OtterNet is an application designed to give students easier accessibility to digital campus resources. The platform houses resources typically located on O-Zone and Banner all in one place.
OtterNet seamlessly integrates data directly from campus platforms, including Brightspace and Slingshot. The application only requires students to sign in once to access resources, saving students from the hassle of being directed to the platforms themselves.
Students can check up on their grades, class schedules, campus announcements and more all on one navigable page. OtterNet integrates resources from campus departments for easy accessibility to valuable information.
The application was inspired by students having difficulties navigating O-Zone. A similar project to OtterNet was already in progress and was moved to the forefront after hearing concerns from students.
Chief Information Officer Sonny Gulati described how the yearlong development process involved conducting focus groups and designing the application based on feedback that was received. Many focus groups were led by Katie Kozel, the technical support manager.
Gulati and Kozel met with the Otterbein student government and orientation leadership council to receive feedback from representatives of the student body. They met with members of faculty departments who interact with students on a daily basis to gather what they were hearing.
Gulati said that "listening was the key factor earlier on, and giving that information to the main designer" helped craft the application with students in mind.
"We want this to be about the entire body of Otterbein and not just what ITS thinks," said Kozel.
Gulati explained how the application can be replicated to develop more platforms for enhancing the student experience at Otterbein. "We can use this platform for prospective students who are applying so they can have one seamless journey," Gulati said.
Gulati said that the opportunities for OtterNet are endless with the design of the application. The IT department intends to ease navigation of online campus resources for Otterbein students with the expansion of the platform in the near future.
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