Joomla Chicago CMS Group

The purpose of JoomlaChicago is to EDUCATE and inform our members on Joomla-related topics to help them learn more and earn more, using the power of Joomla!

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JANUARY:
Warm-up: Is Joomla Right For You? - Amanda Westbrooks
NOON: Developer Presentation - Arc Technology Group
1:00: Social & Networking

FEBRUARY:
Warm-up: Joomla 101
NOON: Search Engine Optimization - Instructor TBD
1:00: Social & Networking

MARCH - DECEMBER, 2008: TAKING SUGGESTIONS!

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Please Make SUGGESTIONS on what you would like to learn this year in JoomlaChicago, including Satellite programs (JoomlaChicagoLand - which YOU can host yourself in the suburbs!).

Below, to get us started, I have suggested FOUR " LEARNING TRACKS" below to give you some focus. If your thought falls OUTSIDE that track, DO NOT FEAR! Suggest it anyways!

Be honest about what you want to learn more about, and why, so that we're making great use of Members' time at our meetings. ALSO, PLEASE indicate whether YOU would be willing to INSTRUCT a program for the group!

So, here are some suggested LEARNING TRACKS, and subordinate categories (for now, "Beginner, Advanced, Expert&quot:


I. JOOMLA! ADMINISTRATION & MAINTENANCE
Learn how to install, maintain, host and secure Joomla! software, as well as assist in development of policy/procedures for the Content Team.

- Novice
- Advanced
- Expert

II. JOOMLA! CONTENT PRODUCER
Learn how to use the power of Joomla! to best present your content to your audience.

- Novice
- Advanced
- Expert

III. JOOMLA! DEVELOPER
If you like getting your hands dirty with code and programming, have we got a track for you. Learn about Joomla's core application; how to create extensions; troubleshooting and procedures for application development and release.

- Novice
- Advanced
- Expert

IV. JOOMLA! BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
OK, you know enough about Joomla! to be dangerous. Here, learn real-world solutions for non-profits and businesses alike.

- Novice
- Advanced
- Expert

Hit "REPLY" and make your suggestions now!

My suggestions for topics in no particular order.

1. Training with Joomla
2. Online Branding
3. Ecommerce Security
4. Installing Encrypted Commercial Components
5. Did you Know? The unknown things that Joomla can do.
6. Optimizing your site for Search Engines.
7. Defining User Group Access
8. Building Community Based Sites

I agree with Mike's suggestions, ESPECIALLY security (all aspects) and SEO . . .

Also . . .

For (II) Joomla! Producer

* (novice level +)

> > what different types of menu items do. [I would be happy to make a presenation on this]

* (advanced level +)

> > strategies for doing multiple language sites


For (IV) Joomla! Business Solutions

* (novice level +)

> > I've noticed a bunch of local governments out there on Joomla - would it be interesting to get one of our members to give a case study on that?

> > Newsletter publishing -- we have a client that I think would come give a presentation -- a real bootstrap use of Joomla . . . .

* (advanced level +)

> > One really good use of Joomla is for manufacturers with an extensive catalog. We have one client in this category who might come and present, and I'm guessing others do too . . . ?

I. JOOMLA! ADMINISTRATION & MAINTENANCE
Learn how to install, maintain, host and secure Joomla! software, as well as assist in development of policy/procedures for the Content Team.


Novice – joomla 1.5 differences demo

Expert – It would be beneficial to have learning sessions on upgrading from joomla 1.0.13 to joomla 1.5. I have never seen this done, but we will all be going through this during the 2008 or 2009 year.

Expert – Steps to locking securing your website.

Advanced – It would be beneficial members to teach Joomla installation procedures from scratch. I am willing to contribute and present.


III. JOOMLA! DEVELOPER
If you like getting your hands dirty with code and programming, have we got a track for you. Learn about Joomla's core application; how to create extensions; troubleshooting and procedures for application development and release.

- Novice/Advanced – I would like to learn techniques in building templates.
- Advanced - I would like to learn how to create a simple component and module

I second the idea for how to use Joomla to enable a multi-language Web site.

The security topic is a great idea, too, and one that's pretty essential. (It's also a great thing to bring to the attention of folks who are new to Internet publishing in general.)

Keep the suggestions coming. Mike's Learning Team will be setting the schedule THIS WEEK for the rest of the year!

Another couple ideas:
-- Editorial workflow in Joomla publishing
-- "Selling Joomla" (how to present Joomla to clients as a solution)