ECC Members information web portal and e-news service

• One place for all ece information and advice
• Convenient 24 hour on-line access
• Comprehensive and searchable
• Regular updates and e-news
• Easy to use

What is HypertECC?

HypertECC (said hi-per-tek) is a web portal designed to be an online advisory and support system and information library for ece managers and owners, that is accessible from anywhere in the world via internet as part of the 'world wide web'.

A web portal is a website (usually with restricted access) which gives the user access to a wide variety of specialist content and interactivity. Nearly all types of computers, with a modem, internet connection and web browser (like Microsoft Explorer) can access these types of web portals.

Structure and Design

Information is stored and presented on the web portal as pages of records or lists of records. Records on the portal are like articles in a magazine, each with information on a specific topic. Each record has a consistent format, a heading (with cross references to subject category, author/source, record type and date), an abstract (summarising the full record), and the full text of the record itself, as well as a place for members to leave comments.

Records also sometimes have links (blue/underlined text) which, when clicked, takes you to other relevant records, or downloadable documents/forms or other web sites.

Content

Nearly everything ECC has published is now on HypertECC. It will continue to be updated and added to on a weekly basis with information and advice that is useful and relevant to those that operate and manage ece centres, including information from other sources. In particular employment issues, regulatory compliance, govt policies and management issues are dealt with. Each record is catalogued according to record type and subject content. Record types include: Article, Bulletin, ECC Advice, ECC Position, Editorial, Event, Govt. Notice, Idea, Profile, Report, Review.

A list of content 'domains' (appearing at the top of most HypertECC pages) provides the subject structure. These are listed on the reverse of this brochure and indicate how comprehensive and relevant the content is.

Navigating HypertECC

The format, structure and usability of HypertECC is designed to be simple, fast and logical. The home page will always show a list of the abstracts and headings of newsworthy recent records. Clicking on any blue/underlined text will take you to the relevant web page or document. Clicking on a record type will take to a list of records of that type, arranged in date order. Clicking on a subject, in the pull down menus at the top of the main pages, will take you to a list of records containing that subject. Clicking on any record heading in a list will take you to the full text record. You can also use the fast 'keyword' search facility to get a list of records relevant to that word.

About ECC News

The home page of HypertECC, with the latest list of newsworthy records (headings and abstracts), is emailed to you automatically on a regular basis, giving you the opportunity to have a quick overview of the latest information and a means to link through, at your convenience, to the HypertECC site itself.

Who can get access?

The portal website is accessible to all ECC members (usually up to two per organisation) who supply the ECC with an email address and who accept the terms and conditions of use of the site.

Conditions of use

Information on the web portal is free for the exclusive use of ECC members. An essential condition is that members are not permitted to share their access to HypertECC or the information that is on the portal site with non-members.

How do I get access?

First you need to check that you are a member of the ECC and if not you will need to apply for membership and pay the relevant joining fee and annual subscription. Once you are confirmed as a member, simply let the ECC know your email address and we will send you an introductory email with your user name and unique password. You will need these to log into the portal every time you use it. The first time you log in you will be asked to enter your name and to accept the Terms and Conditions of use of HypertECC.

Key Benefits

• Relevant Content: The content and links are specifically for owners, licensees, managers and committees of licensed early childhood education centres, usually developed by and already found useful and relevant by owners and managers in the ECC network.
• Comprehensive: There are already hundreds of records, links, forms and documents listed, many of which contain several pages of extensive advice and information on a wide range of topics relevant to the management of ece centres.
• Usable information: The information in each record can be 'cut and pasted' into your own documents, such as staff or parent newsletters and some records link to ready-to-use forms.
• Current and Historical Content: As well as hot current issues, HypertECC contains historical information useful for background research, professional development or to assist in understanding.
• Searchable: There are four ways to search for the information records or lists you need: Keyword - Subject - Record Type - Newslist, enabling you to quickly find the information and related records you want.
• Regular eNewsletter Prompt: Members registering on HypertECC automatically subscribe to the e-news, in which the home page of HypertECC, with the latest list of newsworthy records (headings and abstracts) and hypertext links are emailed to you on a regular basis.
• Active development: At least 4 or 5 new records are added each week and we are able to respond quickly to add information and to respond to member's requests. Search requests are analysed to refine user needs. Site usability and features are subject to major review twice a year to improve features and value to members.
• Interactive: The initial stage includes the ability for members to easily leave comments related to any record for others to view or to add to. Subsequent development plans include adding features such as; online seminar and conference registration, chatrooms/forums, on-line surveys, product purchasing and e-learning.
• Easy to use: The format of page layouts, lists and records is simple, uncluttered and consistent, providing members with fast access and intuitive 'look and feel'.
• Accessible: The site is available to members who have access to the internet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from anywhere in the world, at your convenience.
• Exclusive access privileges: Access is made available to financial members of the ECC: Password entry protects your exclusive strategic advantage in having this information.
• Free use: Use of HypertECC is free to all financial members of the Early Childhood Council Inc. The cost of development and operation is currently paid for out of annual subscriptions.

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