Enhanced Website Features User-Friendly Design, Improved Navigation and More
(Media, PA)—The newly redesigned website www.dccc.edu at Delaware County Community College, fusing education and technology, was launched in October. The dramatically enhanced site, created by the College’s in-house team along with Schultz and Williams, Allied Pixel and D2-Enterprises.net embodies forward–thinking vision and commitment to the growing needs of its internal and external users. Based on extensive research, the new site was developed to offer:
- Rich content provided by faculty, staff and students from multiple campuses
- Expanded content with direct links to programs of study, credit and non credit courses
- Streamlined searching and more intuitive navigation
- Robust calendar of events that features the college’s vitality and diverse offerings
- Tutorial support services, direct links to professors and a myriad of other features
Delaware County Community College’s homepage welcomes visitors with a clean uncluttered design and moving images with featured content centered on the College’s mission to inspire lifelong learning, to advance knowledge and strengthen the educational needs of the diverse communities it serves.
“With changing information needs, the introduction of many of the college’s services and the availability of new web technology, it was time for a comprehensive restructuring of the online window,” said Delaware County Community College President, Dr. Jerome Parker. “The new site is easier to use, reflects a diverse range of student, staff and faculty voices and provides increased flexibility for future growth. It will greatly improve the experience of users as we continually move into new realms of digital service. I am very proud of the staff who worked tirelessly to create this living document.”
Delaware County Community College serves more than 28,000 students annually in credit and non-credit classes. The development of the new site began in 2008 with more than 40 content owners contributing to expand and enhance the site. The College’s online resources are as diverse as its users, which include parents, high school teachers and counselors and students, corporations and organizations seeking customized training and the community at large.
Improved Navigation and Searching
Most visitors are looking for basic information about the College and access to financial aid, current course offerings and anticipated costs. Information is now easy to find and readily available. In addition, a new Q & A section was created giving users the opportunity to quickly review a list of frequently asked questions, then linking to brief but detailed responses. The Q & A can be accessed in the top permanent utility menu from any page. Searching within the site has been significantly improved. Easy to find contact information, sidebars, dynamic events, course selections at multiple campuses and other popular content is a click away. Every page has a printer friendly link. Most important, all program and course information found on the site is the most up-to-date available.
Underlying Technology
A major aspect of the new site is the use of Drupal, an open source software platform. Drupal eliminates the dependency on commercial software vendors that provide rigid frameworks with little room for customization. This launch lays the groundwork for the expansion of new features and improvements. The platform incorporates a Content Management System (CMS), which enable users to make their own changes without the intervention of an IT specialist. The system streamlines production processes and provides content owners with a new level of independence and versatility.
Design Team
More than a year in the making, the end product is a new information system for Delaware County Community College – one that will reinforce its position as a rich source for students, faculty and staff as well as for members of Delaware and Chester Counties. The site reflects our commitment to keeping its users updated with current information that is accurate and timely.
For more information on Delaware County Community College, please visit our new website.
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