I’ve been keeping a log of development progress so far on the system. Been concentrating on backend administration so far whilst we finalise the APEL process aspect of the system. Much of this functionality is in basic stages and will be refined in time. Got a bit more work on this backend basic setup side of things before moving onto APEL applications and process side of project. Aim is to add in AJAX and javascript functionality down the line to improve usability and error checking.
- Basic site structure HTML and CSS
- Basic setup system script (to create admin)
- Register user
- Login / Logout
- User profile page (edit/update)
- User list of contacts (within college / upc)
- databases structure setup
- input error checking
Admin Area
- Edit User information
- Manage roles within system (e.g. advisor, tutor, administrator, student) (Add/edit/delete)
- Manage Areas (Institutions) within system (Add/edit/delete)
- Manage Locations (Campus’ or sites) within system (Add/edit/delete)
The last few days I have been creating various screenshots of how the system may look and function.
I have now compiled these in flash to produce an interactive version so we are able to mock up how the system may function before making it all and get feedback from potential users.
This will be evolving over the coming months and can be seen here.
As you will know from the previous posts we are currently gethering as much information as we can about APEL.In the last week Harriet and I have been focusing in on UPC and what is already going in terms APEL and APCL. Our meeting in Bradford was extreemly useful and I must thank the other projects for their useful input and insights provided both through their presentations and coversations.
I am taking time to think from a systems / user perspective too and what information is available, where it is stored, what is required and many other questions. I am hoping that by Jan/Feb we will have the process completed and I will begin developing the software.
There will be variations between colleges but I am moving away from a model which supports massive variation in how an APEL process can be undertaken. I think with close collaboration and support from UPC Faculty it will be more successful approach to have as much standardisation as possible.
As with everything this still could all change 
To lighten up the post here are some early system screenshots which I am using to aid system design and usability.
Still early days but it may look like this
