A backpack is a virtual content container
that is personal to an individual site user. Content is arranged
within the backpack under one or multiple topics. Content
in the context of backpacks refers to links, the actual content
itself is not copied. The backpack concept is very similar
to the Netscape Browser’s bookmark functionality or Microsoft
Windows favorites.
Each user will have full control over what
topics and content they put in their backpack and how they
order content under topics. Content links and topics can be
removed from the backpack; backpacks can be emptied of all
content.
A user can send either a backpack topic (and
all associated content) or all the backpack content to a third
party. This information will be e-mailed as URL lists (within
the body of an e-mail, not as attachments) to the specified
recipient.
Backpack contents are persistent - meaning
that browsers can be closed and computers rebooted with the
backpack contents still accessible next time the user visits
the site.
For example, a teacher wishes to compile
material to help him plan for a student workshop. He creates
a new backpack topic: “Workshop Development” and adds any
content he finds relevant. The teacher then organizes the
selected material and sends it to his principal, along with
an attached comment, for his principal to review. The principal
receives e-mail from the site informing her that she has been
registered and that someone has sent her a backpack topic
for review. She can enter the site, access the “Workshop Development”
topic and read the material that the teacher selected.
A Backpack is a utility that enables a site
user to associate core documents, support material and even
external web links with one of a number of topics defined
by that user. Backpacks can be thought of as analogous to
a virtual shopping cart for information as opposed to products
or services.
As Backpacks are personal to individuals
site users need to be associated with user accounts. Users
will be required to go through a simple registration process
in order to enable the Backpack utility.
Backpack contents can be interchanged between
site users.
Because backpacks are associated with individual
users it is necessary to have some form of user account with
which that user’s backpack can be associated.
Registering to use a backpack.
Once a backpack is created or loaded the
user can add content links, remove links and organize links
under user defined topics. Topic contents can be transferred
to anyone with an e-mail address.
