Revitalizing Online Learning: The PGCC eLearning Platform Redesign Project

Prince George’s Community College

Prince George’s Community College commitment to academic excellence and community accessibility now offers over 200 programs across its Largo campus and five satellite locations.

This study details the strategic overhaul of the PGCC online learning website, with a focus on improving navigation, experience, and compliance with WCAG standards, ultimately creating an authentic eLearning environment. Pages 700+

THE CHALLENGE

PGCC’s eLearning platform encountered significant challenges that hindered its effectiveness and user experience. The platform struggled with issues in navigation and content organization, which were crucial setbacks. These difficulties were particularly problematic as they failed to reflect the College’s advancements and technological capabilities, thereby not aligning with the progressive image and operational efficiency that PGCC aimed to project.

THE SOLUTION

The goals of the redesign for PGCC’s eLearning platform, in collaboration with our strategic partner UVS Infotech, were centered around enhancing the online learning experience using Terminal Four, a leader in content management systems for higher education. The primary objective was to improve the overall online experience with better navigation and interface design, making the platform more intuitive and user-friendly. This was crucial for leveraging Terminal Four’s advanced capabilities. Further, the project aimed to create a more engaging and accessible eLearning environment, ensuring alignment with the organizational branding and leveraging the sophisticated features of Terminal Four. This involved integrating brand-centric elements, facilitated by the expertise of UVS Infotech. Finally, ensuring compliance with WCAG AAA standards was a pivotal goal, underlining the commitment to making the website accessible to all users. This aspect of the redesign, supported by Terminal Four’s robust framework, emphasized the joint dedication of PGCC and UVS Infotech to inclusivity and excellence in eLearning solutions.

THE PROCESS

The process of redesigning PGCC’s eLearning platform was meticulously structured to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with strategic goals.

The first step in the process was Research and Analysis. The project team conducted a detailed analysis of the existing site. This phase was crucial for restructuring the site architecture and navigation, focusing on creating a user-centric design that would significantly enhance the user experience.

Following this, Strategy Development was undertaken. This stage involved creating standardized templates for all pages, reviewing and improving content based on best practices, and incorporating dynamic elements. These efforts were directed at meeting the established web strategy objectives and ensuring a cohesive and efficient user experience.

The Design and Development phase saw the design teams providing alternative design concepts for evaluation. The objective here was to ensure that the chosen design not only aligned with the primary objectives for the landing pages but also resonated with the overall brand identity.

The implementation of the redesign was carried out in two phases. Phase I included strategic planning, the development of information architecture, the creation of wireframes, and the technical system design. This phase laid the groundwork for the visual and functional aspects of the site. Phase II focused on UI/UX and graphics design, content creation and cleanup, and the implementation of the new design. This phase was pivotal in bringing the conceptual elements to life, culminating in a redesigned platform that was both aesthetically appealing and functionally superior.

THE RESULTS

The redesign of PGCC’s eLearning platform yielded several significant results. Enhanced User Experience was a key outcome, with the redesigned website offering a more intuitive and engaging user experience. This improvement was substantiated by the positive feedback received from both students and faculty. In terms of Increased Accessibility, the website’s adherence to WCAG AAA standards greatly enhanced its accessibility, underlining PGCC’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that the platform is usable by all. Additionally, Brand Consistency was effectively achieved with the new design, aligning seamlessly with PGCC’s organizational branding and providing a consistent and professional online presence.

The project analysis revealed notable Successes. The redesign met its key objectives, ranging from improved navigation to enhanced accessibility. The use of standardized templates and dynamic elements played a significant role in modernizing the platform’s look and feel, making it more appealing and user-friendly.

However, the analysis also identified Areas for Improvement. Continuous improvement efforts are being focused on enhancing content relevance and optimizing user engagement metrics. These areas are critical for ensuring that the platform remains dynamic, relevant, and fully aligned with the needs and expectations of its users.

PROJECT SUMMARY

In conclusion, the impact of the PGCC eLearning platform redesign has been substantial and transformative. It has established a new standard for online learning experiences at the College, significantly enhancing its accessibility, engagement, and alignment with PGCC’s core values. This redesign marks a pivotal step in the College’s commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive, and engaging educational experiences. Looking ahead, PGCC is dedicated to continuing its efforts in refining and enhancing the eLearning platform. The College plans to leverage analytics and user feedback as key tools in this ongoing process. This iterative approach ensures that the platform will not only remain current with technological advancements but also be responsive to the evolving needs and preferences of its users, thereby maintaining its relevance and effectiveness in the ever-changing landscape of online education.