Social Networking

The Problem

The outmoded classroom requires the use of chalkboards and overhead projectors, reading outdated books and encyclopedias from equally outmoded libraries and frantic, incomplete note-taking. With the enormous growth of the internet and its ample interactive applications, today’s classrooms have the opportunity to take on a new, updated, highly functional role. There was a need for an interactive website that offered various ways to improve and modernize the student and teacher’s experience in the classroom.

The Solution

In a joint partnership with the University of Maryland, Mindgrub launched the beta version of a new portal focusing on a community of collaborators in eLearning models and new online education formats. EdInfo focuses on providing leadership direction for school officials branching out into the contemporary classroom so that they can enhance the eLearning teaching and learning experience for teachers and students alike by using the internet to facilitate the production and absorption of knowledge.

The site is based on growing an online community, managed by the KickApps social networking framework, where educators and students with similar interests can connect through sharing and contributing relevant information with each other. Other information, such as careers in instruction, pertinent events, and useful resources can also be found at EdInfo. Mindgrub has been fully involved in the life-cycle of the entire development and created everything from the information architecture, design compositions, HTML/CSS and KickApps skinning and integration.

The Results

Since its launch, EdInfo has successfully provided teachers and students with a new and improved online venue for learning. Our users no longer have to rely on static websites and cluttered libraries for information. EdInfo offers a surplus of information regarding teaching and learning strategies, eLearning videos and discussions, applicable careers and events, and more. Mindgrub is constantly updating the site so that users have access to the hottest available information about eLearning.

http://www.edinfo.tv

The Problem

Voice of America (VOA) recognized that the United States presidential electoral process gains world-wide attention and can create difficult questions from an international audience that doesn't fully understand the process, the issues or even the candidates. VOA looked to a web consulting firm specializing in producing engaging and rich web 2.0 content to provide their users with an opportunity to discuss, share and upload content relating to the current election process.

The Solution

Mindgrub was contracted as the technical lead throughout the entire development of the USAVotes2008 website. We created a custom interactive Flash timeline, built out the HTML/CSS, and integrated the social networking framework, KickApps. We fully configured, skinned and integrated their widgets within the VOA election website, enabling users to post comments, start discussions, organize groups, upload video and images, and share information and ideas, thus engaging an online community dedicated to providing a global audience with a unique interactive experience about the U.S. election process.

The Results

USAVotes2008 is a highly interactive website that supplies users with information about the presidential candidates, their stances on key issues, the election process, debate videos and information, and almost any other related and desirable information. The site is meant to provide an international audience and local users alike with an online community to discover more about the United States’ presidential election process while allowing for the growth of content and the community to come directly from its users. Visitors are provided with real-time access to videos, audio clips and images, in addition to user-generated content and opinions regarding the 2008 election.

Mindgrub worked very closely with KickApps and VOA to ensure the short timelines were met ahead of schedule, and provided 24/7 support during the initial month after launch.