An interactive Augusta State

Web 2.0 is a relatively new term coined by an internet media company to describe the more collaborative, interactive nature of the web. “As that move has become more popular, we’ve seen increased usage at sites that provide for users to interact, such as blogging and social networking,” says Heather Hopkins, new media specialist in the Office of Public Relations and Publications. “We’re also beginning to see more traditional sites adopting some of these interactive features,” she says.

“Previously websites were static. Someone could look at the page and read the content, but they had no influence over the content,” she says.  “At any number of sites now, users do have the ability to interact. Wikipedia is a perfect example,” she adds, where users continually add and/or edit information on any number of topics. “And sites like FaceBook and MySpace have become enormously successful because they do provide for interactivity. In fact, we created a university page for MySpace and have included an interactive “test” where users can test their knowledge of ASU,” adds Hopkins.

At ASU's MySpace http://www.myspace.com/augustastateuniversity, visitors can click directly onto links that take them to ASU web pages, so they may get more information about the university. One link goes to ASU’s Amazing Students webpage that was created last year. Nominated by faculty and staff members, Amazing Students represent the diversity of experiences of ASU. "Our students really are amazing, and we want others to know about them," she says. 

The new calendaring system, now located on the university’s main webpage, is another interactive feature of the web. It was implemented to allow users from across campus to directly input event information onto the campus calendar.  Users can click on  “View Entire Month” to see all the diverse activities occurring on campus.

Blogging is another interactive feature gaining more popularity, and Maureen Akins, assistant director of ITS, Instructional Services, says the university is investigating software that allows blogging.  “We know this is a capability that faculty and students want to have, and we are actively working on methods and equipment to best implement it,” says Ms. Akins.

A web advisory team is in place to provide input. Composed of members from across campus, the committee includes Heather Hopkins, public relations and publications;  Cathy Barner, Information Technology Services; Denise Moore, continuing education; Jeff Heck, Reese Library; Jody Wilson, admissions; Mark Brown, Special Projects; Bill Gray, College of Education; Janice Williams Whiting and Rick Davis, Pamplin College of Arts and Sciences;, and Ken Corley, Hull College of Business.

The committee will see more action as new features are considered and as the site becomes more interactive.

“We want a web presence that when users click on our page, they say ‘Wow,’” says Hopkins. “That will keep them coming back.”

“And this is something of tremendous value to the university,” she adds.

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July 2007
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