Objectives:
1. Assemble alfalfa information in various formats.
2. Review assembled information for usefulness.
3. Incorporate selected information into a multimedia resource for CD-ROM production.
4. Place information into web format for linkage with the Forage Information System.
5. Cross link alfalfa material with related topics.
The contributors have been involved in the design and initial development of the website. There was a lot of review and discussion on how to present such a large site with ease of navigation, attractive appearance, and logical display. Contributors have provided the principal investigator with alfalfa material that continues to be incorporated into the site. Some of the material has been extensively reviewed while other sections have not received adequate review to provide the level of credibility desired. Due to the database design of the system, CD-ROM options continue to be explored.
In summary, objectives 1, 2, 4, & 5 are moving smoothly along and will continue by the very nature of the project. Objective 3 prototypes have been developed, but final product will be delayed until new, database-compatible technologies are better understood and utilized.
Timetable:
Information about alfalfa production, research, and marketing is continually being collected and synthesized into the project. Material is being reviewed and condensed to be more succinct and useful via computer delivery. The look and navigation of the web site has been modified several times and continues to expand to include more aspects and more intra- and extra-AIS linking to aid navigation.
The web version of the project has preceded the development of a CD-ROM product. Use of database technologies for the web format complicates CD-ROM development. In addition, the project leader is encouraging incorporation of additional media formats (animation, video, and audio). CD-ROM production will use new technology for incorporating the various media. The work will continue with other funding after key personnel return from maternity leave and we are able to finish blending the new software and CD pressing capabilities.
The most recent web version of the alfalfa information system is located at: http://forages.orst.edu/is/ais/
The website is designed to include a massive amount of alfalfa information while still being attractive, welcoming, and easy to navigate. There was considerable work to develop a design that revealed there were available parts to the total project but did not clutter or overwhelm the Internet user. The design has been positively received but many contributors still write in format that is appropriate for journal articles and does not transfer effectively to slow-modem, small screen, Internet users.
Outcomes:
Hiring and keeping workers who are up-to-date in computer technologies has been very difficult. Students are often temporary workers because of graduation, college transfers, and varying schedule demands. One key worker is on maternity leave and her expertise with the software that is capable of formatting the information for CD pressing has been missed.
Organization of the extensive information about alfalfa has been accomplished with the help of content experts, educational and graphics art designers, and library information specialists. Several iterations of design have resulted in an aesthetically pleasing, easy-to-use interface, with satisfactory database response time. Content entry and review continues with the help of the many national and international cooperators.
The project leader remains committed to the vision of collaborative work resulting in a better product than can be accomplished individually. Current realities of over-extended extension, research, and teaching faculty, however, have made scheduling contributions nearly impossible.
Multiple efforts to obtain industry funding have as yet been unsuccessful, but non-cash, matching funds have been extensive from university and industry sources. International scientist cooperation has been provided from China, Brazil, and Argentina and will continue to be solicited in developing a global alfalfa Information System.
Integration of the AIS within the Forage Information System (http://forages.orst.edu/ ) provides for a large worldwide audience (>60,000 contacts per year to the home page alone) and has led to other species products including orchardgrass, and tall fescue. Thus this project leads the way, conceptually, to a new type of extension information delivery product.
The project planned for and obtained extensive non-cash, matching funds from university and industry sources. Documentation for the matching funds per the contract has been collected.