With the development and analysing of the workbased mentors data, the SMART project began the development of what is now known as ‘Mentor Mansion’. Project Work has been intensive meetings and discussions have been useful for both learning and developing understanding of systems and technological procedures.
This was a very exciting time for the project and with the appointment of web developers, the project began to come to life. Use Cases were developed using information from data collected and then the team met regularly and changed the use case to reflect our understanding of those using the system. The researcher has kept in contact with some of those who provided information, so that any changes could continue to reflect the projects objectives of supporting workbased mentors.
As the system continued to be developed, it was important to add the essential elements of video from subject experts and the SMART team members. However production time and holidays have seen many difficulties in taking this essential area of the project forward. In fact a series of cancellations has meant that the project is sailing very close to the wind.
In order for the project to both realise and utilise the identified user group, it is now essential the video content is concluded ASAP.
The web designers are now only waiting for the inserts (videos) for conclusion of their area. Semester starts this week and new students and potential mentors and obviously SMART project users will be available. The system (Mentor Mansion) seeks to enrol mentors at the beginning of semester, so that evaluation can be used in time for completion of report etc by the final JISC phase III date.
It is most disconcerting to think that, although video elements of the project were identified very early on and in house approaches were made to secure both time and expertise that the project is in a position now that leaves only limited time.
