Software Applications:
    Meeting Maker
    Email
    Microsoft Windows
    Microsoft Office
    Graphics Software
    4-H Software
    Utility Programs
    Collaboration Tools

  Resources:
    Online Helpdesk
    Software Downloads
    IT Newsletter
    Web Development
    Training Resources

Collaboration Tools

Extension Collaboration Tools

With travel budgets shrinking, Extension employees are looking more seriously at communication and information technology to help support both internal workgroups and public outreach. Extension's IT Unit currently supports several technologies to help you in this area.

WebBoard

WebBoard is an easy-to-use, web-based discussion, chat and file sharing tool that can be used by Extension faculty and staff at no charge. Separate web-based bulletin boards can be quickly set-up around a specific project area. Boards can then be organized into major areas called discussions. Threaded discussions permit users to post comments and have others reply to them at their convenience. Unlike email lists, threaded discussions permit the organization and archiving of content. Chat permits real-time (simultaneous) online discussion of specific topics. File sharing allows an easy method to post and retrieve documents that are relevant to a specific group.

Some examples of how WebBoard is currently used to reach our public audiences include the "read only" Ask a Master Gardener" board http://webboard.extension.umn.edu/~askmg and the interactive "Turf Talk" board http://webboard.extension.umn.edu/~turf. WebBoards can also be set-up requiring userids and passwords (especially useful for internal audiences).

To set-up or get more information on WebBoard, contact the Extension IT Helpline at 612-624-6700.

Community Zero

CommunityZero has the three basic WebBoard tools referenced above (threaded discussions, chat, and file sharing) plus many additional tools (image libraries, enhanced file libraries, simple databases, enhanced authentication, what's new pages, calendar, polling, etc.). It is is currently being used by three of the five Extension capacity areas and the E-Extension technology discussion. Because CommunityZero runs on a commercial web applications server, there is a nominal annual cost to establish and run a community. To access Extension's CommunityZero pages go to http://umn.communityzero.com. For more information on CommunityZero, contact the Extension IT Helpline at 612-624-6700.

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URL: http:// www3.extension.umn.edu/units/cets/it/index.html?getnav=2101  This page was updated April 15, 2003 .
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