Drupal Commons: Build a social website

This course provides an overview of Drupal Commons, and how to map your objectives for your online community to configurable features and layout. Hands-on activities to experience how to use Drupal Commons to create your own social media and networking website.

Duration: 
1 or 2 days
Prerequisites: 

Experience using and building websites using systems such as Wordpress, Joomla!, or good ‘ole handmade HTML and CSS. An understanding of a Content Management System is helpful.

By the end of the training you will be able to: 
  • Articulate the differences between the set of modules in Drupal Commons and a standard Drupal installation.
  • Install Drupal Commons (or any other distribution) in the Acquia DAMP stack
  • Employ the "out of the box" pre-configured functionality in Drupal Commons such as the various content types or various features such as the Homebox custom user pages.
  • Use the social and participation features of Drupal Commons.
  • Understand community site configuration and how to extend the functionality for collaboration.
  • Promote participation through, User points, Shoutbox, Flagging content, notifications and messaging systems.
  • Manage members with commons-specific groups, permissions, roles and profiles.
  • Aggregate and syndicate content through Twitter, and to RSS feeds.
  • Use tools such as Context and Panels to create unique layouts depending on user type, or section of the site.
  • Configure layout and design through Panels and Skinr.
What is provided: 
Some events provide lunch and refreshments. Check the individual event listings for details.
Participants will receive a printed manual which outlines step-by-step activities.
Depending on venue, participants will either be provided with a sandbox environment in a computer lab, or they will use their own computers.