Internet and Web Page Design

Course Syllabus

MCTC Course: 789

MSU Dual Credit: CSC 125 (3 hours, Murray State University)

Prerequisites: none

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course introduces the Internet and the World Wide Web. It covers the use of various Internet tools including browsers, FTP clients, mailers, LISTSERVs, newsgroups, and information utilities. A major part of this course involves design techniques for the presentation of Web-based static documents, Web language programming, and multimedia creation. Issues of connectivity are addressed including network loading, bandwidth limitations, and server performance. Finally, an overview of design considerations for commercial applications is provided covering security, database access, and interactive server scripting.

MSU COLLEGE CREDIT:

Students can receive both high school credit and college credit for this course through MSU Racer Academy. Please visit the Racer Academy webpage to learn more about admission requirements and tuition fees.

COURSE OUTLINE:

  • Short History (milestones) of the Internet

  • Different Internet applications

  • W3C

  • Client/Server Network System

  • FTP Servers; Web Servers

  • Connection to the Web

  • Internet vs World Wide Web

  • Different Ways to Create a Web Page:

    • Coding from Scratch

    • HTML Editors

    • Conversion Software (MS Word, Publisher, etc.)

    • Pros and Cons

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS:

ASSIGNMENT #1: Course Syllabus (25pts)

Directions: Take your syllabus home, look over it with your parents/guardians, then bring it back signed.

MC Online - Using School Computers and the Internet (Lesson Plans)

ASSIGNMENT #2: Computer Tips Poster (100pts)

Directions: Create a 17x11 or larger poster that reminds computer users about one of the following: Acceptable Use Policy, Internet Tips, or Digital Ethics. Grade will be based on the following:

+ Content - 25pts

+ Visual Appeal (balance, contrast, eye-catching, etc.) - 25pts

+ Organization and Layout - 25pts

+ Neatness - 25pts

History of the Internet

ASSIGNMENT #3: Internet Timeline (50pts)

Directions: Use the links below to research the history of the Internet, then create a timeline using MS Paint or Word (or LibreOffice). Timeline must be organized chronologically, colorful, professional, no grammatical errors, and awesome. DUE: Tuesday, August 14 (end of block).

Internet vs. World Wide Web Venn Diagram

World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)

Explore the W3C website to learn more about their purpose and importance.

ASSIGNMENT #4: W3C Website Questions

Internet vs World Wide Web

ASSIGNMENT #5: Internet vs WWW Venn Diagram

Research the difference between the internet and the world wide web, then create a Venn Diagram that compares and contrasts the two.

VOCABULARY TERMS:Internet, World Wide Web

Client / Server Relationship

The world wide web is a complex network of computers requesting information or services from other computers.

ASSIGNMENT #6: Server Sketchup

Fold a piece of 11"x17" paper both horizontally and vertically to divide it into 4 equal parts. In each quadrant write the server name (DNS server, email server, web server, or FTP server), draw a picture to help you remember the service it provides, then write the definition below the sketch.

VOCABULARY TERMS: client, server, protocol, DNS server, email server, web server, FTP server, telnet

How Web Servers Work

Creating Websites with Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML)

You can create your own web page and build your own website using HTML. Use the HTML Tutorial found at W3Schools.com to get started.

ASSIGNMENT #7: Building Your First Web Page (100pts)

As you learn about HTML using the w3schools.com website, build a web page to demonstrate your understanding of the HTML concepts learned.

Milestone 1: Initial Study of the Project

The class project presented here provides an opportunity to practice using the tools, techniques, theory and skills discussed in class and in your textbook to implement a Web site of your own choosing.

Pick a topic that interests you most.

ASSIGNMENT #8: Milestone 1: Initial Study of the Project (50pts)

Download the Milestone 1 document from the link provided. Follow directions carefully and submit your typed project proposal by September 28.

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

CSS is used to control the style and layout of multiple Web pages all at once. With CSS, all formatting can be removed from the HTML document and stored in a separate file. CSS gives you total control of the layout, without messing up the document content.

7 Best Practices for Improving Your Website’s Usability

Writing content for web users has its challenges. Chief among them is the ease with which your content is read and understood by your visitors (i.e. its readability). Continue reading this article by Mashable.com to learn more!

ASSIGNMENT #9: 7 Best Practices for Improving Your Website's Usability

Read the article, then complete the following:

1. List and include a brief description for each of the 7 Best Practices for Improving Your Website's Usability

2. As a result of reading this article, describe 5 specific changes you plan to make to your website to improve it.

Basic Web Design Principles

ASSIGNMENT #10: Please read the article, "Basic Web Design Principles," then complete the following:

1. Briefly summarize each bullet point under each of the subheadings (1pt each = 17 total points).

2. For each subheading clearly indicate the improvements you plan to make to your website (5pts each = 25 total points).

3. Turn in your notes, and use the rest of your class time implementing these changes.

HTML Image Maps

Description of how to create an Image Map found here - http://www.howtocreate.co.uk/tutorials/html/imagemaps

W3Schools Example