Moodle Community Sites

Implement an active or live search feature

Details

  • Type: New Feature New Feature
  • Status: Open Open
  • Priority: Major Major
  • Resolution: Unresolved
  • Component/s: docs.moodle.org, moodle.org
  • Labels:
    None

Description

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.

Activity

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Paul Ganderton added a comment -

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.

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Paul Ganderton added a comment - 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.
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Martin Dougiamas added a comment -

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

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Martin Dougiamas added a comment - I'm curious about the outcomes example, Paul, where is it used in a confusing way?
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Anthony Borrow added a comment -

Paul - It sounds like you are interested in helping out with improving usability issues in Moodle. I am a big fan of consistency. With the introduction of outcomes in Moodle 1.9 (http://docs.moodle.org/en/Outcomes) I am not sure what you mean about it being used in other contexts but please provide specific examples that we can look at. In terms of the search functionality, I wonder how much of this issue is resolved by Global search? In terms of having a data map, my hope would be that we could increasingly use tags to create metadata for almost all aspects of Moodle that might facilitate finding information across a site. I've not read the discussions listed above but my inclination is to see this as more of a MDL issue rather than MDLSITE. Peace - Anthony

Show
Anthony Borrow added a comment - Paul - It sounds like you are interested in helping out with improving usability issues in Moodle. I am a big fan of consistency. With the introduction of outcomes in Moodle 1.9 (http://docs.moodle.org/en/Outcomes) I am not sure what you mean about it being used in other contexts but please provide specific examples that we can look at. In terms of the search functionality, I wonder how much of this issue is resolved by Global search? In terms of having a data map, my hope would be that we could increasingly use tags to create metadata for almost all aspects of Moodle that might facilitate finding information across a site. I've not read the discussions listed above but my inclination is to see this as more of a MDL issue rather than MDLSITE. Peace - Anthony
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Marc Grober added a comment -

While the functionality I am advocating could be extended to the Moodle code base, that is not the purpose of this feature request. The forums continue to be inundated with requests that evidence inadequate recourse to the Docs. We need a way to funnel users, especially newbees, through the most appropriate Docs.

Show
Marc Grober added a comment - While the functionality I am advocating could be extended to the Moodle code base, that is not the purpose of this feature request. The forums continue to be inundated with requests that evidence inadequate recourse to the Docs. We need a way to funnel users, especially newbees, through the most appropriate Docs.
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Anthony Borrow added a comment -

Marc - OK, I think I am a little clearer. It seems this issue is looking for more intelligent searching based on taxonomy. It would be good to have that. Perhaps we could begin by developing a bit on what we have. I try to imagine what it would be like to call a Moodle technical support hot line. What options would we offer (installation, activity module, block, etc.). The branching out and determining what terms are used that ultimately lead to a post to a particular Moodle Doc. I think it would make a fun research project (for someone else). Peace - Anthony

Show
Anthony Borrow added a comment - Marc - OK, I think I am a little clearer. It seems this issue is looking for more intelligent searching based on taxonomy. It would be good to have that. Perhaps we could begin by developing a bit on what we have. I try to imagine what it would be like to call a Moodle technical support hot line. What options would we offer (installation, activity module, block, etc.). The branching out and determining what terms are used that ultimately lead to a post to a particular Moodle Doc. I think it would make a fun research project (for someone else). Peace - Anthony

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