We’ve heard from several of our clients that there’s a need for better end-user instructions for interacting with the matrix model in OSP. The matrix isn't the only area in need of explanation. Here are some suggestions for understanding the OSP interface:
There are usually two groups of people involved in ePortfolios. Each group has a different role. Portfolio coordinators design the portfolio process. Portfolio participants create and revise their own portfolios according to the coordinators' design. Coordinators are often faculty or project administrators and participants are often students.
1. Forms
Regardless of your role, you can't start using OSP without forms that gather data. Unfortunately, prepackaged forms don't come with OSP (the current OSP library has very few). Coordinators must plan and create them, then the forms are used to gather portfolio data. The lack of forms has been a barrier for those who wish to get started with OSP. [Contact Longsight for help with this design and implementation process].
2. Wizards
Then come wizards. Wizards are simply guides for using forms to gather data. Portfolio coordinators usually design and create wizards with the wizard tool in Sakai. Wizards define the order in which forms appear. For example, a simple sequential wizard could present three forms in order – one form to gather personal information (name, address, etc), another form that gathers a statement of work, and finally a form into which the participant enters a reflection on their experience. Ultimately, the portfolio participant runs the wizard to guide their entry of the data.
