AxiaStudent.com

I know from looking at the server statistics that we are getting a lot of visitors on a daily basis, and when people have questions they generally get answered fairly promptly. What I would like some ideas on are ways to encourage social conversations, the kind you have with a few friends where you talk a lot about nothing or a little about something..

When i started this site a few months ago I had envisioned a dual purpose for it with one being a place to get help and/or advice about school related issues and the other one, which I feel is just as important, is making this an enjoyable place to network, socialize and develop a "community" where people want to stop by just to see how everyone is doing, see whats new and all that good stuff.. Any and all ideas, suggestions etc will be appreciated

I think that maybe having a chat room instead of a spot on the home page, which only shows the last 2-3 posts, would help. Also, a non-social addition that would help the site grow would be if there was an area where you could post, or post links to, materials which are helpful for each class. I don't know if you've been to the "Riverview Cafe" on Yahoo groups for Axia students, but they have one over there and it's been a godsend for many.

There is a chat room (forum navigation at top of site) that will take you to "The Chat Room" The portion you see on the home page is just a "shoutbox" that is smaller and more compact. The version available on the actual chat page is bigger, and operates a bit differently.. The purpose of the one on the home screen is to make it easy to determine if anyone is currently in chat or to quickly see what the topic of conversation is or to be able to chat and continue to browse the site, play arcade games, blog or view users photo galleries etc.


We do have a section for each class for the posting, or gathering of useful information.. Currently site moderators are the only ones able to post info there. Our intention was to use these areas as a "repository" for any useful information, links or resources that were found in other posts for each individual class. I would be open to ideas about ways to improve that section, or any others on the site. Here is an example of one of these areas as it is presently set up Helpful Tips for CRT 205. I would be open to the idea of opening up, or changing this section if there was a consensus from users on how they would like it to be.

Well, I think that most people would prefer chatting in IM than in a chat room. Have you considered getting an IM-compatible chat room through Meebo.com ? It's free, and allows those with AOL IM, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ, Jabber, etc. to all get together in one place, no matter which type of IM they use. Those that use none can still access the chat room you set up.

Personally, you won't find me being sociable much in here, simply because I feel overwhelmed enough as it is, with classes and other things. BUT, on that note, maybe have an admin start some random posting once a week or something - such as tips on time management/assignment planning, preventing procrastination, how to juggle work-school-kids, etc. These are all things we face, one way or another, and this is something everyone has an opinion on, and that most can benefit from reading.

"Know what I mean, Vern?" - Earnest Goes to Camp

Thanks for the feedback. I am currently looking into alternative chat applications/formats for use on this site and meebo is one that I am researching. The chat room on here as it stands is not being utilized, so improvement in that department is definitely needed.

I also definitely understand how busy everyone is, with family, work, school and life in general it becomes more and more difficult to find time to do the things that are needed let alone "extras" I will take any and all advice on ways to make this site more useful. I think your idea about a weekly "topic" is a good idea and I plan on implementing that.

Jesse,

Does the site have a group or fan page in Facebook? It's another way to share/grow this site as well... just an idea!

jhayann1 wrote:Jesse,

Does the site have a group or fan page in Facebook? It's another way to share/grow this site as well... just an idea!

That's a geat idea!

Not presently, but that is surely something I could set up.