Course Map
The coursemap provides a graphical overview of the main types of information included in this site. You can select components in the Figure to go to their corresponding locations. You can read more about them and there relationships to one another, below.
The core of the course is the coursepage. Virtually all information is directly linked to this overview page. It is the first thing you see when you enter the site, and you are likely to return to it often. It is always accessible through the left panel of the display.
The backbone of the course is the schedule. It lists each class lecture, its topic, and assignments due that day. It also includes links to course content. The initial link off each date on the schedule is to a brief Introductory Note for that lecture. It, in turn, links to one of the discussions included in the course Resources section. It is always accessible through the left panel of the display.
Each class lecture is introduced by a brief, one-page note. It identifies the goals for the class, provides a summary of the material that will be covered, links to the appropriate resource that will provide the actual content for the lecture, and concludes with an assignment for the class meeting.
Most of the technical content for the course is included in a set of discussions included in a Resources section. These are substantial presentations covering topics that normally occupy one or two class meetings. Most include illustrative code intended to be discussed and executed in class. The resource section is always accessible through the left panel of the display.
Students present their work for the course as Web pages referenced from a coursepage each maintains for that purpose. All participants are listed on a page of participants that includes links to their respective coursepages.
The Java component of the course includes a substantial project done collaboratively by 2-4 students. A projects page lists each project and links to a homepage for each project.
The course includes several on-line tools. Forums or newsgroups address topics of concern to the class. A search engine indexes class-related materials, enabling participants to quickly locate particular pages from class materials. A third type of tool is a chatroom. It is particularly helpful for classes taught using a distant learning format.
Several programming assignments are included. The Java assignments are provided in the form of Java applets that can be run from the course schedule. However, much of the course work is concerned with a moderate-sized project for the Perl and CGI segment and a more substantial team project for the Java segment.
Two exams are included: a mid-term and a final. They are normally posted to the class web after all students have taken them
Several administrative pages are included. They provide general information about the course, similar to information that would be given out as course handouts. An Abstract provides a one-page description of the course, suitable for announcing the class several months before it is offered and for publication in lists of courses. A Welcome statement is a brief announcement that can be the first thing published under the class coursepage, welcoming students who have enrolled in the course. A class Description outlines specific requirements for the course, the grading policy, etc.