1. What am I expected to bring to class with me? Each time you come to class, it is a good idea to bring along a notebook in which to keep your ideas as you work. The class only meets for one hour a week or two hours every other week, so you'll want to make the best use of your time there. In your notebook you may want to include notes on e-mail received and sent and to whom, web pages found that you want to remember for the future, names of files created and what folders you saved them to, problems encountered and what needs to be done to solve them, e-mail addresses you might want to contact, flow charts to map ideas for web pages, ideas for projects, sketches for graphics, ideas for poems or songs or stories, new words you see or hear, feelings about what you are working on.
2. What is a hybrid or blended course? This is a course where students meet part of the time and the rest of the time attend class online. This course has been designed to give you resources and discussion forums, ways of communicating with your classmates, and in particular, with your team regarding course assignments and projects.
3. How do I know what assignments are and when they are due? From the Course Main Page you will find the SCHEDULE with the weekly agenda. Click on the Week ahead to see what we will be doing in class and what assignments or activities will be covered. Also at MySeneca, you may find additional ANNOUNCEMENTS to keep up with the latest information. New postings regarding the course are made each weekend. This creates a special challenge for students who are scheduled for Monday classes to find time to prepare for class.
4. What books do I need for this course? You may not need any books or you may want to purchase the recommended text books. In the past students have found it extremely helpful to have the books for reference as they learn new skills. You will also find information in the Help section of the tools you use on the computer. You may also find it helpful to browse in bookstores for other books related to the subjects covered in the course. Lists of books can be found in the course resources. Be aware however that books on sale may be for early versions of the software and later versions may operate differently. When you find books you think are very good, please bring them to class to show everyone.
5. I already know a lot of this stuff - what can I do to keep from getting bored? Here are a few suggestions: become a mentor/tutor to others in your class and help them learn how to do things. Start early on your web page portfolio and develop one with more complex functions than required. Come to see the professor about extra assignments. Join the WebStars Club and initiate a special web project.
6. Do I have to put my web pages on the learn server at Seneca? You may do your web pages on other servers as long as you provide the proper URLs to the professor when reporting your projects. The advantage of working on the learn server is that demonstrations in class of how to do certain operations will be done using this server. Also, keep in mind that you will need to use your learn e-mail address is you use the learn server and you need to abide by the rules of ITAUP.
7. Where else could I put my web pages? If you have a personal account with an Internet Service Provider, you will probably have 5 megabytes of space allotted to you for web pages. You will need to contact the provider to learn the proper procedures for placing your files in that account. There are a number of web sites that offer free space. In the Web Resources section of the course you will find a link to some. GeoCities is one of the more popular sites and now gives 15 MB of space to members.
8. Why do I have to use my learn account for e-mail? This is college policy. There are times when I need to send you messages with evaluation information. It is required that I send this to you on the school server. IF you prefer to have your e-mail forwarded to another account then that is your choice. If you do this, be sure you keep your account from being closed because you have exceeded the size limit.
9. What is my user id and password for BlackBoard? The program, BlackBoard, uses the same user ID or LOGIN name as the learn account. The password for the BlackBoard page for your class is your student ID number. Only members of your class have access to the site and the messages you post there.
10. What do I have to do at the BlackBoard site each week? Check for announcements, go to the Forum for the week. Read postings and respond with your own posting. Make sure you have completed the student web page with text, graphic and links. In the Group Pages for your team, contribute to the Forum where you discuss your team project. You can also use BlackBoard to send e-mail to the teacher and members of your class.
11. Why can't I use Front Page editor for my web pages? You can use Front Page, however, you MUST be able to display your web work using a Netscape browser. There are extensions used by Front Page that do not work well when displaying the page in Netscape. In order to avoid being disappointed and losing points on your project, be sure it works well in Netscape before submission.
12. Why does my web page look different on some computers? Check your display settings in the control panel to see if you are showing your work as 800 X 600 or Low-Res dimensions instead of the higher resolutions. You will want to experiment so that your web page layouts look good in either setting.
13. Can I use Flash and Frames in designing my web pages? When you are going to use advanced techniques for your web pages, it is best to develop two versions of your material. This gives the viewer of your site the option to select the version that their computer is capable of. It is also a good idea to advise visitors if they need to have a certain version of a browser in order to view the page optimally.
14. How can I earn bonus points in this class? Bonus points are given for extra work. You may contract to earn extra points if you have ideas for a special assignment related to the course work..
15. I have a question that is not answered here - what do I do? Your questions are welcome before, during and after class - actually, you may e-mail at any time, night or day and get a response to your questions as soon as possible. Usually, it is best to ask in class so that others may benefit from hearing the answer too. If you are on campus please check with the Help desk in the Annex when you have technical difficulties. Please let the professor know if you are not getting the help you need in the Annex.