Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Google analytics is our choice

The webteam have written a discussion paper about the use of Google Analytics versus our current analytics software. Following research, consultation with our users and 'trial and error', we have come to the conclusion that it would be beneficial to the University to use Google Analytics as our primary analytics tool. The main reasons for this were, no cost and better usability.

We deemed the risk of the service from Google being unavailable minor enough to be acceptable and would varify its accuracy by comparing the results to our own server logs on a regular basis.

We were pleased when our 'Web Steering Group', the overarching group that makes decisions about the University's online development, accepted the paper.

Yes, like many, we too are selling our soul to the Google empire.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Another year, another IWMW

Not sure where the last year went, but it's here again. Only a few weeks until the IWMW2009 this time hosted by the University of Essex.

Friday, May 15, 2009

i-zone Online Service launches

No posts for a while...

The reason is that the entire team has been working very hard to provide our web users with new and highly advanced online FAQ service. This service complements the university's move to provide a unified help desk - i-zone - which will front all the university's support departments.

"Ask the i-zone" online has been a two months project that saw CIS collect and collate requirements, assist in the choice of software product to drive the search, install and deploy the knowledgebase in the university's environment, structure and input FAQ content, set up the university's CMS, and build a web front for the knowledgebase product.

Currently the i-zone online comprises of about 100 articles all relating to student support services. We anticipate a rapid but controlled growth of the number of articles over the next few months.

So, what next?

The provision of i-zone online content will be expanded to give targeted answers to our students though StudentNET and our staff through StaffNET.

In the mean time, the software will learn from its users' questions and their feedback to refine results. We will also be providing a way for our users to ask an expert should they be unable to find the appropriate answer to their question.

So once again, watch this space because a lot will be happening in this area of development. If you have any questions or comments about the i-zone just write them at the end of this post. We'll definitely get back to you.