1. Communications
We will be communicating using UNIX based e-mail, WebTycho conferences, and Web pages. For this class you are required to originate all e-mail from our class server. All class associated Web pages must also be posted to this server. No other source will be accepted. Please also note that e-mail attachments will not be accepted.For this class you will need a numbered account on our class server, Nova, running UNIX. Your first task will be to set up this account.
When this task has been accomplished send an e-mail message to your instructor at his/her class address to confirm that communications has been established. Remember that this message must originate from the class UNIX server.
Ed. Note:
Why are you required to use a UMUC UNIX server, for the exchange of class e-mail?
Among the reasons are:
- We need to know a bit of UNIX to
successfully put a Web page up. Might as well start
learning UNIX. In addition, knowing a bit of UNIX
leads to computer literacy (the knowledge and ability to use computers
and related technology efficiently). Further, since much of the Web
is run using UNIX, or Linux, a first cousin, knowledge of these operating
systems facilitates using Web based resources.
See UNIX help for users
for a good basic UNIX reference.
- You can't pick up a virus if you don't
download a file to your machine. A very important
consideration these days. UNIX mail stays up on the server.
It is not downloaded to your PC.
- There are all sorts of e-mail programs out
there that produce strange results. We have
enough to do without fooling with flaky mail
programs. Just type 'pine,' with no quotes of course,
at the UNIX prompt and you are good to go.
- It would seem that many of you choose
'handles.' Learning is hard enough without the
need to remember who Landshark et al. is.
- Having all your class mail safely stored on the UMUC servers
means that you can access this material from any where in the world
using any computer with
Telnet access.
- Exchanging e-mail on the same server certainly is fast and reliable. In addition, with our closed system, we do not need to deal with spam and other malevolent software.
Metric: You have until the first Sunday, after the start of classes, to complete this tasks. Failure to meet the date will cost you grade points and cause you to miss important message traffic.
Purpose: to develop a familiarity with the UNIX operating system
Help: Numbered Account Access
2. Vectoring Page
Please create and post a simple
vectoring page
to your class account. This page will list the URLs for
the Web pages you create in response to several assignments.
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.
Create the page on your PC. When you finish, have tested the page at the W3C validation site and are satisfied, upload the page to your class account.
When your page is up, send the URL to your instructor in an e-mail message from your class account to his/her class account. Rember that the URL must be other than the standard 'index.html' which is easy for all to access. Remember that the URL needs to be obfuscated a bit and kept secret between you and your instructor.
This vectoring page shall be XHTML 1.0 strict compliant and include the words 'vectoring page' and your name, your class e-mail address as a link, the date last modified, a graphic logo of your choice, a favicon also of your choice, a pastel background color, provision for links to future assignment pages and the W3C XHTML 1.0 strict logo that links to the W3C validator.
If you 'View Page Source' this simple vectoring page may not appear all that simple. That's the point, in the real world simple gets complicated really fast.
One additional note:
You will notice that this vectoring page is published outside the WebTycho envelope as will be your Web pages. The reason for this is that WebTycho does accept valid XHTML 1.0 strict code, a limitation that I hope is resolved in the future.
Feel free to copy elements from the vectoring page that you find appropriate.
Value: {3} points.
Metric: Only a minimal page with the specified content, no more no less, that is XHTML strict 1.0 compliant will be accepted.
Purpose:
a. to refresh your CMST 385 learning by coding and posting a Web page
b. to facilitate student/instructor communications
Help: For information on posting a page see: Uploading a Web Page to a UNIX Host.
3. Web Terms Essay
If you had to pick the single most important term used on the Web, what
would it be? Prepare a brief (200 word) essay discussing your term, its
definition and the reasons for your choice.
Include an APA
format citation identifying an authoritative Web source that supports your
definition (you might also want try the
Citation Machine for APA formatting).
Post this essay to the 'Terms' conference on WebTycho. You
may not post a term already discussed by a class mate. You may reserve a
term, via a note in the Terms Conference, to preclude a fellow student from
posting your selected term before you do.
Value: {3} points.
Metric: A term that relates to the course is required.
Purpose:
a. to gain familiarity with WebTycho
b. to refresh your Web search skills
c. to refresh your writing skills
Help: Research Resources
4. A List of the Ten Most Important XHTML Coding Rules
Prepare a list of what you feel to be the 10 most important
XHTML 1.0 Strict coding rules. Include an illustration of the
use of each rule and an
APA
format citation identifying an authoritative Web source that supports
each of your rules. Post your list, as a valid XHTML 1.0 strict
Web page, and provide a link to the list's URL on your vectoring
page. This page of rules shall include your name, your class e-mail
address as a link, date modified, a graphic logo of your choice,
a pastel background color, the W3C XHTML 1.0 strict logo, a
Favicon and a set
of foot notes that associates each rule with the appropriate
citation. Be sure that the associated APA format link is active
(e.g., one that will open the referenced page with a click).
Let your instructor know, via e-mail from your class account
to his/hers, when your rules page has been posted to your class
account.
Value: {10} points.
Metric: Up to five points will be awarded for a well setup and written page. 1/2 a point will be awarded for each valid rule and associated illustration.
Purpose: to get you thinking about XHTML requirements and to exercise your Web page layout skills
Help: Research Resources
5. Web Site Proposal
A major project for this class is publishing a comprehensive
Web site. This site may represent a commercial venture real
or imagined (buy Red Eyed Tree Frogs, Agalychnis callidryas),
an informational site (learn about Red Eyed Tree Frogs), or
most any such variant.
Remember that all of your pages must be XHTML 1.0 strict compliant and multi-browser compatible (IE, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Chrome).
Some rules of Web site design:
- Provide a SIMPLE layout that is a 'piece-of-cake' to understand. Even if your site is aimed at those with Ph.D.s in Quantum Mechanics include a simple to understand introduction.
- Make it IMPOSSIBLE for your viewer to get lost on your site no matter what he/she does, e.g.,include a menu and/or breadcrumbs on every page. Make sure that any action your viewer takes can be easily undone by your viewer.
- Keep your site CONSISTENT in format, color, and navigation from page to page. Color is an important tool so take care in its use.
- CONTENT is king, be sure you have something to say and say it well using correct English, the langua franca of the Net.
- Always INCLUDE contact, last update, and source identity
information.
For this assignment post a proposal for your Web site to the WebTycho Site Proposal conference. You must receive approval of your proposal from your instructor before proceeding with the posting of your site.
Your proposal must include but not be limited to:
- your name and class e-mail address
- number of pages (8 minimum)
- cogent comment on the content of each page
- the demographics of your intended audience
Metric: A well written comprehensive proposal is required to receive approval.
Purpose: to initiate the process of Web site design
Help: Module #5
6. CSS Assignment
Use Cascading Style Sheets to reformat
this linked page
that was formatted using tables and deprecated tags.
Use antiquewhite (1) for the background color. Include the image and Ovid's quote (2) in the upper left corner of the page. Be sure to replicate the spacing (3) and typeface (4). Don't forget the housekeeping information (5) in the lower left corner of the page. Replace the HTML image and validating link with an XHTML 1.0 image and validating link (6) in this area. Test the revised page to be sure that it validates as XHTML 1.0 strict. Also be sure that the revised page is not viewing window size sensitive (i.e., that the text does not adjust when the viewing window size changes).
Post the reformatted page to your class account and include a link on your vectoring page. Let your instructor know via e-mail from your class account to his/hers, when your work is ready for review.
[The proofing text is from a Lorem Ipsum file.]
One additional note:
You will notice that the sample tables formatted page is published outside the WebTycho envelope as will be your Web pages. The reason for this is that WebTycho "adjusts" the code making it difficult for you to copy cogent elements from the sample page via View Source.
Value: {6} points.
Metric: A point will be awarded for successfully meeting each of the 6 specified requirements using CSS instead of tables and deprecated tags. To receive any credit the revised page must validate as XHTML 1.0 strict, and NOT use tables or deprecated html tags. If your page does not render well using Firefox, IE and Opera (i.e., your page must be cross browser compatible) you will loose 2 points. If you use an external style sheet this style information must also be posted. Failure to do so will cost you 2 points.
Hint: absolute positioning
Purpose:
a. to compare older formatting methods with current methods
b. to practice using CSS for positioning
Help:
a. Module #2
b. http://www.brainjar.com/
7. JavaScript Assignment
Deconstruct the script shown below (i.e., explain in detail). 3:
There are 5 numbered lines of code listed in the below script. Deconstruct each of these lines. Post a link to a working version of this script, a rendition of the script (i.e, a non-working listing) and the detailed deconstruction of this script to a Web page. Include a link to this Web page on your Vectoring page. Let your instructor know, via e-mail, when your work is ready for review.
This page will be scored as follows:
Presentation - 3 points Line #1. - 1 point Line #2. - 1 point Line #3. - 2 points Line #4. - 2 points Line #5. - 1 point A detailed exhaustive discussion will be required to earn these points. /* fillerText.js */Post your solutions as a Web page. Be sure to include a link from on your vectoring page. Let your instructor know, via e-mail from your class account to his/her class account, when your JavaScript solutions page is up.
Locate within the <head> tags. <script type="text/javascript"> <!-- Engage Cloaking Device #1. var gibberish=["1 Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet", "2 Ma quande lingues coalesce", "3 Li Europan lingues es membres", "4 Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit", "5 Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident"] #2. function filltext(words) { #3. for (var i=0; i < words; i++) #4. document.write(gibberish[Math.floor(Math.random()*5)]+" - ") } // Drop Cloak --> </script> Locate within the <body> tags. <script type="text/javascript"> <!-- Engage Cloaking Device #5. filltext(40) // Drop Cloak --> </script>
Value: {10} points.
Metric: See above.
Purpose: to introduce the deconstruction 3 method for learning to write JavaScripts
Help: Module #3
8. PHP
Write the PHP code, using a format acceptable to our server that, when
called, returns a Web page which includes todays date, the time,
a 'have a nice day' message and your name. (Our server
version is PHP 4.3.1 and requires a special first line of
code: #!/usr/local/bin/php). Upload this PHP file to an
appropriate cgi-bin directory. Post an XHTML page that includes
(1) the call to this PHP script, (2) a rendition of your PHP script
and (3) a deconstruction of the script. Include a link to this XHTML
page on your vectoring page and send an e-mail message to your instructor
when the PHP scrip and the calling XHTML page are ready for review.
BTW, to determine the version of PHP running on a UNIX server, at the prompt, enter:
php [space] -v
Value: {6} points.
Metric: the PHP code works or it doesn't
Purpose: to gain some familiarity with PHP
Help: module #4, and the HTML Goodies tutorial
Prep Work
Complete and TEST your Web site THIS WEEK before uploading it to WebTycho!Also, if you have concerns, bring them to my attention NOW. Don't wait until the last minute.
10. Web Site Assignment
As noted earlier, a major project for this class
is publishing a comprehensive Web site. This site must be
consistent with your proposal as
approved by your instructor.
Note: All of the pages on your site must validate as XHTML 1.0 strict {2}, be artistically presented {2} and be cross browser compatible (IE, Firefox, Opera, Chrome, Safari). {2}
Further your site must include:
- a minimum of eight pages {2}
- a personal logo {1}
- well organized original content {2}
- constrained line length (i.e., use one or more columns on your pages) {1}
- an about this site page that includes source, copyright, and contact information {1}
- a pastel background color {1}
- graphics including the W3C XHTML validation logo {1}
- only non-serif typeface (Fonts used for artistic expresion excepted.){1}
- sophisticated navigation aids such as breadcrumbs, drop down menus, frames or the like that prevent your viewer from getting lost.{3}
- at least three JavaScripts and/or PHP scripts{3}
- links to foreign pages and among the pages of the site {2}
- formatting using tables (use for presenting tabular data or to format a form excepted){-3}
- copyrighted material that is not attributed {-2}
- deprecated tags {-3}
Value: {24} points.
Metric: see the problem statement above. In addition, in an 'assignment ready' e-mail message to your instructor, identify the JavaScripts and PHP scripts used on your site.
Purpose: to experience the Web site design process
Help: the class modules
11. Trial Final Exam posted
The exam will be posted to a WebTycho conference.The value of the 'real' final is {30} points.
This is your last chance to ask questions before the Final Exam.
Final Exan Week
Ask all Remaining Questions!
