New resource search tool

[Cliff Farrand]

We just made a new resource search tool live on the planet site. The search tool for us is pulling back results in a very acceptable time and the listing page rendering is also much faster.

We have also made changes to the resource landing pages so that they render faster.

The planet team would appreciate some feedback on these changes, hopefully positive but please do tell us of any remaining issues particularly with speed that you come across while using the resource section.

We do thank you for your patience while we worked in the background reconstructing this important section of the planet website.

[htemske]

It seems to be a huge improvement. I just searched and downloaded some flipcharts in a fraction of the time it would have taken me the other day. Thanks!!!

[Cliff Farrand]

Thanks for the feedback Heather!

[caryn]

Thanks to all - a great improvement timewise, both in searching and in downloading[clap][clap][clap]

[kevhogg]

I did a general search by keyword only and it was much quicker than the previous search tool when using date, subject and grade qualifiers to drill down. A much faster and more satisfying experience.
Kevin

[thompsms]

Downloads seem faster this morning. I still miss the Search for other charts by this author feature. Thanks for your work at Promethean Planet!

Marie

[Cliff Farrand]

More by this author will be with you next week as will a few other additions!

Thanks for the feedback

[cwallace]

Cliff-

The search tool is so much faster and I am thrilled to see the search more by author tool return!!!! The only trouble I am still experiencing is when I am trying to follow a web link - I always get "page not available", but everything else is coming through beautifully.:-/ Thanks for all of your work to make the Planet even better.

Cindy

[Cliff Farrand]

Hi Cindy

Sorry to hear you are experiencing some further issues - can you help me find an example of what is not working for you - can you post a url address here - ie copy and paste the page with the bad web link and I can investigate further.

[DavidFhu]

Hi, Cliff.

How can I download all the resource on Promethean web site without opening all the resource pack link one by one?

I have work with a lot of teachers, everyone wanted some resource from the website. In the past, I download them one by one, compile them into a DVD and give it to individual school teachers to prevent duplicate downloading.

In the past, the resource is group in Primary, Secondary, General and Template. Currently, all have group together with 151 item available to download. It is not easy to compare every file I had with the web site.

Wonder is there a better way that we can work this out?

[davidlloyd]

David

You should suggest that the teachers register on Planet.

In any case, every teacher will not want a complete collection. Let them choose what they need and download as necessary.

[DavidFhu]

Point taken. Will advivce teacher to do so.

But some of teachers feel that it is very troublesome as they will need to register, in order to get any resource.

[davidlloyd]

But some of teachers feel that it is very troublesome as they will need to register, in order to get any resource.

I know. I get it all the time. But my argument is that if they want all the wonderful free resources and the support the forums offer, registering isn't that difficult and brings its own rewards.

[LisaD]

You should try to convince them of the value of Planet!

As you know, it's so much more than the Resource Packs. Quickly finding lessons that you can use AS IS or modify will save them time. Checking out the Teacher Features to see how other teachers are successful in an Activclassroom. Asking a question on the forum and getting such great advice!

Do others see this same issue with other teachers in their schools?

Lisa

[htemske]

No my teachers love the planet. Of course I think much of it is that they like to pick up flips they don't have to make themselves. I like that too but I wish I could get them creating more too.

[Cindy H]

Yes, Lisa, I find it in my school all the time. I try convincing them that it will SAVE them a lot of time in the long run but I guess I'm not very convincing. We have boards in about 30 classrooms at my school and I'm the only person who visits the Planet on a regular basis. Most have been maybe once or twice. I did find at our summer training that people were jealous of some of my backgrounds and/or other resources so I told them they could have everything I have if they visit PPlanet and I think a few did.
Cindy

[Cliff Farrand]

More by this Author is now displayed when the resource owner has more than one resource submitted.

[htemske]

More by this Author is now displayed when the resource owner has more than one resource submitted.

Fantastic!!!! Thanks for letting us know [clap]

[Cindy H]

[clap] Yay! I've really missed this feature. Thanks Promethean!

Cindy