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What is this course about?
In this course you will ‘test drive’ several of new Web applications like blogging, wikis, podcasting, Flickr, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Google Docs and SecondLife. Then you can judge for yourself how useful they might be in your work life. You’ve probably heard of some of these and maybe you’ve started experimenting with some of them. Learning to unleash new ways to communicate is like learning to ‘think outside the box’. It is fun and innovative. Find out for yourself. top of page
Can you give me an example of how Web 2.0 applications are used? Sure. There are as many examples as there are people who need to work with other people. A doctor’s office could blog to encourage healthy lifestyles. A store could use social networking to feature new products. A family could wiki to share their genealogy research . A teacher could podcast lessons to make it easier for students to study. But you’ll never know which tool works best for you if you don’t try them. If you’re not sure, send me an email and we can discuss it. top of page
Where and when does this class meet?
This is a distance education class. Your weekly routine will look something like this: Sunday evening a new lecture will be posted. Mon—Fri complete the assignment including post your material to the Internet as directed. Sat—Sun view what other students in your group posted, send them helpful comments, read the reviews other students send you and tweak your original post with improvements. top of page
I already use some of these Web 2.0 applications. Can I just post links to pages I’ve been working on for the past year to ‘test out’ of this class?
No, you will be building an integrated group of applications. These will demonstrate your skills to an employer or to clients. Your class projects can be used to showcase Web 2.0 applications and your expertise in developing and deploying them. top of page
Can I take this course at my own pace?
Unfortunately, no. Web 2.0 applications are all about collaboration. Students need each other for peer review, so it is imperative that you are all on the same topic each week in this full-semester course. top of page
What are the exams and quizzes like?
Sorry, no exams. However, there will be a few quizzes over the vocabulary and concepts that are associated with each tool. Their purpose is to make sure you master the material. top of page
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What will determine my final grade?
Grades are based on a total of 100 points. There will be 20 points for completing the quizzes and up to 20 points for each of your best 4 (out of 5) projects. When each project is assigned you will know exactly how points are to be earned for the various tasks in that project. top of page
Who chooses my project topics?
You do. Because you will better understand how to utilize these new tools if you are working with a topic that is interesting to you and that you are already familiar with. top of page
What if I’m going to be out of town during the semester?
That’s the great thing about a distance education class. You can log in to get the lecture and assignment from anywhere in the world. You can find free computers at most public libraries or you can use an Internet Cafe for a small fee when you are traveling. Most major projects reflect more than one week’s work and have a deadline ‘window’ so that, with a little planning, you should be able to work around any business or family responsibilities. And, in the final analysis, the grades from only the four highest scoring projects out of the five assigned will count towards your final grade. top of page
Are there prerequisites for this class?
The listed prerequisite is IS 101 and ideally you have already taken that class. But if you are comfortable with computers and using the Internet (for example, you download files, use a word processor, perhaps do instant messaging, attach files to emails and things like this regularly) you can request instructor’s permission to take Dynamic Web Applications. Send me an email with your request and reasons you should be able to take this class. Include your student (C#). I will forward your registration request to a DE administrator for you.
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What equipment do I need?
Since all of your tools are online, you can use your own computer with an Internet connection or one located in a CSN computer lab. It can be either a Mac or an IBM compatible computer. Most computers today come with a built-in microphone and speakers which you will use occasionally. It would be helpful if you have a digital camera for taking pictures and/or short videos. But if you don’t have a digital camera you can scan and upload pictures for your projects using CSN computer lab scanners. top of page
Is DE right for me?
This all depends on your ability to set aside enough time in your schedule each week to complete the assignments. A three-credit class usually requires around 6 hours a week. The advantage of DE is the flexibility of when you do the work; you don’t have to drive through traffic, compete for a scarce parking place or give up your normal activities to attend an inconvenient class/location. I will support you with weekly videos, detailed instructions and frequent feedback. You will make new friends as you work in groups to master Web 2.0 applications. top of page
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