The Language Teacher
01 - 2003
A Website in Your Life
Paul Collett, Bill Pellowe & Malcolm Swanson
JALT's Web Editors
It was not too many years ago that JALT didn't even have a website. Now it has dozens, and they are becoming an increasingly important part of the day-to-day functioning of the organisation. Whether looking for membership information, seeing what's on in your local chapter, or researching for that next kiyo paper, JALT's websites give an added dimension to your annual membership. This month's column looks at the organisation's three flagship sites, and the story behind the scenes of who, how, and what.
JALT Website
jalt.org
Webmaster: Paul Collett editor-e@jalt.org
Perhaps the best way to describe the national web site, jalt.org, is as a general introduction to the organization. The biggest challenge for me since taking over editorship in early 2000 has been to ensure that appropriate, timely information related to JALT is available, and that this information is easy to find. Sound simple? Well, on top of updating JALT membership information, the editor has to ensure chapter and SIG officer contact information, corporate sponsorship information, and relevant links to the site are all up to date. Given the regular changes in these areas, this can be a very time-consuming affair. There's also the Japanese side of the site to consider. While this has been ably managed by Kotori Chiaki these past couple of years, she has decided to step down as Japanese editor, leaving some uncertainty as to who will replace her. Currently, I'm looking after the Japanese editing as a "caretaker" editor, but I definitely need some help. The recent addition of an online database to the site has made editing a little easier by allowing chapters, SIGs, officers, and corporate sponsors to manage their information via password-protected pages, which guarantees up-to-date content, as long as everyone remembers to make the changes!
Other additions to the site, aimed at increasing content accessibility for visitors, include a search function and creation of generic information pages for every chapter and SIG. These pages give basic information on chapter officers and upcoming events for each SIG, and are accessible by both computer and internet-capable cellular phones at jalt.org/main/chapters-sigs.
There are numerous other plans for the national website, including more services for members, which will be added as time and resources allow. For now, explore the site and see what it offers. Suggestions for content changes are welcome, too.
Reported by Paul Collett
JALT Events Calendar
jalt.org/calendar
Webmaster: Bill Pellowe billp@gol.com
You can browse and search the JALT Events Calendar through a computer or keitai phone. The keitai version of the calendar has additional features, including a phonebook and sections in Japanese.
My first JALT web work was a site for the Kyushu region, www.kyushu.com/jalt, established in September 1996. My initial interest was events publicity, so I included a calendar of events for both Kyushu and nationwide conferences.
Work on the JALT Events Calendar began in March 2001. Several people helped. Paul Daniels and Michael Geffon were among the first in JALT to use databases with websites, and Paul got me started with MySQL databases. Kevin Ryan, Paul Collett, and Bill Hogue had done early explorations in keitai pages, and explained to me the differences between phone types and their compatible codes. Tom Merner, the TLT Events Column editor, provided data and advice. The calendar was launched on March 27, 2001.
The calendar site includes a "backend," which means a section of the site is used for administration. The calendar backend is where chapters and SIGs manage their listings by adding and editing event information. Bill Hogue deserves special thanks for numerous suggestions on making the backend easier for people to understand.
The ELT Events Calendar at www.eltcalendar.com is similar to the JALT Calendar, but with non-JALT events included as well.
Reported by Bill Pellowe
JALT Publications Website
jalt-publications.org
Webmaster: Malcolm Swanson webmaster@jalt-publications.org
Although both the TLT and JALT Journal have had excellent websites for years, it was decided earlier this year that the time was right for an umbrella site to house all of JALT's published material. It's never an easy job to create a website, but this was complicated by the sheer volume of material that would need converting to the new site. Luckily, both Paul Collett and Bill Pellowe willingly assisted me, and under their tutelage, I learned the basics of MySQL and PHP--the online database and interface languages that enabled us to create a dynamic, easily upgradeable, fast site. The site is now about 75% complete and has (or soon will have) many features that would have been impossible using just standard HTML (password access, searchable archives, and real-time content). In fact, some material is available online even before it is printed in TLT!
Converting data, updating material, and constant "tweaking" that is a characteristic of most website builders mean that I'm spending five to ten hours a week on the site. However, most of the foundation work should be complete by the end of this year, and from then on, most of what you see on the TLT side will be uploaded and administered by the various column editors.
So please, use the site. Spend an hour or so exploring and you'll be astonished by the sheer variety and amount of material available in this membership resource.
Reported by Malcolm Swanson
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