CIT 235 - Web Development
Fall 2008 Syllabus
Course Description:
This course expands the skills base introduced in the CIT 230 course, including use of XHTML 1.0 Strict, CSS 2.1, WCAG 1.0 access guidelines and usability guidelines. New concepts are introduced including database driven dynamic web page using PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, AJAX and XML. In addition, students will research legal topics including copyright, privacy and terms of use. The course use the BYU-Idaho Learning Model. Please be sure to read and understand the expectations within this model.
Materials:
- Krug, Steve. (2006). Don’t Make Me Think, 2nd Ed. Berkeley, CA: New Riders (ISBN 0-321-34475-8). Required Book
- Powers, David (2007). The essential guide to Dreamweaver CS3 with CSS, AJAX and PHP. (ISBN 978-1-59059-859-7). Required Book
- Domain name for yourself with linux domain hosting for at least the length of this course. I recommend godaddy.com. GoDaddy is basic, easy to setup and use and inexpensive. It is not robust and full featured. If you choose a different host you will be responsible for all setup and control. I may not be able to assist you.
- Adobe Creative Suite 3 Web Premium (available in Smith 476 or for purchase from the BYUI bookstore)
- Active BYU-Idaho student email account (check it daily!)
Objectives:
Students will demonstrate both knowledge and application skills for:
- Contining use of principles and concept introduced in CIT 230;
- Planning, developing and maintaining MySQL databases for a hosted site;
- Creating database driven dynamic web pages using PHP and SQL;
- Implementing JavaScript for page behaviors appropriate to the task;
- Implementing basic AJAX interactions;
- Expanding CSS to multiple user-agents: Screen, Print and Handheld;
- Researching legal concepts of copyright, privacy and terms of use and writing web-appropriate policies related to each;
- Working individually and in groups to develop web sites that meet deadlines while producing work that meets performance standards.
Assignments:
All assignments are submitted by being posted to the student's web site by the due date. Unless otherwise noted all assignments should be XHTML strict web pages.
| Assignment |
|---|
Site HostingStudents will be responsible for acquiring their own linux-based web hosting (MySQL database included) and domain name. I recommend goDaddy.com and signing up for their $1.99 domain name special. Hosting must be maintained for the duration of the course. Once the hosting and domain name is operational, you must email me your web address (URL) and I will create a common directory for the class to allow members of the class to visit one another's sites. |
Development AssignmentsAssignments are given to practice the skills and concepts covered in class and must be posted to your web site via an "Assignments" page. These assignments will demonstrate:
|
Alternative CSS ImplementationCSS can control the presentation of the web content for different user agents. All web pages will use a minimum of three media styles sheets - Screen, Print and Handheld. All should be developed and tested across multiple browsers and versions. All CSS must be validated using the W3C CSS validator. |
Student Web SiteEach student will plan, build and maintain an web standards compliant, database driven web site which meets the objectives outlined in the class objectives list and the posted criteria. |
Business Web SiteEach student will join a web development team and the team will plan, design, build and maintain a web standards compliant business site which meets the criteria for the site. Whenever possible these sites will be for real businesses so as to allow a real experience working with clients to achieve business goals. Once the site has been developed and presented the site must be delivered to the owner. The owner must then notify Br. Robertson indicating that the site has been delivered. Only when this has occurred will the team be given credit for the site. |
Research PapersConduct research and write three research papers which overview and document 1) concepts relevant to copyright as it applies to the internet and development of web pages and sites, 2) privacy concepts as they apply to the internet and collecting personally identifiable information from or about users of web sites, and 3) how a Terms of Use policy affects both the user and owner of a web site. The papers must contain a minimum of five references each, be properly referenced using MLA style and be double spaced and have a minimum length of four pages (excluding references page). The papers must be developed in a word processor and posted to the student web site as pdf a document.In addition, each student will develop the following policies for their own and the business web site: a Privacy policy and a Terms of Use policy that demonstrates application of the concepts researched. These policies must be accessible from the footer on each page of the web site. |
Web Development Summary (WDS) & PresentationEach student will conduct weekly research into a web development concept or technique of her or his own choosing (Topics may come from CSS, PHP, SQL, JavaScript or a related topic). Based upon the research the student will prepare a weekly summary report (1 page, due each Saturday). The summary report should include the following elements: a) an appropriate title, b) a summary of the concept or technique being reported, c) a working example of the concept or technique being being reported.In addition, each student will present a maximum 5 minute presentation on one of his or her summary reports. The summaries and presentation must be accessible from the student web site's assignment page. The presentation must be developed using powerpoint, flash or another graphical presentation tool. |
AccessibilityEach student must demonstrate implementation of usability and accessibility mechanisms in their personal and business website. These mechanisms will be implemented in the web pages and explained using a colophon page. The Krug text will assist with usability, the WCAG and Section 508 guidelines give direction for accessibility. |
ExamsStudents will take two exams (mid-term and final) during the course to assess their understanding of the stated objectives. The midterm is conceptual while the final is production. The final is required in order to pass the class. |
Late Work PolicyAll work is due by midnight (unless otherwise indicated) on the dates specified by the professor and/or the schedule listed below. Assignments submitted after the deadline are penalized 50%. Be prompt and on time with all assignments. It is your responsibility to test assignment links for functionality. Broken links are the same as late assignments. |
Grading:
All numbers are percentages.
| 94 - 100 | A |
| 90 - 93.9 | A- |
| 87 - 89.9 | B+ |
| 80 - 86.9 | B |
| 77 - 79.9 | C+ |
| 70 - 76.9 | C |
| 67 - 69.9 | D+ |
| 60 - 66.9 | D |
| <59.9 | F |
Lab Facilities
The Smith 476 computer lab is available for your use to complete assignments. Not all labs on campus will have all software used in the course. You should not enter any classroom while classes are in session. The lab operating hours are posted outside the door.
Download all assignments to your calendar program. This link returns an .ics file based on the microformating code in this page. The .ics file can be used to place all of the assignments for class into your calendaring program. If you are using a Mac, just click the open button and it will import the course assignments to iCal within a calendar of your choice. If you are using a PC, save the file. Then open your calendar program and import the file to a calendar of your choice.
Tentative Schedule
The schedule below is tentative in that it is a best effort anticipation of how the semester will progress. However, I reserve the right to alter it as needed. Most formal assignments are due on Saturday by midnight. These assignments are listed as the last entry under each week and the date is shown. There are practice assignments that will given in class that are in addition to those shown on the schedule.
- Week 1
- Intro to course; Basic Development Guides reviewed (Site hosting; Guideline Readings)
- 9/13 — Saturday - Domain name and hosting acquired; URL submitted; Basic page posted;
- Week 2
- Database Essentials [Read Powers, pp. 402-403, 429-468]
- 9/20 — Saturday — WDS 1;
- Week 3
- PHP Essentials [Read Powers, Ch. 10 & pp. 364 - 388]
- 9/27 — Saturday - WDS 2; Copyright Research Paper;
- Week 4
- Input Devices — Forms and validation (client-side & server-side) [Powers, Ch. 9 & 11]
- 10/4 — Saturday - WDS 3; Business Teams formed and submitted
- Week 5
- Recordsets — Dynamic content on pages [Powers, Ch. 16 & 17]
- 10/11 — Saturday - WDS 4; Privacy Research Paper;
- Week 6
- Dynamic page development — continued
- 10/18— Saturday - WDS 5; Business site plan due;
- Week 7
- Maintaining State with markup devices — Sessions & Cookies [Powers, Ch. 15]
- 10/25 — Saturday - WDS 6; Terms of Use Research Paper;
- Week 8
- First Class Meeting — Mid-term Exam
- Passing and using parameters in dynamic interactions
- 11/1 — Saturday - WDS 7;
- Week 9
- Alternative Style sheets (Print and Handheld CSS)
- 11/8 — Saturday - WDS 8;
- Week 10
- Scripting Essentials & AJAX interactions
- 11/15 — Saturday - WDS 9;
- Week 11
- AJAX Continued [Optional - Powers, Ch. 7 & 8]
- 11/22 — Saturday - WDS 10;
- Week 12
- Monday & Tuesday — Work Days on your own (no class)
- Wednesday through Saturday — Thanksgiving Holiday
- Week 13
- Business site presentations — Business Site due by class presentation
- 12/6 — Saturday - All late work due today!
- Week 14
- First Class Meeting — Student Site Assessment
- Second Class Meeting — Final Exam Grading
Class Policies
Computer Ethics
The use of the school´s network, systems and data impose responsibilities and obligations upon the students to use these computer components in an ethical manner and in accordance with the guidelines found in the Honor Code. Students are to access only data and files that are owned by them or the instructor who has given explicit authorization for them to be used. Copyrighted material must be used in accordance with copyright law and applicable license agreements followed. Attempting to circumvent or subvert system security measures or engaging in any activity that causes harm to systems or to any information stored thereon, such as creating or propagating viruses, disrupting services, or damaging files are considered inappropriate use. Violators are subject to disciplinary actions as prescribed by school policy and may also be prosecuted under applicable local, state, or federal civil or criminal law.
Content Disclaimer
This syllabus represents a proposed overview of the content, expectations and sequence of the course. Changes may occur during the course at the discretion of the teacher. Students will be informed when and if such changes occur.
Honor Code
All students are expected to abide by the Honor Code and Dress and Grooming Standards. These standards apply to all classrooms and labs. If you are not sure of the standards or honor code, please review them here: Dress and Grooming and Honor Code. Hats, caps and shorts are all popular attire, but are not appropriate for classrooms and should not be worn in classrooms or labs by men or women.
Reasonable Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
In compliance with applicable disability law, qualified students with a disability may be entitled to ´reasonable accommodation.´ It is the student´s responsibility to disclose to appropriate personnel in the Services for Students with a Disability (SSD) Office any special need he/she may have and to provide the appropriate documentation of the disability. The SSD office is located inside the Learning Assistance Center, McKay Library 1st floor.
