This page describes both funded and proposed SMS work items for 2008.

Work Items for the NSDL SMS Grant 2008 

The funded NSDL SMS grant for the 2008 time period broadly includes the following work items:

• Add ability to add and maintain benchmarks via NCS cataloging system 
• Convert the SMS data model and/or store benchmarks data in NDR/FEDORA
• Add ASN identifiers for benchmarks
• Add new maps from Atlas II
• Add misconceptions and 'blue bar' content, and support for display in the UI
  

Accessibe User Interface for SMS - MAISON Project

The Accessible Information Spaces on NSDL (MAISON) team from Arizona State University was awarded a grant to create accessible interfaces for the SMS and other NSDL information spaces. This work will be conducted by the Arizona State team. We have proposed that their middleware use the CSIP to implement it's functionality for the SMS, however it is possible additional API hooks may be needed to support their work.

• See the MAISON Project Description for details
  

Support for Curruculum Customization Service

The Curriculum Customization Service (CCS) project will model curriculum for the Denver Public Schools (their Teacher Guides) in an on-line environment. The SMS data model, service archetecture and UI is seen as a primary resource for this effort and should complement and interaopeate with the CCS. Requirements for the CCS and how it may integrate with the SMS will be developed through this performance period. See the CCS grant proposal for details.

Proposed Items for the AAAS Professional Development Project

Francis has proposed using the JavaScript API for Atlas professional development training. Some additional features must be added to support this vision. Grant money can be applied for and is likely available for this work.

• See the AAAS professional development page for description of proposed items.
  

Proposed Features to Support Small Displays

The SMS currently works best with a window size of about 800W by 700H or more. Some additional API features could be added to make the UI more usable for small displays. One use case is Google Gadgets. Susan J has suggested using the Google Gadgets API as a way to integrate NSDL compnents. Another use case is mobile devices like the iPhone.

The following features would help with usability in the JS interface for small displays:

• Ability to hide and/or resize the navigator widgets (e.g. the arrows and small mini-map), which would open up space
• Ability to set the concept box size to smaller sizes. This currently defaults to 4 on a scale of 1-6. A setting of 1 would reduce the amount of text displayed and the overall dimensions of the map.
• Zoom capabilities and ability to set the default zoom scale.