Administrator Training - KolderTech/aodtdoc GitHub Wiki

Administrator Training

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the essential training needed for new Atlas administrators. It summarizes the key skills, knowledge, and procedures that every administrator must master to effectively manage the Atlas of Drowned Towns system.

Training Overview

What is Administrator Training?

Administrator training prepares new team members to manage and curate the Atlas of Drowned Towns collection. This includes uploading artifacts, managing metadata, maintaining content quality, and ensuring the system serves its mission of preserving the history of drowned communities.

Training Philosophy

  • Progressive Learning: Start with basics and build to advanced skills
  • Hands-On Practice: Learn by doing with real system data
  • Quality Focus: Emphasize accuracy and best practices
  • Mission Alignment: Connect daily tasks to the project's historical preservation goals

Training Options

  • Crash Course: 3-hour intensive introduction covering all essential operations
  • Structured Program: 9-block curriculum with 43-63 hours of comprehensive training
  • Self-Paced Learning: Flexible schedule with documentation and practice exercises

Recommended Reading Sequence

New administrators should read these documents in the following order to build a solid foundation:

Phase 1: System Introduction (Start Here)

  1. Administrators Introduction to Atlas System - Comprehensive overview of the system, your role, and responsibilities
  2. Atlas Collection - Understanding the collection structure and content types
  3. Where Is What - System component locations and architecture overview

Phase 2: Getting Started (Essential Procedures)

  1. Quick Start - Essential procedures for immediate productivity
  2. Atlas Portal Manual - Portal interface and basic navigation
  3. Video Tutorials - Visual guides for common tasks
  4. Atlas Administrator Training Curriculum - Structured learning blocks and comprehensive training program

Phase 3: Data Management (Core Skills)

  1. Atlas Collection Data Structure - Technical details of data organization
  2. Data Collection Schema - Database schema and organizational rules
  3. Atlas HowTo Add Data - Step-by-step data addition procedures
  4. Atlas Portal Data Management Cookbook - Specific data management procedures

Phase 4: Reference and Troubleshooting

  1. Atlas Portal Administrator Task List - Complete checklist of all required skills
  2. Atlas Administrator Training Curriculum - Detailed structured training program
  3. Atlas-HOWTO-document - General how-to procedures and troubleshooting

Reading Tips

  • Don't rush: Take time to understand each document before moving to the next
  • Take notes: Document questions and key concepts as you read
  • Practice: Try procedures in the Portal as you learn them
  • Ask questions: Contact team members when you need clarification
  • Review regularly: Return to key documents as your understanding grows

Essential Knowledge Areas

1. System Understanding

New administrators must understand:

  • Project Mission: Preserving history of communities lost to dam construction
  • System Architecture: How the website, map, portal, database, and file storage work together
  • Collection Structure: The relationship between files (digital objects) and assets (metadata records)
  • Document Types: The 20+ different types of content (photos, towns, dams, narratives, etc.)
  • Geographic Organization: How regions, basins, projects, and places structure the collection

2. Portal Navigation

Master the three main Portal interfaces:

  • Sheet Page: Browse, search, and filter the collection
  • Asset Page: Create and edit individual asset records
  • File Explorer: Upload, organize, and manage digital files

3. Data Management

Learn to handle the collection's core data:

  • File Operations: Upload, organize, rename, and manage digital files
  • Asset Creation: Create new records for towns, dams, photos, and other content types
  • Metadata Entry: Add accurate tags, descriptions, and geographic information
  • Quality Control: Review content for accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness

Core Training Modules

Module 1: System Orientation (4-6 hours)

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the Atlas project mission and historical context
  • Navigate the Portal interface confidently
  • Comprehend system architecture and data organization
  • Recognize administrator role and responsibilities

Key Topics:

  • Project history and mission
  • System components and their relationships
  • Portal access and basic navigation
  • Administrator responsibilities and expectations

Module 2: Data Discovery and Search (6-8 hours)

Learning Objectives:

  • Efficiently locate any asset or file within the collection
  • Master all search and filtering functionalities
  • Develop effective search strategies for different data types

Key Topics:

  • Sheet page filtering and keyword search
  • File Explorer navigation and file location
  • Advanced search techniques and strategies
  • Troubleshooting search problems

Module 3: File Management (6-8 hours)

Learning Objectives:

  • Confidently upload and organize all types of files
  • Understand file naming conventions and folder structures
  • Ensure file integrity and quality during upload process

Key Topics:

  • File upload procedures and best practices
  • File organization and folder management
  • File validation and quality control
  • Bulk file operations and storage management

Module 4: Asset Creation and Management (8-10 hours)

Learning Objectives:

  • Create new asset records for all primary document types
  • Accurately input required and essential metadata tags
  • Configure geographic information and visibility controls

Key Topics:

  • Creating assets for different document types
  • Metadata entry and geographic configuration
  • Asset editing and relationship management
  • Visibility controls and public display settings

Module 5: Quality Control and Review (6-8 hours)

Learning Objectives:

  • Implement rigorous quality control procedures
  • Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency
  • Apply content review and moderation guidelines

Key Topics:

  • Metadata standardization and consistency
  • Content accuracy verification
  • Community submission review
  • Copyright and privacy considerations

Essential Skills Checklist

Portal Operations

  • Log into the Atlas Portal using Boise State credentials
  • Navigate between Sheet, Asset Page, and File Explorer
  • Search for assets using filters and keyword search
  • Browse and organize files in the File Explorer
  • Upload single and multiple files to appropriate folders
  • Create new asset records for different document types
  • Edit existing asset metadata and attachments
  • Configure geographic information (coordinates, regions)
  • Set visibility controls for public display
  • Perform quality control checks on content

Content Management

  • Create assets for towns, dams, photos, and narratives
  • Add accurate metadata tags and descriptions
  • Attach files to asset records
  • Review community submissions for appropriateness
  • Ensure proper attribution and source documentation
  • Verify content accuracy and historical information
  • Manage content visibility on website and map
  • Handle sensitive content and privacy considerations

Data Organization

  • Understand document types and their purposes
  • Apply consistent metadata standards
  • Organize files using proper folder structures
  • Maintain geographic relationships between assets
  • Ensure searchability and discoverability
  • Manage data retention and archival procedures

Training Resources

Primary Documentation

Reference Materials

Quick Reference

Training Schedule Options

Intensive Training (1 week)

  • Monday-Friday, 8 hours/day
  • Complete all modules in sequence
  • Immediate application to real work
  • Suitable for experienced administrators or urgent needs

Part-Time Training (2-3 weeks)

  • 2-3 hours/day, 3-4 days/week
  • Flexible scheduling around other duties
  • More time for practice and reflection
  • Suitable for new administrators or busy schedules

Extended Training (4-6 weeks)

  • 1-2 hours/day, 2-3 days/week
  • Maximum flexibility and practice time
  • Gradual skill development
  • Suitable for part-time administrators or complex learning needs

Crash Course (3 hours)

  • Single intensive session
  • Covers all essential operations
  • Excludes troubleshooting and advanced topics
  • Suitable for urgent needs or experienced users

Getting Started

Step 1: System Access

  1. Obtain Boise State University credentials
  2. Access the Atlas Portal: http://dev-atlas-portal.s3-website-us-west-2.amazonaws.com
  3. Contact system administrator for account setup

Step 2: Initial Learning

  1. Read the Administrators Introduction to Atlas System
  2. Complete the Quick Start procedures
  3. Practice basic Portal navigation and file upload

Step 3: Structured Training

  1. Follow the Atlas Administrator Training Curriculum
  2. Use the Atlas Portal Administrator Task List as a checklist
  3. Practice with real data under supervision

Step 4: Ongoing Development

  1. Stay current with system updates
  2. Participate in team knowledge sharing
  3. Contribute to documentation improvements
  4. Mentor new administrators as skills develop

Support and Resources

Team Support

  • Project Director: Dr. Bob H. Reinhardt
  • Development Team: Technical support and system maintenance
  • Fellow Administrators: Peer support and knowledge sharing

Contact Points

  • Technical Issues: Contact the development team
  • Content Questions: Reach out through project channels
  • Training Needs: Coordinate with project leadership
  • System Access: Contact system administrator

Success Indicators

As you progress through training, you should be able to:

  • Navigate the Portal confidently and efficiently
  • Find any asset or file in the collection using search tools
  • Upload and organize files following established procedures
  • Create accurate asset records with proper metadata
  • Review content quality and make appropriate decisions
  • Understand the system architecture and your role within it
  • Connect daily tasks to the project's historical preservation mission

This training overview provides the foundation for effective Atlas administration. Regular practice, continuous learning, and engagement with the team will ensure your success in this important role.