Developing Online Professional Resources in Nutrition Sciences: The Prins Web Site

Abstract

The Internet and World Wide Web have created enormous opportunities for nutrition professionals to develop resources useful to professionals and students. The Web Site Development Model (WSDM) was used to develop Professional Resources in Nutrition Sciences (PRINS), a web-based resource. PRINS provides online access to resources such as job web sites and search engines, nutrition related organizations; professional associations; professional preparation programs; mailing list and bulletin board services; credentialing agencies; and other resources such as online publications and the latest news of interest to nutrition professionals and students. PRINS is global in nature and not limited to USA resources.The WSDM, a process model characterizing how web sites are developed, was used to guide PRINS development stages of: Assessment, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. During the Assessment Stage a needs assessment was conducted to establish a need for the PRINS web site. The goals, objectives, and target populations were also defined. The Planning Stage involved extensive web searching for resources and web site structuring and design. Implementation and evaluation plans were also completed during this stage. During the Implementation Stage, PRINS was placed online, and a promotion plan was initiated. The Evaluation Stage is ongoing and is currently under review.