This project created a specialized collection of web pages called a ‘wiki.’ The wiki contains a knowledgebase of information about technical resources available to the Atmospheric Sciences Department. The purpose of the wiki is to improve the process of obtaining technical resources and assistance for the faculty, students, researchers, and staff of the Department. The wiki knowledgebase grows organically with input from the members of the Department and the curation of the IT Specialist. The wiki was evaluated by a usability study to determine its effectiveness and suggest improvements.
The project was developed within the existing Departmental website using the WordPress website engine, the Spacious theme, and the Knowledgebase wiki plugin. Usability was studied using survey and interview instruments. In general, the usability study indicates that the wiki is useful, helpful, and easy to navigate. Users found it a bit challenging to contribute to the wiki. The most important recommendation is to make it as easy as possible for others to contribute. It is an important addition to the Departmental website, supports a learning community, and contributes to making the Department a learning organization.
Mike Gonsalves