and configure Mambo CMS: $280
  • Integrate with web design: $140
  • Suggested donation to Mambo open-source project: optional

Communications system

  • Install and configure Moodle Learning Management System: $70
  • Install Skype Presence Block for Moodle: $15
  • Customize Skype Block: $105
  • Install Quickmail Block for Moodle: $15
  • Integrate site design with Moodle template: $140
  • Integrate Moodle with Horizon Wimba: $350
  • Suggested donation to Moodle open-source project: optional

Update registration process

  • Integrate current registration system into Moodle: $350
  • Sychronous meeting customization: $350



Matt Crosslin