FLEX Tools

 

Tools

  • Django

  • Python

  • Postgres DB

  • Canvas Restful API

  • Adobe XD

Contributions

  • Backend Development

  • UI Design

  • UX Testing and Assessment

  • Weekly Sprints

The FLEX Tools project was an 8 month internship through Weber State University that lasted from November 2021 to June 2022. As a team of 5 student interns and 3 faculty members, we were able to build a breadth of functionality into the FLEX program at WSU. Teachers are now able to quickly construct a semester of dynamic course material at the click of button, while students are able to easily adjust their weekly pace through the course, to accommodate their busy schedule. Emphasis was put into simplicity and intuitive design to create a positive user experience. Agile workflows were used as guiding principles, with weekly sprint meetings and iteration as a staple. Much of my time was spent focusing on backend development and live user testing.

Automating Setup

A main focus of my work on the project was to implement a one-click approach to course creation. Due to the nature of the FLEX program, due dates needed to be adjusted for each assignment, on each track, and account for breaks and holidays. Additionally, times needed to be normalized to work with Canvas’ UTC timezone. All of this accounted for a logic heavy backend and many conditionals that needed to be verified. To give some context, a basic course with 26 tracks with 11 dated assignments each makes for 286 assignment overrides that need to be created. This whole block of code needs to be run for Every. Single. One.

Live User Testing

In collaboration with a faculty member, we were able to conduct 6 rounds of user testing, with many different student and faculty users, and assess results to ensure a positive user experience. During these in-person tests, we gave users specific tasks to accomplish, and observed as they attempted to complete them. We timed their attempts, and took notes based on their performance and feedback. All of this information was reviewed and relayed back to the team. This proved to be hugely beneficial towards the end of the project.