Texas State NASA Partnership
Discover how VND revamped the Texas State University NASA EPDC’s website project to meet the demands of educators and enthusiasts alike, seamlessly connecting them to a world of STEM resources.
Discover how VND revamped the Texas State University NASA EPDC’s website project to meet the demands of educators and enthusiasts alike, seamlessly connecting them to a world of STEM resources.
When NASA awarded a significant grant to Texas State University’s STEM department, a pressing need arose – a dynamic website to cater to educators and a rapidly growing audience. VND stepped in to create a solution that would not only keep pace with ever-evolving curriculum needs but also serve as a hub for educators seeking the latest resources and updates. Our challenge was substantial.
Our collaboration with NASA EPDC, led in partnership with Texas State University, centered on the development of a scalable website. With NASA’s support, we aimed to provide educators with a user-friendly platform capable of delivering newsletters, daily updates, and a wealth of resources across various platforms.
Our integration of the WordPress Content Management System (CMS) has empowered NASA EPDC’s staff to efficiently manage and update their website’s content. With this user-friendly platform, they can easily publish and edit materials, resulting in a substantial increase in monthly pageviews, now exceeding 30,000. Additionally, users benefit from automated monthly newsletters, ensuring they stay informed about the latest events and resources.
Accessibility is a fundamental principle in the digital age, and we made it a top priority during the development of NASA EPDC’s website. By implementing WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards, we’ve ensured that individuals with impairments can navigate and access the website’s content with ease. This commitment to inclusivity aligns perfectly with NASA’s mission to make educational resources available to a diverse audience.
In an era where users access websites from a variety of devices, it’s crucial to deliver a seamless experience regardless of screen size. Our team implemented a responsive design that adapts effortlessly to any device, whether it’s a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone. This mobile responsiveness guarantees that educators and enthusiasts can access NASA EPDC’s resources conveniently, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
To enhance user engagement and interactivity, we developed a custom API (Application Programming Interface) with a digital badging system. This API seamlessly connects various features of the website, providing users with a personalized experience. The digital badging system not only recognizes and rewards user achievements but also fosters a sense of community among educators and enthusiasts, further enriching the overall educational journey.
Our full migration to a private cloud, hosted at the VND data center in San Antonio, Texas, was instrumental in accommodating EPDC’s growth. The clustered hosting environment ensures unwavering support for high traffic demand.
VND is dedicated to helping our clients with solutions that work. We offer customized pricing for companies big and small, no matter the industry. Tell us more about your project to get started.