1. UNIT NAME: Introduction To Web technologies UNIT CODE: ACM1010 YEAR: SEM 2 2010<br />PREPARED BY: Megan Chudeligh<br />CONTACT DETAILS:<br />sophia.haq@vu.edu.au<br />NO ASSIGNMENT CAN BE HANDED INTO PIDGEON HOLESWe acknowledge the Elders, families and forebears of the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung tribes of the Kulin Nation who were the custodians of University land for many centuries. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet was the place of age old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal and that the Kulin Nation people's living culture had and has a unique role in the life of this region.<br />Please note that unit guides include Learning in the Workplace and Community as specified in the policy at: http://wcf.vu.edu.au/GovernancePolicy/PDF/POA081119000.PDF (pp5-6,Procedures)<br />These specifications are: •Formal course documentation includes a general statement about the inclusion of LiWC activities<br />in that course; and •Where applicable, each unit of study outline includes a statement specifying the LiWC activities<br />in that unit and its associated assessment tasks.<br />UNIT CALENDAR<br />Week<br />Topic<br />Assessment<br />Notes<br />1 26th July<br />Intro to Course What are Web technologies?<br />Blog and presentation throughout semester<br />2 2nd Aug<br />History of the Internet and intro to HTML<br />3 9th Aug<br />Interviewing Clients<br />4 16th Aug<br />Web 2.0<br />Interview Luke Low this week.<br />5 23 Aug<br />Audience and Intent<br />6 30 Aug<br />Interface Design<br />Website Proposal due in class.<br />7 6th Sept<br />Online Privacy<br />8 13 Sept<br />Copyright, and Ethics<br />9 20th Sept<br />Open Source Project<br />BREAK: 27th September to 1st October (Back to uni on Monday 4th October)<br />10 4th Oct<br />Making Money from the Web<br />11 11th Oct<br />Web and the Arts<br />12 18th Oct<br />Future and Security<br />Final Site Due<br />22nd October<br />1<br />GENERAL INFORMATION<br />Scholarly Writing<br />An academic course of study requires students to read and rely on the research data, reasoned arguments and insights of others. Part of what it means to be a ‘scholar’ is to engage with the work of others, either to extend or refine one’s own ideas or to critique the work of others. Acceptable practice involves giving credit where credit is due, that is, acknowledging the work of others in your own work.<br />Website<br />The Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Development hosts a website which contains a number of documents which you will find useful. The address for this is:<br />On this site you will find: How to select your units and work out your timetable – this offers an overview of degree structures.<br />The timetable – here you will find the times of classes and the rooms where they are held. It is worth checking these details close to the start of semester in case anything has changed.<br />Useful web addresses – this shows you how to access your VU email address. You will find that the faculty, your lecturers and tutors will send you important emails during the semester and it is crucial that you are able to access this information.<br />Assignment cover sheets – you can download these sheets here. Students’ rights and responsibilities – this is a list of what you can expect from studying at university, and what the university<br />expects from you.<br />Plagiarism – there is a student’s guide to plagiarism, how to avoid it and the penalties involved in engaging in plagiarism or academic dishonesty available here.<br />Essay guide online – here you fill find a guide to the writing and presenting of essays. It contains an overview of structuring essays, of providing comprehensive references (Oxford, Harvard and APA) and of compiling a reference list.<br />Much of this general information, and related information, is directly accessible through your FAEHD USB Tool Kit, and includes links to `First Class Talk’ where you can direct via internet connection any specific questions and receive an answer within a day.<br />Student Feedback and Complaints<br />VU students are encouraged to provide feedback to help us develop and improve our courses, teaching, facilities and services. If there is something you are not happy with and you have not succeeded in resolving the matter informally, you can make a formal complaint to the University, which will be investigated to find a resolution. You can seek assistance in making a complaint from a Student Advisor. For more information go to www.vu.edu.au/current-students/student-essentials/student- feedback-and-complaints or +61 3 9919 4360 (student adviser) or 9919 9562 (equity office)<br />Educating for Sustainability<br />To reduce our carbon footprint, and in line with the VU Environment Management Plan http://intranet.vu.edu.au/facilities/Environment.asp, the Faculty has adopted Sustainability Guidelines for the Submission of Student Assessment. Please refer to these when considering printing material and submitting assessment. You can find the Guidelines & make suggestions for further actions http://intranet.vu.edu.au/AEHD/Teaching%20and%20Learning.asp<br />http://www.vu.edu.au/Faculties_and_TAFE/Arts_Education_and_Human_Development<br />2<br />Student Evaluation System – SES - Data & Reports<br />SES is the Student Evaluation Survey, the name for the combined student evaluation instruments. SES consists of the Student Evaluation of Unit (SEU) and Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET). Students are asked to complete the SEU and SET near the end of this unit of study. You can complete the SES online or on paper at the discretion of your Unit of Study Coordinator.<br />Other useful information: Teaching and Learning Support (http://tls.vu.edu.au/students.htm)– there are a number of academic support services offered<br />to students which include:<br />•Study skills workshops •Transitional issues for students new to higher education •FAQs - the questions often asked by students •Skills needed for your studies e.g. oral presentations •General study skills - What is a lecture? What is a tutorial? •Exam techniques •Writing academic essays •Information specific to particular units or courses •Postgraduate and international students • Mentoring • Plagiarism<br />3<br />Handing in assignments<br />•Students at no point in times should hand in a physical copy of the work to your tutor, students must only submit their work via vuacm1010@gmail.com<br />•Groups must have their blogs on the wordpress.com platform •Student assignments must adhere with the student charter and all relevant VU policies •Students must submit doc or pdf documents for the second assignment •Students must upload their website on the prescribed VU server, EMAIL SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE GRADED •Students must email the URL of the website for submission •Students must submit a PHSYICAL student cover sheet to their tutor with all assignments •Failure to meet the above requirements may results in the students having to resubmit the work and which may results<br />in the student handing in the assignment late<br />Penalties for late assignments<br />Late submission –2 marks each working days. Over 5 days late maximum mark 50.<br />Special consideration<br />If you feel that illness or personal difficulties have impaired your performance you may ask for Special Consideration which can facilitate late submission, and alternative arrangements for assignments. This can cover both emotional and physical difficulties. You need to contact a student counsellor to arrange this.<br />Arrangements for Students with a Disability<br />Please arrange a meeting with the unit coordinator<br />INTRODUCTION<br />The World Wide Web has become a primary communication tool for individuals, communities, organisations and corporations. Developments in online technology are changing the way organisations operate, and also encouraging the development of new art forms. A complex understanding of the ways in which the Web functions, and of the skills needed to create web content, is essential for all communication professionals. Students undertaking this unit will research the impact of web technologies in the fields of Education, Creative Arts, Public Relations and Digital Media. In this unit students will: contribute to an electronic bulletin board to discuss current issues; construct a blog to review a journal article; interview clients and develop a live website. Students will develop the basic skills and knowledge required to create and utilise effective web technologies, using professional level software.<br />Format:<br />Three hours per week for one semester comprising a one-hour lecture and two-hour workshop.<br />Class Materials:<br />Students are required to have portable data storage device for this class. This can be in the form of USB stick, external hard drive, etc.<br />Class readings and text will be available online & on the bulletin board for all required readings.<br />Staff:<br />The unit coordinator lists the teaching staff, their responsibilities, their contact details and their consultation hours.<br />Supplementary Assessment:<br />In accordance to university policy any students who receive a mark of 45% to 49% will automatically be eligible to pass the unit by submitting another assessment item. You will need to see the unit coordinator within two weeks, who will assign this supplementary assessment item at the end of the semester.<br />4<br />Learning Outcomes:<br />On successful completion of this unit, students are expected to be able to: 1.Demonstrate a foundational knowledge of specific computer systems; 2.Create a website and a blog using a variety of professional tools; 3.Apply basic interface design and usability theory; 4.Identify the processes for good practice in teamwork and team dynamics in production and research, and apply these<br />in their own practice; 5.Describe the changes to web practices brought about by Web 2 initiatives; 6.Critically examine existing web products.<br />5<br />UNIT OUTLINE Week 1 Topic: : Introduction to the Computing environment<br />Introduction to working within the digital media labs and also how the course operates including information on online resources and communication within the unit.<br />Workshop<br />•Student teams formed and negotiation of research topic for each team, •Team blogs set up, •Wordpress exercise,<br />Week 2 Topic: History of the Internet and HTML<br />The Internet is a relatively new facility that has rapidly grown and evolved. Development of varying functionality has seen growth in commercial activity and more recently into social networking. To understand the varied directions it is important to understand the background of development, the initial aims of those involved in development and how these aims are still guiding much activity.<br />Workshop<br />•HTML Exercises, •Presentation schedule established, •Authorisation of final research topic for each team.<br />Week 3 Topic: Interviewing Clients<br />Communication plays a vital role in the creative industries. Knowing what your client wants and needs and maintaining effective communication is a key determent of a successful project. It's important to ask the right questions and negotiate to ensure your client is satisfied with their investment and you are satisfied with the quality of work your produce.<br />Workshop<br />•Team to continue research topic, •Demonstration of social networking tools, •Introduction to Website software—what can you do with Word press/ Dreamweaver/ Ning, •View sample proposals.<br />Week 4 Topic: Web 2.0 and Beyond<br />What are the technologies that now make up web 2.0 How has it changed the way we use the web and how has it changed the ways we communicate as a society. How do social networking tools continue the principles that led to the “invention of the web”?<br />Workshop<br />•Intro to Fireworks, •Image optimisation exercises,<br />6<br />•Interview client<br />Week 5 Topic: Audience and Intent<br />•Most websites have an aim or intent. It may be informational. Commercial, entertainment, service provision etc. How do we ensure that the aim is achieved?<br />•Why is the audience important in website development? How do we know who our audience are and how do we communicate the aim to our audience?<br />•Development and design process •Audience analysis and profiling<br />Workshop<br />•Image slicing • Profiling<br />Week 6 Topic: User Interface Design<br />Interface design is not just about placing graphics on a screen. It must also address issues of interactivity and functionality. This week we will look at theories behind User Interface Design and how these theories can be applied to website design.<br />Workshop<br />•Design analysis •Plan documents discussion •Usability testing<br />Week 7 Topic: Online Privacy<br />The Internet is a conglomerate of information, much of which is personal user data. This includes details such as out addresses, bank card details, phone number, hobbies, videos, pictures etc. Who can use this information and to what purpose? How can we ensure the privacy of web users?<br />Workshop<br />•Dreamweaver Layout •Site structure and file management<br />Week 8 Topic: Copyright, and Ethics<br />Rapid changes in technology have created unpredicted problems in copyright. Free and easy access to Internet technology has created opportunities for the less ethical to reach wide audiences. This week we will have a guest lecturer to outline current copyright issues in the digital environment and discuss ethical behaviour in the digital world.<br />Workshop<br />•Dreamweaver exercises - CSS •File management<br />7<br />Week 9 Topic: Open Source Project<br />Open source software allows users to view, edit, and study code of some software. This has many advantages for programmers and businesses looking to implement software which caters to their needs. We will have a look at some open source software and the advantages for its users and programmers.<br />Workshop<br />•Blog Presentation •Dreamweaver exercises •Meta Data •Site building<br />Week 10 Topic: Making Money from the Web<br />Commercial licensing of the Internet led to an explosion in the growth of technology and applications. Organisations and companies have had to change traditional practises to adapt to new markets that the Internet has provided.<br />Workshop<br />•Blog Presentation •Dreamweaver exercises •Site building •FTP exercise<br />Week 11 Topic: Web and the Arts<br />Creative professionals have been utilising the web as a means for increased distribution of creative works. It has often been this group of people who have pushed new technologies in ways not predicted and in the process new art forms have developed. How are the Creative Industries using the Web to increase both their commercial success and to create new and innovative practises?<br />Workshop<br />•Blog Presentation • Dreamweaver •FTP exercise.<br />Week 12 Topic: Future of the Web & Security<br />Where is technology headed? What can we expect in the next 10, 20 30 years. Will twitter survive or evolve?? How to work out what is next?<br />Workshop<br />•Bug testing and, •FTP to server.<br />ASSESSMENT<br />The assessment for this unit is as follows: The assessment for this unit is as follows:<br />1. 2. 3.<br />Assessment 130% Assessment 230% Assessment 340% Total100%<br />Paragraph on the submission of assignments including:<br />•Students at no point in times should hand in a physical copy of the work to your tutor, students must only submit their work via vuacm1010@gmail.com<br />•Groups must have their blogs on the wordpress.com platform •Student assignments must adhere with the student charter and all relevant VU policies •Students must submit doc or pdf documents for the second assignment •Students must upload their website on the prescribed VU server, EMAIL SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE GRADED •Students must email the URL of the website for submission •Students must submit a PHSYICAL student cover sheet to their tutor with all assignments •Failure to meet the above requirements may results in the students having to resubmit the work and which may results<br />in the student handing in the assignment late<br />All assignments must be submitted by 5pm of the day prescribed, failure to meet this deadline will result in a student losing 2 marks per working day, after five days students top mark is 50%.<br />1. Assignment 1: Blog & Presentation (30%)<br />Students will work in teams (max of three students per team) to investigate one aspect of current Web technology/application within the teams chosen professional area (e.g. Teaching, Public Relations, Creative Arts, Health etc...)<br />Each team will establish a blog on wordpress.com to record responses and discussion of the chosen area and will present findings via a tutorial presentation.<br />Length: Equivalent to 1200 words Value: 30% (individual mark 15% for blog content and 15% group mark for presentation) Details: See detailed assessment sheet Due date: Scheduled throughout semester<br />2. Assessment 2: Website Documentation (30%)<br />For the purposes of this assessment task you are to develop a set of design specifications for a website for a non-profit organisation (a list of organisations will be distributed in class – students may pick their own organisation but it must be approved by your tutor).<br />Length: 1500 words Details: See detailed assessment sheet Value: 30% Due date: Week 6, closing time 5pm<br />3. Assessment 3: Website Prototype (40%)<br />•Your major assignment this semester is to create a website prototype. This means that it will be a sample of a larger site that displays the skills that you have learnt this semester. The prototype will be for the non-profit organisation chosen in Assessment 2. The finished website should consist of at least three interlinked pages. It must be a site which promotes a non-profit, charitable organisation.<br />Length: 3-5 web pages Details: See detailed assessment sheet Value: 40% Due date: Week 12, closing time 5pm<br />11<br />Assessment Grades<br />HDHigh Distinction<br />DDistinction<br />CCredit<br />PPass<br />N1Fail<br />N2Low Fail<br />80-100<br />70-79<br />60-69<br />50-59<br />40-49<br />0-39<br />•High level of original thinking •Very high level of critical thinking and<br />reflection •Appreciation of complexity •High quality structure and expression •Scholarly in citing ideas of others<br />•Some original thinking •High level of critical thinking and reflection •Appreciation of complexity •Scholarly in citing ideas of others •Very clear, well developed argument •Coherent structure and flow of ideas<br />•Access to multiple literature sources ‘well read’<br />•Integration of literature and argument •Clear, well developed argument which<br />illustrates some understanding of complexity<br />in issues •Coherent structure and flow of ideas •Statements supported by evidence and facts •References well using Harvard<br />•Evidence of structure •Uses Harvard referencing •Addresses the topic •Attempts to analyse – more than simply<br />descriptive •Demonstration of basic understanding of<br />concepts being used •Arguments understandable to audience /<br />reader<br />•Poor evidence of structure •Errors in using Harvard referencing •Doesn’t address the topic adequately •Very little analysis – mainly descriptive •Poor understanding of concepts being used •Arguments often not understandable to<br />audience/reader<br />•Poor evidence of structure •Failure to use or many errors in using<br />Harvard referencing •Doesn’t address the topic •Very little or no analysis – mainly descriptive •Poor understanding of concepts being used •Arguments not understandable to<br />audience/reader.<br />12<br />13<br />