On December 5, 2013 we went into our groups and brainstorm on what topic we should do our project on. It was unanimous that we wanted to focus on helping students on step by step on how CUNYFirst works and where to find important resources. We listed the names of the topics we will have within our website as tabs. With the topics, the group focused on what are the main points from CUNYFirst do the students need more assistance with. The main focal point is our How To tab that has six topics (check grades, view unofficial transcript, view finances, create or if the student forgot their password, and most importantly how the enrollment process goes) in which the students need to have a better understand on how to do it or where to find it on the CUNYFirst website.
On December 10, 2013 we decided on a template that best fit how we want to organize our layout. The process of customizing and set up our website with a header image we created and started to write a draft of our proposal, the explanation on why the group chose to do CUNYFirst. Designing a simple, yet appropriate header image to reflect how student are confused and sometimes frustrated when it comes to how CUNYFirst works. The use of Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Photoshop was used during the process of the creation of the header image. The start of writing up the step by step directions on how the students can claim their CUNYFirst account, where to find their unofficial transcript, and grades.
The following day, December 11, 2013 the editing process of the How To tabs on Check Grades and View Unofficial Transcript was sent to the each group member to make sure no step(s) have been skipped and that the directions are clear, yet simple. Then once everything was finalized, the attachment of screen shots of important factors of each element was added, and then saved as a pdf file. As a group we decided that the layout for each tab with be two sentences briefly describing what will be shown, then the students will see the steps they have to take to accomplish their chosen goal, then at the very end, we have provided the students with a pdf file of the steps, that way they can download, save, and print at any time, when needed.
On December 12, 2013 we came together and talked about what has been accomplished so far and what was left to do. The proposal was still at the beginning stage, but coming along well. One group member began the process of creating the project’s PowerPoint presentation. With all members in mind, we all gave our insight on what each slide will contain and the organization the order in which we will bring up each topic.
As the final week of working on this project approached, Monday, December 16, 2013, the ending of the proposal being written by one member was completed. The next day, the last Tuesday of the semester, the group came together and looked over the proposal and posted up onto our website. Adding a few more points and two pictures to emphasis a bit more on what we want to accomplish with this project. In addition to the proposal, we added onto the tabs how to claim your CUNYFirst account and what to do when you forgot your password. The forgot your password portion needed a bit more editing, such as being clear on what to do to create the new password and what happens when thing option doesn’t work.
On December 18, 2013, the PowerPoint presentation is sent to the members for further editing and finalizing what will be presented for Thursday December 19. The addition of the work cited page with the citation on how we got our information sorted. Communicating through email, as a group we decided on who will be presenting what portion of the PowerPoint and be ready to present in front of our fellow classmates. Last minute editing and the completion of the process documentation, this portion is the last tab being added onto our website.
We have come to the final stretch of this project and we as a group are satisfied on how we organized step by step instructions on how to help CUNY students to understand how to navigate and do some of what CUNYFirst offers.
