Revised: January 29, 2018
Northern Virginia Community College - Annandale Campus
ITE 170 - Multimedia Software, Spring 2018 (3 credits)
Sections
003N: Monday 3:30-6:10pm CT 228
005N: Wednesday 12:30pm-3:10pm CT 228
Instructor: Dr. William M. Pegram, wpegram@nvcc.eduWeb Site for Class: www.billpegram.com and www.nvcc.edu/home/wpegram but not updated as often; PowerPoints available on Blackboard
Prerequisite: ITE 115 (because it provides a limited introduction to HTML and to FTP)
Course Description:
The course will have several aspects:
- An introduction to HTML, CSS and FTP, building on the HTML/FTP knowledge now taught in ITE 115, and an introduction to Bootstrap, the leading CSS framework.
- A hands-on introduction to multimedia software, in particular Dreamweaver (the leading web authoring/HTML editor) and to a much less extent, Fireworks or Photoshop (computer graphics).
- Concepts relating to web design, web graphics, HTML, CSS and tools, web animation, and copyright and fair use.
The goal is roughly 50% tools and 50% concepts.
Software
The assignments in the first half of the course will be done with a text editor such as Notepad or Notepad++ (Windows) or Sublime Text (Windows and Mac). These are free downloads and are available on many campus computers.
Here are some alternatives for accessing Dreamweaver outside the classroom:
- Computers 12-23 in the open lab in CT122 have the CC software.
- There are 7 day free downloads of Dreamweaver CC, Fireworks 6 (there is no CC version of Fireworks), and other Adobe programs.. You can have a separate 7 day period for each of the programs. See www.adobe.com/creativecloud/catalog/desktop.html?promoid=KRUVM
- Purchase of software - Because you are students, you are eligible to purchase the Creative Cloud suite at greatly reduced prices - currently $19.99/month with a minimum 12-month commitment (https://creative.adobe.com/plans?plan=edu) (very few students do this)
- Use of an older version of the software
At some point, either during the course or after it, if you do not have access to Dreamweaver, you may wish to use Microsoft Expression Web which is available as a free download at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=36179 This is a discontinued product and no further versions will be developed. However, since tests will be geared to Dreamweaver and because Dreamweaver will be more important to your future web work, use Dreamweaver whenever possible.
Homework
Homework assigned will generally be due 8 days later (Tuesday in the Monday section, Thursday in the Wednesday sections). This will permit you to work on the homework during the week, get any questions resolved in the next class, and submit the homework on time. Late homework will not be accepted.
Inclement Weather Policy:
Frequently asked questions about closings can be found at www.nvcc.edu/emergency/closing/faq.html In cases of class cancellation, students must go to Blackboard for specific communication and instruction for the course.
Attendance:
If you miss class, please check the class website for any changes to the schedule, including new assignments. You are welcome to attend class in the other section on an occasional basis, subject to capacity constraints. Which sections discuss the material first will depend on holidays, class cancellations, etc. so check the current version of the schedule page. I will keep the sections together in terms of content.
Office Hours Schedule/Tutoring:
Immediately after class in the classroom or by arrangement. The Open Computer Lab in CT 122 is providing some instruction on Fridays in basic computer use and document and folder creation - see https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YSR0JYM25WhpCIahjT_ZPWnUtJAmnYwb0b5pKLZaNsw/viewform They can also provide some help in basic web page creation and FTP, using CoreFTP and Dreamweaver. Their hours are M-Th 9:30am-8PM, Friday and Saturday 10am-2pm. Sunday closed.
Communication with Instructor:
In addition to office hours, most class periods will have time for one-on-one questions with the instructor. Asking questions in this way is generally more efficient than email.
Required Email Address
I will email you at the email address on my class list which is your VCCS email address unless you specify a different address in Nova Connect. If you do not check this address frequently, I would recommend you set it up for automatic forwarding to an email address you do check more frequently. I will show you how to specify a different address in Nova Connect and to specify a forwarding address. Please remember to include your name and section in all emails to me.
Academic Integrity
On homework assignments and projects, students may ask for and receive some assistance from others, unless otherwise directed by the instructor. Yet those helping a student should avoid "doing the work" for the student.
No assistance is permitted on exams and quizzes and your use of the computer may be monitored. The college policy on student conduct is found at www.nvcc.edu/students/handbook/conduct.html
Cheating may be reported to the Division Dean and the Annandale Judicial Affairs Officer.
Dropping and Withdrawal from the Class:
Monday, January 29th is the last day to drop a 16 week class and get a tuition refunds (use NovaConnect) or to switch to audit (which requires my signature). Wednesday, Thursday, March 22 is the last day to withdraw without grade penalty in a 16 week course. The award of W after the last day to withdraw REQUIRES official documentation and the Dean's signature which is very difficult to get..
Classroom Conduct
Sustained talking during lecture is extremely distracting to the instructor and to other students. During hands on instruction where we are all coding together, it is appropriate to ask me to repeat what I said or briefly ask your neighbor if you don't see where to click, etc. However, if I've moved onto another topic, it's better for everyone concerned if you move on as well, and then deal with the issue later. If you wish to use your computer during class for things other than viewing PowerPoints or following along during in-class coding exercises, please sit in the back row. Do not do homework during lectures.
Learning Environment
NVCC is a place for learning and growing. You should feel safe and comfortable anywhere on this campus. In order to meet this objective, you should: a) let your instructor, his/her supervisor, the Dean of Students or Provost know if any unsafe, unwelcome or uncomfortable situation arises that interferes with the learning process; (b) inform the instructor within the first two weeks of classes if you have received a special needs or disability accomodation that may affect your performance in this course.
Fire/Emergency Evacuation Procedures
In case of emergency, please follow the emergency procedures as discussed on the first day of class. Students should familiarize themselves with both the primary and secondary routes that are to be used, in case you need to evacuate the building, as well as other evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures to be followed.
Student Success Tips
- Rent and read the Basics of Web Design book - Although there are PowerPoints for the Basics of Web Design book, reading the text will make it easier for you to learn the material. Furthermore, the Judy Miller HTML/CSS handout covers only the basics and is not a substitute for the text.
- Come to class - Although I do not grade on attendance, some of what I say isn't in the texts and it may be easier for you to understand something if you hear me explain it, instead of just relying on other sources.
- When you come to class, pay attention - the class is in a computer classroom so resist the temptation to multitask by looking at Facebook, games, or other material during lectures. If you want to do so, sit in the back row so as to not disturb other students.
- Don't procrastinate - If you are having a problem logging in or transfer files to your website, fix it or email me. Do the homework on time and definitely before the tests. If you need help, ask.
- Keep your files organized in folders - perhaps one folder for each class session or homework assignment. The file and folder structure on your website should be the same as on your computer or flash drive, and uploading files is a good way to back them up. When you are working in the classroom, don't have some files on your flash drive and some on the computer - keep them all in one place.
- Pay attention to the dates to drop and withdraw from the class.
- As long as you attend class once or do a single homework assignment, I will not drop you from the class. It is therefore important that you check your email (various methods will be discussed the first day of class) from time to time. If you do poorly on the midterm, you need to decide whether to withdraw from the class before the deadline or to continue in the class. If you continue in the class, you need to continue to come to class, to do homework and to take the final, otherwise you will likely fail the course.