0.4 How to create a connexions lens

Lens creation – overview

Every account has a “My Favorites” lens. It’s there and you can use it or not, but you can’t delete it. All accounts can create “Member List” lenses. The creation of “Endorsement” and “Affiliation” lenses are restricted to organization accounts that are specifically authorized by the Connexions Community Developers. Organizations should contact them request instructions on establishing an organization type of account. Email them at: cnx@cnx.org

Lens creation is done in two parts:

• Building the lens (also known as lens properties)
• Adding modules and collections to the lens (also known as lens content)

Other than one minor difference for building “Endorsement” and “Affiliation” lenses, their construction is identical to “Member List” lenses. At the end of this module, we will cover that one minor difference with some additional instructions that pertain to “Endorsement” and “Affiliation” lenses.

Creating a new lens

The new lens page contains the same information sections as the “Edit lens properties” tab when editing an existing lens. We are going to show you the different sections and provide instructions as needed on a lens that is already built.

The basic information section consists for four items:

• Title – short but descriptive name usually ending in “Lens”
• Display Name – usually the same as the title but without the word “Lens”
• Description – enter a clear description or the purpose of the lens
• External Web Page – Enter a URL for this lens (optional). Some will want to enter a web page associated with them, such as, their home page or a class page for a college course.

Lens branding for a “Member List” lens has only one item: Logo. Many member list lenses do not have a logo. Individuals can create a logo if they desire. Organizations usually have a logo. You can select the radio button “Replace with new image” and the “Browse” selector will become active. Click on it and browse to the location on your computer were the logo you desire to use resides. The directions indicate that your logo should be 150 by 150 pixels or smaller. Most people use either .jpg or .gif file

The lens setting section consists of three items:

• Receive email – After you finish building the lens you will add some content and some of the content on your lens might be made by others. If that is the case, you might want to check this box so that when the authors of the content on your lens change something, you will be notified.
  I have this box unchecked because this lens was created for training purposes and not as a lens to be used for focusing on repository content. I do not care if the authors are modifying the modules and collections used in this lens.
• Privacy – As you build a lens and add content to it, it is strongly suggested that you make the lens “private”. You can change this setting when you are ready for others to see your lens. In some cases, you might decide to create a lens for your exclusive use and never make it public. A golden key will appear as you use the lens, which helps remind you that it is locked or private.
• Advanced settings – you must select “show” to see the additional settings