| TH E N I H C A T A L Y S T | JU L Y – A U G U S T 2008 |
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The NIH's novel and popular course "Demystifying Medicine," now in its seventh year, will be held every Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Building 50 auditorium from January 13 to May 19. Although primarily for Ph.D. scientists and students, the course is widely attended by other students, physicians and administrative staff. The course involves patients, clinicians and basic scientists; and it concerns major human diseases. Refer to http://www1.od.nih.gov/oir/DemystifyingMed for 2008 course contents for an overview. Those seeking academic credit should register through FAES. If not seeking credit, register by sending e-mail Listserv@list.nih.gov and subscribe DeMystifyingMed.your name. For further information, contact Win Arias
The NIH Web Metrics Work Group is developing ways to assess and improve the performance of individual NIH Web sites. The group, led by Ann Poritzky, is based in the Office of Communications and Public Liaison and is open to NIH employees and contractors.
During monthly meetings, speakers present details on Web site evaluation strategies and practical suggestions for implementing them. One goal is to provide Web teams with options for obtaining reliable data as they develop or improve their sites. Another goal is to help Web teams clearly communicate evaluation results to support ongoing site improvements. Recent meetings featured an introduction to Web analytics by Phil Kemelor, vice president of the Web consultancy Semphonic, and a presentation by Pew Internet Project researchers. Future programs will focus on developing evidence-based Web site evaluations, selecting tools and obtaining "actionable" results. Plans also include user group meetings for commonly used tools, such as Web Trends and the American Customer Satisfaction Index survey.
To join the Web Metrics Work Group e-mail list or if you have questions, contact Ann Poritzky, Web Analytics Specialist.