INFO 652 – Internet Information Resource Design

This course offers a hands-on introduction to creating sophisticated websites to support users’ information needs. Course content covers website design, implementation, and evaluation. Requirements include establishing a website, composing text and graphic files for the website, using scripts for interactive application, installing a search engine, and creating reports on usage.

Entry Requirements

INFO 511 Information Resources and Services II or equivalent HTML knowledge

Prerequisite To

INFO 653 Digital Libraries

Goals and Objectives

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

· Demonstrate an understanding of many of the elements of web design including advanced HTML techniques, scripting, visual information design, and usability techniques.

· Design and implement a Web site.

· Understand and apply the basic concepts, theories and practices of website development as they apply to information support in organizations.

Evaluate websites analytically.

· Demonstrate an ability to work in team-based web development projects

· Appreciate the need for continuing self-education for web technologies

Course Material

Much of the material that we will cover in this course will be derived from:

Required text(s):

· Stauffer, T. Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Creating Web Pages, 2nd ed. (paperback). Indianapolis, IN: QUE.

· Student Membership in ACM. To join go to http://www.acm.org/membership/student/studentjoinpage1218.html . (We will be using modules that are available for free to student members).

Recommended text:

Williams and Tollett (2000), Non-Designers Web Book, 2^nd ed. (paperback). Berkeley: Peachpit Press.

Online resources are listed as active links in the course calendar.

Software: This class will use several web development software programs. Sample and evaluation copies of various products and services will be acquired via web downloads so as to provide the student with a menu of availabilities.

Assessment

Performance in this course will be evaluated through a range of assessments. First, students will develop a personal webpage as an individual assignment. Second, students will select a website and offer a critical analysis and recommendation for update (individual assignment). Third, students will engage in a team-based web development project and present a mid-term status report (group assignment). Fourth, students will conduct a web-development or web-technology related product review and demonstration (individual assignment). Finally, teams will present final websites and group process reports (group assignment).

Assignment instructions are posted on the supplemental course website. All assignments are expected to be submitted in electronic format as a link from the student’s personal website (building on the one developed as a result of the first assignment). Using the digital drop box, students will submit the URL for their personal webpage directly pointing to the assignment that is due. Electronic feedback and grades will be distributed through the supplemental course website. As graduate students you are expected to dedicate time to produce quality assignment submissions. Attention to grading deserves equal quality and thus grades for assignments may take up to two weeks but will normally be within that time period. All assignments are due by Thursday at midnight of the week designated in the course calendar. Late assignments are subject to penalty of a lower grade. Assignments submitted 24-hours past the due date will result in an automatic failure of the assignment.

The contribution of each assignment to the overall grade is as follows:

Component	Points
Personal Website	100
Critical Analysis & Recommendation	100
Team Interim Presentations	300
Product Review & Demonstration	100
Team Final Presentations	300
Class Participation/Group Exercises	100
Total	1000

Letter grades will be determined using a standard percentage point evaluation as outlined below.

A 90%-100%

B 80%-89%

C 70%-79%

D 60%-69%

F Below 60%

Course Policies

The following policies will be used throughout the course:

1. Attendance & Participation: Attendance will be monitored during the quarter. Attendance is highly encouraged in that we will cover new material each class period. Much of the knowledge needed to complete assignments is based on information gained from lectures, class discussion, and in-class activities, so it is to your benefit to attend class. Absences in excess of 3 during the quarter will result in a one letter grade reduction in your final course grade. Please do not cheat yourself by not attending class.

2. Assignments: Assignments are to be turned in on the date indicated in the syllabus. I am interested in you maximizing your learning experience; please do not cheat yourself by merely copying someone else’s work.

3. Academic Dishonesty: Projects and papers are expected to reference resources that support knowledge gained in order to complete the assignment. You are expected to consult more than one resource. Resources should derive from a combination of both traditional texts and electronic formats. Students are expected to use proper citation style to credit referenced resources. Failure to do so is considered a violation of the Academic Honesty Policy. The College of Information Science and Technology diligently prosecutes all cases of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty as defined by the student handbook includes representing the work of others, as one's own or cheating by any means. Academic dishonesty also includes aiding, abetting, concealing or attempting such activity. In accordance with the Student Judicial Policy in the Drexel University Official Student Handbook, academic dishonesty reports will be submitted. The usual penalty is an 'F' in the course, and possible suspension from the university. Students guilty of cheating on a test, program, paper, or homework will be given a zero for that project. Depending on the severity of the occurrence, the penalty could be an F for the course or expulsion from the university. For more information on academic policy see http://www.drexel.edu/studentlife/PDFs/Drexel_UCMC_0405_Hndbk.pdf

The APA style manual is the citation style guide students will be expected to follow for written assignments. For additional information on citation style resources please see the W.W. Hagerty Library website at: http://www.library.drexel.edu/resources/tutorials/citations.html

4. Special Needs: In accordance with the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special accommodations, please contact me immediately. For more information see the student handbook at http://www.drexel.edu/studentlife/PDFs/Drexel_UCMC_0405_Hndbk.pdf

5. Classroom Etiquette: As a courtesy to others, please silence all electronic devices during class. Please do not use computers during class for extra-curricular activities. Refrain from idle chat during class as it distracts others. Disruptive behavior and disorderly conduct during class will not be tolerated and appropriate action will be taken for violations (refer to the student handbook).

Incompletes will only be given for extraordinary non-academic reasons consistent with Drexel University policies.

Communication

When asking course related questions outside of formal class hours, please post to the supplemental course website. Several others may have the same question. Answering the question once simplifies the communication process. I will also communicate important class information via the course site and all students are responsible for checking the site regularly for such information. My policy is to check the website once per day between 10 AM and Noon. Postings made after noon may not elicit a response until the following day. Only e-mail me directly with questions if they are of a personal matter or an emergency issue. When sending an e-mail use INFO 652 in the subject line.

This syllabus is a guide and subject to change as we progress during the quarter. Changes will be minor and always evaluated in the best interest of the class and usually occur based on circumstances we cannot predict. Web development is fast-paced and challenging, and often involves self-directed and peer learning to keep up to date. This course is reflective of that. This quarter I expect we will work together diligently to attain the course objectives yet have fun along the road to learning.