Buddhist Curriculum Framework

Case Study: Middle Way Education Curriculum Framework Web Platform

Client: Middle Way Education โ€“ a Buddhist education NGO
Project Type: Web application / interactive curriculum framework

Background

Middle Way Education was developing a comprehensive curriculum framework to support its educational programs. At the time, the framework existed as a Google Sheet, which limited usability and interactivity. The original plan for a web version was primarily as a marketing tool to showcase the framework online.

I was approached to explore the potential of a more interactive solution. Drawing on recent experience integrating Algolia search into another project, I proposed a web platform that would allow users to fully explore the Learning Goals (component parts of the framework) rather than just view them passively.

Challenges

  1. Transforming a static spreadsheet into a dynamic, interactive experience:
    The framework included multiple Learning Goals with layered components, which needed to be navigable, searchable, and easily explored online.

  2. Design integration and differentiation:
    The framework had to be visually integrated into the existing site, but clearly distinguishable from other content, such as the Teaching Resources section.

  3. Persistent, user-focused features without heavy infrastructure:
    Features like โ€œfavouritingโ€ Learning Goals needed to persist across browser sessions, but a full membership system was deemed unnecessary and discarded.

  4. Measuring engagement:
    The board required insight into how users interacted with the framework, including searches, views, and other interactions.

Approach & Solutions

Proof of Concept & Search Integration

A Proof of Concept (PoC) was developed to demonstrate the potential of the platform. Leveraging Algolia, the PoC allowed users to search, filter, and explore Learning Goals dynamically. The board approved the full build following the successful PoC.

Features & Implementation

  1. Interactive Learning Goals Exploration

    • Users can explore Learning Goals with rich search and filter options.

    • Each search and filter state is encoded into the URL, allowing users to share specific views with others.

  2. Favourites System

    • Users can mark Learning Goals as favourites.

    • Instead of creating a membership system, localStorage is used to persist favourites across browser sessions.

  3. AI Helper Tool

    • An AI-inspired lesson planning helper provides educators with a structured JSON of data from the Learning Goals, along with prompt templates to guide lesson plan creation.

    • While not connected to a live API at launch, it acts as a ready-to-use scaffold for AI integration.

  4. Design Integration

    • The framework was integrated into the websiteโ€™s design, ensuring consistency with the existing brand while being distinct from other content like Teaching Resources.

  5. Analytics & Monitoring

    • A Looker Studio dashboard was implemented to track views, search events, favourites, and other engagement metrics.

    • This allows the board to monitor usage and make data-driven decisions for curriculum development and online engagement.

Tools & Platforms Used

  • Google Sheets โ€“ original framework source

  • Algolia โ€“ search and filtering functionality

  • LocalStorage โ€“ persistence of favourites

  • Looker Studio โ€“ analytics and reporting

  • JavaScript / Web Development โ€“ encoding search/filter state into URLs, interactive features

  • AI Helper Tool โ€“ structured JSON data with prompt templates for lesson planning

Results

  • The curriculum framework was transformed from a static spreadsheet into a dynamic, interactive web platform.

  • Users can search, filter, favourite, and share Learning Goals, enhancing engagement and collaboration.

  • The AI helper tool provides structured support for lesson planning, ready for future API integration.

  • The board has real-time analytics via Looker Studio, enabling better oversight and decision-making.

Key Takeaways

  • Interactive search via Algolia can turn static educational content into a highly usable tool.

  • Simple client-side solutions like localStorage can provide personalized experiences without complex infrastructure.

  • Encoded URLs enhance usability by allowing users to share specific search and filter states.

  • Analytics tools like Looker Studio provide actionable insights to drive engagement and improvement.

— Mark Bain,