COURSE CALENDAR | WEEK 01 CLASS OUTLINE | Homework

Topics Covered in Class:

Introductions, goals, syllabus, grading policy, course materials, and labs.
Assessment of student expectations and abilities
How the Web Works (animation), Connecting to the Internet (animation)
The History of the Web, As we remember it..., the Near Future and the FUTURE.
The Semantic WEB of the Future -- Explanation | TBL Interview
What is Net Neutrality?
1. Net Neutrality explained
2. Save the Internet -- send your congressperson a message!
3. Is the Internet a Series of TUBES? Sadly, the man in charge of regulating it thinks so.
4. Net Neutrality explained
The Design Spectrum: What is Design?
Creating a Web Page following the Basic Rules and Syntax of XHTML / XHTML building blocks
XHTML tutorial: http://www.htmldog.com/guides/htmlbeginner/

Introductions

Welcome to Web Design and Implementation. In the first half of this class we will learn the basic tools for producing contemporary, standards compliant web sites. These tools will include: XHTML (Extensible Hyper Text Markup Language) for structure and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) for presentation. Later we will enhance our sites with images using Adobe Photoshop/Image Ready. We will use Macromedia Dreamweaver MX for coding and site maintenance.
The co requisite class, Information Architecture, will cover in tandem, the basics of web page design principles: good navigability, interface design, effective communication, and the importance of a interoperable and accessible sites.

Goals

A goal of this class is to make sure every student learns the skills to build effective, well-designed web sites and develops the tools to continue to learn.
There will be 2 major projects, weekly quizzes, homework assignments and in-class demos. You will also be keeping a weekly learning log.
At the end of semester all class work will be fully functional and published on the external FTP servers.
Make really impressive web sites and invent something everyday.

Expectations

You are expected to spend at least 2 additional hours a week (outside of class) on homework, class projects and study.
You are expected to turn in your work on the date due.
You are expected to arrive on time and attend all classes. If you miss or are late for a class, you will miss the quiz for that class and points will be deducted from your final grade.
You are expected to participate in class discussions, critiques and exercises.
You are expected to be respectful of your fellow students and offer help when needed.
You are expected to back up your work on CD or an alternate device every week. Do not leave files on the lab computers, they will be deleted. Excuses for lost or corrupted ZIP disks or FLASH drives are not acceptable. THERE ARE NO FLOPPY DRIVES IN THE ADGA LABS.

Syllabus

Please thoroughly read the syllabus and grading policy. If you have questions please contact the professor.

Course Materials

By next class you will need a Flash drive, ipod or USB Zip drive to transport your files AND a spindle of recordable/rewriteable CDs or a Firewire Drive to back up your work. Flash Drives and Zip Disks are fine for transferring files from computer to computer, but they are not an acceptable form of permanent backup.
There is no required text, but I recommend this new book:
- Build Your Own Web Site the Right Way Using HTML & CSS
  Ian Lloyd, SitePoint (May 2, 2006)
  ISBN: 0975240293
  The book's website: http://www.sitepoint.com/books/html1/code.php
Other recommendations:
- Web Designer's Reference: An Integrated Approach to Web Design with XHTML and CSS
  Craig Grannell, Friends of ED, (2005)
  ISBN: 1-59059-430-4
- Web Standards Solutions: The Markup and Style Handbook (Pioneering Series)
  Dan Cederholm, Friends of ED, (2004)
  ISBN: 1590593812
  Author URL: www.simplebits.com
- The Zen of CSS Design
- CSS Mastery
The following CLASS SITE will be utilized for the posting of class materials. Please check it every week for new announcements and updates. The syllabus, handouts, assignments and quizzes will be posted here for your reference.

www.jennaspevack.com/~citytech/

Labs

You will be working on projects, tests and assignments for at least two hours outside of class. If you don't have a computer at home you will need to utilize the ADGA Labs during the week or on the weekends. Check the ADGA Department Posters to find out exact hours and days. You may also use the 4th Floor Student Lab, the Learning Center lab or the ePortfolio lab if you have an account.

Homework | Week 1

Bring to class the web page we started today. We will continue to work on this page next class from where we left off.
There will be a quiz addressing web standards, structure vs. presentation and the basic rules and syntax of XHTML. Review these pages to prepare:
- What are Web Standards? from the Web Standards Group
- STRUCTURE vs. PRESENTATION
- The Basic Rules and Syntax of XHTML