As passionate advocates for design and technology education, we are excited to share a significant development that is set to transform our online presence and strengthen our commitment to teacher education and development for design and technology (D&T). The D&T Teacher Education Group (DTTEG) website is getting a major revamp, replacing our old version on the Edublogs platform. Over the next few months, we will roll out a fresh platform that enhances user experience and offers valuable resources for D&T teacher educators.
This process has been thrilling, opening up new opportunities to network, share best practices, and access the latest in insights into design and technology professional learning for teachers. We want to take you through this journey, highlighting our thoughts and the innovative features we plan to implement.
The Current State of the DTTEG Website
Our existing website has served us well, but it has become outdated. From navigation difficulties to limited features, we recognised the necessity for an upgrade, as we reboot DTTEG with our first in-person event in June (more to follow in due course). This decision is driven not just by aesthetic concerns but also by the critical need to meet the evolving demands of teacher education and development.
We believe that the user experience must reflect the dynamic nature of education and by focusing on an updated user interface and improved accessibility, we aim to create a space where D&T teacher educators can easily find essential information.
A Vision for the New Website
After extensive discussions with colleagues in D&T education, we developed a vision for the new site that aligns with our mission and values. Our goal is to create an inviting, resource-rich environment for D&T teacher educators.
We plan to integrate features that will make navigation seamless and intuitive. For instance, we will include interactive tools that allow educators to share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on projects.
Enhanced User Experience
We believe that a great website prioritises its users. Therefore, we are emphasising user experience in our redesign efforts.
For starters, we plan to launch a mobile-responsive design. By ensuring the new site is easily navigable on smartphones and tablets, we will maximise accessibility for our users.
Additionally, we aim to minimise the learning curve for new visitors. By simplifying menus and optimising our search functionality, users will be able to spend less time searching and more time engaging with the resources that inspire their teaching.
Fostering Community Engagement
One of the most rewarding parts of working in D&T teacher education and development is the community, and DTTEG aims to bring us closer together to share ideas, experiences and resources. The upcoming website will foster collaboration more effectively than ever before.
We plan to incorporate forums and discussion boards where members can engage in meaningful conversations. These spaces will encourage sharing best practices and innovative teaching strategies.
Moreover, we aim to showcase featured members and their projects. Highlighting these contributions can inspire others and spark fresh ideas.
Commitment to Accessibility
Throughout this redesign process, we are dedicated to ensuring that our website is accessible to all. In education, it is vital to accommodate diverse learning needs, providing resources that everyone can use.
Our commitment to accessibility includes following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). We strive to create a site that meets the needs of all educators, including those with disabilities. This means that our educational materials will be designed to be easily accessible for everyone.
Looking Ahead: Our Exciting Future
As we progress with the launch of the new DTTEG website, I feel excited about what this means for the future of design and technology education.
Our aim is to create a valuable resource that empowers teacher educators in their professional growth while fostering collaboration and innovation. I invite everyone to stay tuned for updates in the coming months as we unveil our new online home and the enriching resources it will provide.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we can enhance our community and contribute to advancing D&T teacher education and development.
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