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Assignment List - CMST 398J

1. Comm. 2. Your Perspective 3. Definitions 4. onChange
5. Dice 6. Slide Show 7. Overlapped Img. 8. Moving Img.
9. PHP  Index

This list is a selection from the learning activities noted in the WebTycho modules and in the exercises on these pages. Points are awarded for presentation as well as for scripts that work and are well deconstructed. Good coding is always factored into your score as are well written explanations. The reason for this is that efficient code, good language skills and an aesthetic presentation are important factors for all Web presentations. Cross browser compatibility for all scripts is a must. You are not expected to necessarily write original scripts. You may of course.
It is expect that the deconstruction3 of the scripts you submit will be original work. You are required to identify the source of the scripts that you submit. Not identifying the source will cost you a grade point. Using deprecated tags, as defined below, will also cost you a point. Though html tags are not currently case sensitive it is good practice to consider the future. Evolving specs require attention to case. Therefore using uppercase html tags will cost you a point.
One additional note, a skill you need to display for this class is finding or writing scripts that are appropriate. For example, for assignment #4 all it takes is 4-5 lines of code. Don't submit 20 lines. Submitting a script that exceeds the requirements will result in a loss of points. A script that does not meet the requirements will, of course, also result in the loss of points. Note, even if you submit a script that is not appropriate, you are still expected to explain all the code submitted.
See the class schedule for due dates.

1. Communications

We will be communicating using e-mail, including a class mailing list that will be setup once everyone has signed in, WebTycho conferences, and Web pages. For this class you are required to originate all e-mail from our server. No other source will be accepted. Please also note that attachments will not be accepted. For e-mail address information please see the E-Mail Directory.

For this class you will need a 'numbered account' on Nova, a UNIX server. Your first task will be to set up this account.

A unique feature of client side JavaScript is that the code functions only when embedded in a HTML page. In addition, server side PHP scripts are called via HTML pages. Therefore all assignments that require development of working scripts will be delivered via a Web page on the Internet. This delivery will be accomplished using a Vectoring Page that list the URLs for each of the assignments as they are completed.

Please create and post this vectoring page to your class account. To do this create a child directory, of your home directory, on our UNIX server. Name this directory <www> and load your entry page into this directory. The URL for this Vectoring page must be kept private between you and your instructor. If it is not kept private then only the first few students to complete and post an assignment will learn much.

When your site is up send the URL to your instructor in an e-mail message. The URL should include at least 9 characters using mixed case, numerics and the symbols ., -, and _. For example, Blue_Pun2.html. In addition be sure that your www directory that contains your vectoring page allows only restricted access (i.e., chmod 711 www). Be sure to include your name and Nova e-mail address on each Web page you create.

When these two tasks have been accomplished send an e-mail message to your instructor at his/her class address on Nova to confirm that communications has been established. Remember that this message must originate from the class UNIX server.

For more information on putting a page up a Web page see:
Uploading a Web Page to a Unix Host.

Value {4} points.

Metric: You have 10 days from the first day of class to complete these tasks. Failure to meet the date will cost you grade points and cause you to miss important message traffic.

2. JavaScript From Your Perspective

Presumedly you are taking this class because you want to learn JavaScript. Given that, please write a short essay (at least 300 words) addressing the following questions.

a. What has been your exposure to JavaScript?
b. What sparked your interest in the language?
c. What is the 'muddiest' issue you have encountered
when trying to understand the language?
d. Have you programmed using other languages?
e. Is there any programming issue or issues that you particularly would like addressed?
Please post your essay to the WebTycho "Perspective" conference as a new topic.

Value {3} points.

Metric: You need to convince your instructor that you have thought about these issues.

3. Definitions

Clearly the definitions listed in Module #2 are not exhaustive. Suggest a JavaScript term not included in Module #2. Post this term along with a definition of the term as a new topic on the WebTycho 'Terms' conference. Support your definition by listing the URL of an authoritative Web sites that defines the term.

Value {3} points.

Metric: A well supported valid JavaScript term needs to be offered.

4. onChange

Write/find a JavaScript that uses the onChange event. This assignment can be easily accomplished with four or five lines of code. Post the active script along with a deconstruction3 of the script to a page on your class Web site. Include the URL on your vectoring page. Send an e-mail message to your instructor when the script is posted to your Web site.

Value {4} points.

Metric: Two points for a script that works across the browsers 1 identified below. Two additional points for good coding and a clear deconstruction3 of your script. This is an easy assignment (4-5 lines of code). Finding an easy solution is of course part of the task.

5. Dice

Write/find a JavaScript program that allows your viewer to roll a pair of dice. In other words provide a button that, when clicked, presents a random number ranging from 2 through 12. A real dice roll simulation, using two six faced die, is not required for this exercise. You of course are free to use such a script. Allow an unlimited number of 'rolls.' Post the active script along with a deconstruction3 of the script to a page on your class Web site. Include the URL on your vectoring page. Send an e-mail message to your instructor when the script is posted to your Web site.

Value {4} points.

Metric: Two points for a script that works across the browsers1 identified below. Two additional points for good coding and a clear deconstruction3 of your script. This assignment, though a bit more difficult than #4, is not all that complex if you find the 'right' code. 20 or so lines of code should suffice.

6. Slide Show

Write/find a JavaScript that successively shows five different images. Allow your viewer to start and stop the 'show.' Post the active script along with a deconstruction3 of the script to a page on your class Web site. Include the URL on your vectoring page. Send an e-mail message to your instructor when the script is posted to your Web site.

Value {9} points.

Metric: 3 points for a script that works across the browsers1 identified below. Six additional points for good coding and a clear deconstruction 3 of your script.

7. Overlapped Images

Use style sheets code blocks to present two overlapped images. First show image A in front of image B. Then further down the page show image B in front of image A. Include a few lines of text between the image sets. Adjust the image sizes so that at least parts of both images are always visible. Post the page along with a deconstruction3 of the style code blocks used to a page on your class Web site. Include the URL on your vectoring page. Send an e-mail message to your instructor when the page is posted to your Web site.

Value {8} points.

Metric: Six points for a page that works across the browsers1 identified below. 2 points additional for good coding and a clear deconstruction3 of your code.

8. Moving Image

Write/find a JavaScript/CSS combination that moves an image randomly around a page. In other words be sure to include a randomizing process. Allow your viewer control of the movement with an onMouseOver or an onClick event.

Value {15} points.

Metric: Six points for a page that works across the browsers1 identified below. Nine points for good coding and a clear deconstruction 3 of your script. Some students find this assignment difficult so do work on it early in the semester.

9. Embedded PHP

Embed a simple PHP script in a html page that accepts and multiplies a viewers numeric input. Replicate a non-working copy of the HTML/PHP code along with the deconstruction on a Web page on your class site. Include the URL for both the working page and the non-working explanation page on your vectoring page. This is another exercise that some students find difficult. Be sure to work on it early.

Value {10} points.

Metric: Eight points if it works. Two additional points for a good deconstruction.

Notes:
1. Cross Browser Compatibility - In the real world you would need to test your scripts using a wide variety of browsers however for this class we will restrict our cross browser compatibility testing to three browsers; Mozilla Firefox 1.x, Internet Explorer 6.x, and Netscape Communicator 4.8. We use Mozilla Firefox because it most closely follows the W3C specification, IE because it is the browser of choice for millions of viewers, and Netscape Communicator 4.8 because it is most sensitive to poor coding.

2. Deprecated tags - A list of these tags, that should be avoided, can be found at the HTML Goodies site.

3. deconstruct - to take apart and explain in detail. First used by Joe Burns, Ph.D. to explain how JavaScripts work. Originally used in Literary Theory. For tutorial samples of deconstruction please see these sample pages.

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