Course Schedule Including Assignment Details

Professor Ferd Lazarus
CMST 386 Assignments & Schedule, Summer '09
Advanced Internet and Web Design
Week	Dates	Readings/Assignments	Due Date
1	May 26-May 31 Reading Topic XHTML	Introductory Comments For this course we will be coding Web pages that meet the requirements of XHTML 1.0 strict. In addition, though the Spec. allows formatting using tables, for this course tables shall be used only for presenting tabular data or to format a form. (Using CSS to construct any but simple forms is cumbersome.) Hand coding must be used for all assignments that require the posting of Web pages. Pages created using WYSIWYG authoring tools will not be accepted. Therefore use a simple text editor such as TextPad or the more sophisticated AlleyCode. Do not use WYSIWYG authoring tools such as FrontPage, Dreamweaver, or the like. If you are not sure that your favorite text editor will be acceptable, ASK! An XHTML coding issue that is often missed is that all page elements must be included within block tags <p>, <div> and <pre> being the most common. Do remember that late assignments will not be accepted except in extraordinary circumstances. Further all assignments requiring the posting of a Web page, subsequent to the vectoring page assignment (assignment #2), must be linked from your vectoring page. All posted Web pages must be cross browser compatible ¹ and validate XHTML 1.0 strict. Readings: a. WebTycho Course Module 1: XHTML Task List: a. You need to become familiar with the text. Spend 3-4 hours and do a quick read of the entire volume. b. Checkout the references noted in the Webliography c. Register for the Final Exam. d. Complete Assignment #1 listed below. 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 e-mail address information please see the E-Mail Directory. For this class you will need a numbered account on a UMUC UNIX server. 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. Value: {3} points. 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	05/31/09
2	Jun 01-Jun 07 Reading Topic XHTML	Readings: a. WebTycho Course Module 1: XHTML b. Carey: pp 1-150, 291-346 Task List: a. Complete Assignment #2 listed below. 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.	06/07/09
3	Jun 08-Jun 14 Reading Topic XHTML	Readings: a. WebTycho Course Module 1: XHTML b. Carey: pp 483-520 Task List: a. Complete Assignment #3 listed below. 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	06/14/09
4	Jun 15-Jun 21 Reading Topic CSS	Readings: a. WebTycho Course Module 2: CSS b. Carey: pp 347-433 Task List: a. Complete Assignment #4 listed below. 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	06/21/09
5	Jun 22-Jun 28 Reading Topic CSS	Readings: a. WebTycho Course Module 2: CSS b. Carey: Appendix F1-F11 Task List: a. Complete Assignment #5 listed below. 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 cross browser compatible. 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 Value: 5 points. Metric: A well written comprehensive proposal is required to receive approval. Purpose: to initiate the process of Web site design Help: Module #5	06/28/09
6	Jun 29-Jul 05 Reading Topic JavaScript	Readings: a. WebTycho Course Module 3: JavaScript b. Carey: pp 521-634 Task List: a. None for the Independence Day Holiday Week	07/05/09
7	Jul 06-Jul 12 Reading Topic JavaScript	Readings: a. WebTycho Course Module 3: JavaScript b. Appendix G1-G21, H1-H2 (Note: Though these appendices refer to early versions of the IE and Netscape browsers all modern browsers handle these constructs.) Task List: a. Complete Assignment #6 listed below. 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/	07/05/12
8	Jul 13-Jul 19 Reading Topic PHP	Readings: a. WebTycho Course Module 4: PHP b. PHP Tutorial http://www.htmlgoodies.com/php/index.html Task List: a. Complete Assignment #7 listed below. 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 / 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> 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. Value: {10} points. Metric: See above. Purpose: to introduce the deconstruction ³ method for learning to write JavaScripts Help: Module #3	07/19/09
9	Jul 20-Jul 27 Reading Topic Web Site Design	Readings: a. WebTycho Course Module 5: Web Site Design b. Carey: pp 435-457 Task List: a. Complete Assignment #8 listed below. 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	07/27/09
10	Jul 27-Aug 02 Reading Topic None	Readings: a. None Task List: a. Complete Assignment #9 listed below. 9. 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} and be cross browser compatible ¹. {1} Further your site must include: a minimum of eight pages {1} a personal logo {1} original content {4} 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} a typeface other than Times Roman {1} sophisticated navigation aids such as breadcrumbs, drop down menus, frames or the like that prevent your viewer from getting lost.{4} at least three JavaScripts {3} links to foreign pages and among the pages of the site {2} Your site shall not include: formatting using tables {-1} copyrighted material that is not attributed {-1} deprecated tags ² [-1} Some additional things to think about beyond these design requirements. Value: {24} points. Metric: see the problem statement above. In addition, in an 'assignment ready' e-mail message to your instructor, identify the JavaScripts used on your site. Purpose: to experience the Web site design process Help: the class modules	08/02/09
11	Aug 03-Aug 09 Trial Final Exam	For this review, select a question from the Trial Final Exam below (only one to a customer) and post an answer, along with an APA format reference to a Web based authority, to the Trial Exam conference. You may reserve a question once the conference opens to preclude another student from responding before you are ready with yours. Since there are more students than exam questions you may suggest a final exam question and answer along with a supporting APA format reference. Your instructor reserves the right to reject questions deemed not appropriate. Trial Final Exam CMST 386 - the Internet: an Advanced Guide Please answer the 10 questions shown below being sure to include appropriate terms, definitions, and specific examples. Content is worth 80 percent. Technical writing is worth 20 percent. Each question is worth up to 3 points. Be complete, but no fluff please. Be neat and orderly. If I can not easily understand your answer it will be marked as incorrect. This is a CLOSED BOOK exam. All questions relate to the Internet and HTML/XHTML, JavaScript, CSS and PHP code blocks. 1a. What is the meaning of each of the following logical expressions? a. A && B b. A \|\| B c. A == B 1b. What do the following UNIX commands accomplish? a. pwd b. lprint file_name c. less file_name 2. What are the constraints on naming JavaScript variables? 3. There are three fundamental types of Cascading Style Sheets. What are they? 4. What is a DNS? What function does it serve? 5. In computer programming: What is an array? Why is it used? 6. When writing JavaScrips, the use of relative addressing is recommended. What is relative addressing? What is it's primary advantage? 7. List 3 attributes that make PHP a useful tool for a Web site developer. 8. What is the syntax for creating an ordered HTML/XHTML list? 9. What is the purpose of a DTD (Document Type Definition)? 10. What happens if you do not specify the height and width of an image object? What is the purpose of the image tag alt attribute?	08/09/09
12	Aug 10-Aug 16 Review	This is your last chance to ask questions before the Final Exam.	08/16/09
13	Aug 17-Aug 22	Final Exam Period Begins August 17 and Concludes: August 22	.

Professor Ferd Lazarus
CMST 386 Assignments & Schedule, Summer '09
Advanced Internet and Web Design

Week

Dates

Readings/Assignments

Due Date

May 26-May 31

Reading Topic

XHTML

Introductory Comments

For this course we will be coding Web pages that meet the requirements of XHTML 1.0 strict. In addition, though the Spec. allows formatting using tables, for this course tables shall be used only for presenting tabular data or to format a form. (Using CSS to construct any but simple forms is cumbersome.)

Hand coding must be used for all assignments that require the posting of Web pages. Pages created using WYSIWYG authoring tools will not be accepted. Therefore use a simple text editor such as TextPad or the more sophisticated AlleyCode. Do not use WYSIWYG authoring tools such as FrontPage, Dreamweaver, or the like. If you are not sure that your favorite text editor will be acceptable, ASK!

An XHTML coding issue that is often missed is that all page elements must be included within block tags <p>, <div> and <pre> being the most common.

Do remember that late assignments will not be accepted except in extraordinary circumstances. Further all assignments requiring the posting of a Web page, subsequent to the vectoring page assignment (assignment #2), must be linked from your vectoring page.

All posted Web pages must be cross browser compatible ¹ and validate XHTML 1.0 strict.

Readings:
a. WebTycho Course Module 1: XHTML

Task List:
a. You need to become familiar with the text. Spend 3-4 hours and do a quick read of the entire volume.
b. Checkout the references noted in the Webliography
c. Register for the Final Exam.
d. Complete Assignment #1 listed below.

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 e-mail address information please see the E-Mail Directory.

For this class you will need a numbered account on a UMUC UNIX server. 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.

Value: {3} points.

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

05/31/09

Jun 01-Jun 07

Reading Topic

XHTML

Readings:
a. WebTycho Course Module 1: XHTML
b. Carey: pp 1-150, 291-346

Task List:
a. Complete Assignment #2 listed below.

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.

06/07/09

Jun 08-Jun 14

Reading Topic

XHTML

Readings:
a. WebTycho Course Module 1: XHTML
b. Carey: pp 483-520

Task List:
a. Complete Assignment #3 listed below.

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

06/14/09

Jun 15-Jun 21

Reading Topic

CSS

Readings:
a. WebTycho Course Module 2: CSS
b. Carey: pp 347-433

Task List:
a. Complete Assignment #4 listed below.

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

06/21/09

Jun 22-Jun 28

Reading Topic

CSS

Readings:
a. WebTycho Course Module 2: CSS
b. Carey: Appendix F1-F11

Task List:
a. Complete Assignment #5 listed below.

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 cross browser compatible.

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

Value: 5 points.

Metric: A well written comprehensive proposal is required to receive approval.

Purpose: to initiate the process of Web site design

Help: Module #5

06/28/09

Jun 29-Jul 05

Reading Topic

JavaScript

Readings:
a. WebTycho Course Module 3: JavaScript
b. Carey: pp 521-634

Task List:
a. None for the Independence Day Holiday Week

07/05/09

Jul 06-Jul 12

Reading Topic

JavaScript

Readings:
a. WebTycho Course Module 3: JavaScript
b. Appendix G1-G21, H1-H2 (Note: Though these appendices refer to early versions of the IE and Netscape browsers all modern browsers handle these constructs.)

Task List:
a. Complete Assignment #6 listed below.

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/

07/05/12

Jul 13-Jul 19

Reading Topic

PHP

Readings:
a. WebTycho Course Module 4: PHP
b. PHP Tutorial
http://www.htmlgoodies.com/php/index.html

Task List:
a. Complete Assignment #7 listed below.

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 */



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>

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.

Value: {10} points.

Metric: See above.

Purpose: to introduce the deconstruction ³ method for learning to write JavaScripts

Help: Module #3

07/19/09

Jul 20-Jul 27

Reading Topic

Web Site Design

Readings:
a. WebTycho Course Module 5: Web Site Design
b. Carey: pp 435-457

Task List:
a. Complete Assignment #8 listed below.

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

07/27/09

Jul 27-Aug 02

Reading Topic

None

Readings:
a. None

Task List:
a. Complete Assignment #9 listed below.

9. 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} and be cross browser compatible ¹. {1}

Further your site must include:

a minimum of eight pages {1}
a personal logo {1}
original content {4}
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}
a typeface other than Times Roman {1}
sophisticated navigation aids such as breadcrumbs, drop down menus, frames or the like that prevent your viewer from getting lost.{4}
at least three JavaScripts {3}
links to foreign pages and among the pages of the site {2}

Your site shall not include:

formatting using tables {-1}
copyrighted material that is not attributed {-1}
deprecated tags ² [-1}

Some additional things to think about beyond these design requirements.

Value: {24} points.

Metric: see the problem statement above. In addition, in an 'assignment ready' e-mail message to your instructor, identify the JavaScripts used on your site.

Purpose: to experience the Web site design process

Help: the class modules

08/02/09

Aug 03-Aug 09

Trial Final Exam

For this review, select a question from the Trial Final Exam below (only one to a customer) and post an answer, along with an APA format reference to a Web based authority, to the Trial Exam conference. You may reserve a question once the conference opens to preclude another student from responding before you are ready with yours. Since there are more students than exam questions you may suggest a final exam question and answer along with a supporting APA format reference. Your instructor reserves the right to reject questions deemed not appropriate.

Trial Final Exam
CMST 386 - the Internet: an Advanced Guide

Please answer the 10 questions shown below 
being sure to include appropriate terms,
definitions, and specific examples. Content
is worth 80 percent. Technical writing is 
worth 20 percent.


 
Each question is worth up to 3 points. Be complete,
but no fluff please. Be neat and orderly. If I can
not easily understand your answer it will be
marked as incorrect. 

This is a CLOSED BOOK exam.

All questions relate to the Internet and HTML/XHTML, 
JavaScript, CSS and PHP code blocks.

1a. What is the meaning of each of the following
logical expressions? 

a. A && B
b. A || B
c. A == B

1b. What do the following UNIX commands accomplish? 

a. pwd
b. lprint file_name
c. less file_name

2. What are the constraints on naming
JavaScript variables? 

3. There are three fundamental types of Cascading
Style Sheets. What are they? 

4. What is a DNS? What function does it serve? 

5. In computer programming: What is an array?
Why is it used? 

6. When writing JavaScrips, the use of relative
addressing is recommended. What is relative addressing? 
What is it's primary advantage? 

7. List 3 attributes that make PHP a useful tool for a Web
site developer.  

8. What is the syntax for creating an ordered HTML/XHTML 
list? 

9. What is the purpose of a DTD (Document Type Definition)?

10. What happens if you do not specify the height and width
of an image object? What is the purpose of the image tag
alt attribute?

08/09/09

Aug 10-Aug 16

Review

This is your last chance to ask questions before the Final Exam.

08/16/09

Aug 17-Aug 22

Final Exam Period Begins August 17 and Concludes: August 22