Interactive Communications (COM 314), University of Texas, Austin
Teachers: Gary B. Wilcox, Professor, David Cook, Courtney Tate

Week 1-2

Background on the Web; browsing and searching skills.

Finding and recognizing quality web pages, critique some web pages and analyze the layout and components. After the first two weeks we want you to be able to find things and develop a more critical eye for Web pages.

Assignment 1 - Due February 1 Notes and Handouts for Weeks 1-2 Browsing the World Wide Web with Netscape Computer Account Validation Adding UTS to your IF account Preparing Your UTS account for Personal Web Publishing Logging in to UTS from a Mac, PC Web Design Guidelines Web Design and Etiquette Tips Web Style Guide (from Yale)

Week 3 - 4 Web page construction basics using HTML; this will also cover the basic UNIX commands needed to serve pages on the UT Austin campus. Assignment 2 - Due February 15 Notes and Handouts from Weeks 3-4 Uploading Web pages with WS_FTP (Windows) Uploading Web pages with Fetch (Macintosh) A Beginner's Guide to HTML The 216 Colors of Netscape John December's HTML Station HTML Tables

Week 5 Foundations and theory of interactive communication and media. We will also discuss Web policy issues such as security, privacy and copyright. Exam 1 - In class on February 24, (Sample Exam) Assignment 3 - Due March 2 Notes and Handouts from Week 5 Interactive Communication PowerPoint Presentation Jo Betsy Vaught's Powerpoint Presentation Getting Started with Microsoft Excel

Week 6 - 8 Web graphics - discuss different web file formats, browser safe colors, and scanning. Image manipulaton with Adobe PhotoShop and creation of client-side image maps. Assignment 4 - Due Thursday, March 9 Notes and Handouts for Weeks 6-8 Scanning Creating Clickable Image Maps Getting Started with Adobe PhotoShop

Week 9 - 11 Advanced HTML, animated GIFs, and Web programming techniques including frames, Web forms and simple JavaScript. Assignment 5 - Due Thursday, April 6 Exam 2 - In class on Tuesday, April 11 Notes and Handouts Frames Simple JavaScript Example changing background color JavaScript Rollover script

Weeks 12 - 15 Class does not meet at regular times. Groups will be required to meet with Dr. Wilcox about their group project. Last day of class final projects due and presented in class

Gary B. Wilcox, Professor, David Cook, Courtney Tate, Gary B. Wilcox, Professor, David Cook, Courtney Tate

Copyright © 2000 Gary B. Wilcox, Professor, David Cook, Courtney Tate. All rights reserved.