MiTTNet Database Specifications

From Extension Collaborative Wiki

MiTTNet Database Specifications (5-21-2009):

LEVEL I (immediate):

1. Name the database MiTTNet – Managing in Tough Times
2. Develop a graphic identifier to brand the site. The graphic identifier, http://srdc.msstate.edu/financial_crisis/managing_tough_times_logo_002.gif was developed as a possible option; however, a number of issues need to be taken into consideration.

a. The word “national” should be considered optional

b. Our focus should be “education”

c. Do not use the word “response”

d. Use Cooperative Extension System to describe Extension

e. A chart suggests MiTT is only about financial stress; it is too restrictive

f. The descriptor needs to be “The National Extension Response to the Economic Crisis”

g. Communicate “Managing in Tough Times” work is about helping target audiences, not on tough times being experienced by land-grant universities.

h. The identifier needs to work in color, black and white, on the web and in print. Henrietta Ritchie-Holbrook (eXtension) will develop the graphic identify and related style sheets (cascading style sheets - language to describe web presentation). Henrietta will work with Ray Kimsey, North Carolina State University to identify what is needed; style needs to be simple and elegant, something similar to CYFERNet. The design will not include use of a Flash Carousel as is currently found on the CYFERNet main page.

3. Target audience-based content areas (primary menu):

a. Youth

b.Community

c.Farm & Ranch

d.Individuals & Families

4. Add an “About” tab, that includes information describing the database, intended use, data management and linking policy.
5. Include links to eXtension.org, and people.extension.org on the main page. Also, we need to highlight the Financial Crisis materials at: http://www.extension.org/Financial%20Crisis
6. An eXtension ID (OpenID) is required to enter data records (available through people.extension.org). Data entry will be done locally (in each state) through state program leaders and/or their designee. State program leaders will be asked to identify, select and enter data records (programs and/or resource materials) based upon a checklist of criteria (i.e., peer reviewed, research-based, non-commercial, relevance, unbiased, available [electronically or through orders], easily applicable to different counties and states, available now, etc.). In some instances, the MiTTNet leadership may decide to do additional review. We may run some risk as to the potential publishing of erroneous and/or inappropriate data. MiTTNet supports a “voluntary” data entry and management system. Data entered should be approved as meeting the criteria by the state’s program leader.
7. The data record is acceptable as is with these modifications/considerations:

a. Remove keywords; they are unnecessary given full-text searching capabilities (Google).

b. Target Audience field should be removed as the database is organized by audience (e.g., Youth, Community, Individuals & Families, Farm & Ranch).

c. Include a second ordering field to capture a live URL for linking to an institution’s online ordering system.

d. Content Type needs to include the following with the ability to select more than one:

i. Curriculum (e.g., learning lessons)

ii. Meeting materials

iii. Presentation materials

iv. Fact Sheets and Publications

v. Web Site

vi. Broadcast (audio, video)

vii. Evaluation tools

viii. Marketing tools

ix. Other

e. Add a state field.

f. Author field: Collect the name, institution, and email address for the PRIMARY author. If they want to include SECONDARY AUTHORS they may do so, but should include only name; should be a free-text field.

8. Categories (critical issues) will relate to target audiences (Youth, Community, Individuals & Families and Farm & Ranch).

a. Searching should be the same as CYFERNet.

b. Google will be used for full-text searches. eXtension will investigate how to effectively do Google searching; but if a cost effective option cannot be identified, alternative methods for searching will be implemented. Advanced search will be available using appropriate database fields.

c. The ability to look at data by category (critical issues) will be made available..

9. Create a log to record user activities. Statistical reports such as are provided by CYFERNet should be included.
10. Ray Kimsey will work with eXtension staff to resolve hosting services.
11. MiTTNet will require a modern browser; we will not support IE 6.
12. Proposed timelines:

a. Content categories and other specifications completed and finalized by May 15, 2009.

b. Forwarded to Ray Kimsey, NCSU May 18, 2009

c. LEVEL 1 specifications and testing completed June 11, 2009

d. Integration of new CSS completed by June 25, 2009.

e. The database will be ready for states to begin inputting their program material by July 1, 2009.

LEVEL II (following initial release of database, LEVEL II work to be done):

1. eXtension has investigated how best to import data from the Ag Risk Education Library; http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/Default.aspx. Robert Craven at rcraven@umn.edu, 612-625-6701 is the contact. It appears their data record is similar to that of MiTTNet. Adjustments are being made to streamline importation of appropriate Ag Risk Education Library data.
2. Develop data feeds to feed content to people’s desktop; feeds provided for MiTT and primary target audience content areas (e.g., Youth, Community, Individuals & Families, Farm & Ranch)