From a domain-connected computer, or a WiFi-enabled device connected to the midd_secure or midd_standard networks, you can now access a very early preview of our new mobile-enhanced web sit at longhouse.middlebury.edu. We expect to have a full, production-ready version of the site in time for the start of classes this Fall.
This site uses the open source Kurogo mobile framework, originally developed at MIT and used by Harvard, MIT and several other schools to create a site based on RSS, iCal, KML, and other data feeds we provide it that is custom tailored for iPhone, Android, tablet, and BlackBerry devices as a supplement for our website.
The current site has modules for the Directory (which honors our display permissions thanks to Travis), news from our website and Middlebury Magazine, Events from the R25 connected events calendar, a Campus Map, Dining Hall menus, Weather from Weather Underground (which includes data from our on-campus weather station), Video from YouTube, and Emergency information.
Things we already know we’re going to improve for the initial launch are:
- Better categories for the Campus Map and links to the map on our new website.
- More news sources, including Blogs, home page stories, MiddLab, and MiddSTART.
- More event information including images when they’re available.
- Better icons and design – Communications is making some custom icons for us.
- Trail maps and conditions for the Snow Bowl and Rikert.
- A Library module, connected to Summon.
- A Course Catalog module that lets you browse and search that information.
- Videos from MiddTube.
Let us know what you think and if you have any suggestions!