[#MDLSITE-552] Implement an active or live search feature

Issue Details (XML | Word | Printable)

Key:	MDLSITE-552
Type:	New Feature
Status:	Open
Priority:	Major
Assignee:	Helen Foster
Reporter:	Marc Grober
Votes:	1
Watchers:	1

Operations

Add/Edit UI Mockup to this issue

If you were logged in you would be able to see more operations.

Moodle.org Sites

Implement an active or live search feature

Created: 12/Nov/08 02:26 AM Updated: 12/Nov/08 10:55 PM

Return to search

Component/s:

docs.moodle.org, moodle.org

Participants:	Helen Foster, Marc Grober, Martin Dougiamas and Paul Ganderton
Security Level:	None

Description

« Hide

Discussion of this is located at the following URLs
  http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=98115&parent=434158
  http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=101108
  http://moodle.org/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=90165&parent=444970

As noted , one possibility is a live search based on an xml dictionary http://www.w3schools.com/php/php_ajax_livesearch.asp

The critical aspects are that searches of the docs are very inefficient (searches focus on page titles) to the point that some argue docs are unusable and as a result people ask questions in the foums BEFORE they look for answers in the docs. Additionally, once a question is answered in the forums the answers often don;t make it to the docs.

The intent here is to create a tool integrated with the forum query/post process so that as a user frames their question the system automagically starts perusing a data map that produces suggestions as to where the answers the user needs may be found. The map would be built by more sophisticated users based in part on how best to get persons with this or that question to the appropriate docs.

All

Comments

Change History

Sort Order:

[ Permalink | « Hide ]

Paul Ganderton added a comment - 12/Nov/08 06:31 AM

I agree that this is a key issue. I would also argue that before any new documentation is contemplated a full review of terms and definitions is needed. The use of the same word in different contexts is confusing. Moodle needs a consistent use of terms and even a taxonomy of usage so that similar terms have common currency irrespective of position within Moodle (the use of "outcomes" comes instantly to mind). If I can be really picky then I would also want a new and comprehensive icon set so that each term has a unique icon. Reducing confusion should be a key to implementing Moodle more effectively.

[ Permalink | « Hide ]

Martin Dougiamas added a comment - 12/Nov/08 10:55 PM

I'm curious about the outcomes example, Paul, where is it used in a confusing way?

All content on this web site is made available under the GNU General Public License, unless otherwise stated.