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February 6
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HTML Authoring Tools:
Describe this category of software and its usefulness
(examples include Adobe PageMill, Claris HomePage, MS Front Page). Identify several
examples of these tools for a variety of operating systems. Demonstrate at least one tool
in class. Help us consider the pros and cons of author's helpers.
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ROB GOLDBERG
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February 13
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Netscape Communicator:
Netscape's fourth revision of its Web browser ("Netscape 4.0") comes
with a suite of Internet tools known collectively as Communicator. A beta test version is currently
available for Windows 95 and NT. (The Mac version is expected soon.) Download the beta,
test it out, and report to the class. Summarize new HTML features available for Communicator.
Be prepared to discuss expected changes in MS-Internet Explorer. If only the Windows version is
available, you may demonstrate on the Gateway machine in the Hypermedia Room.
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UNASSIGNED
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February 13
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Site Management Tools:
These are programs that let site managers
track versions of Web pages, insert standard footers, adjust common links
when they are edited, compile indices, etc. They are distinguished from
authoring tools by their ability to work on multiple pages at a time. Identify
several examples of this category and discuss them critically.
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KELLY GREEN
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February 20
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Advanced Image Formats:
For years Web authors have relied on GIF and JPEG,
but for just about that long we've been looking for something better. Report on
alternatives to these two popular image formats. You might consider PNG
(Portable Network Graphics), Progressive JPEG, and the Adobe "Amber" proposal.
You might also look into plug-ins that allow Web browsers to display vector
(object-oriented) graphics. Show examples.
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ELIZABETH RANDOLPH
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February 27
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WebTV:
Discuss the features and importance of the various WebTVTM
products currently on the market (e.g., Sony, Magnavox/Philips). Test a WebTV
unit (in an electronics store, if you don't have one readily available). Do these units
represent a useful alternative to traditional network connections? What implications
do they have for designers and content producers?
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JANICE KAUFMANN
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February 27
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Cable Modems:
Last fall ComCast introduced cable modem service to the metro Baltimore area.
Consult their Web site and other information sources to prepare a concise briefing on
the significance of this technology. Are cable modems as good as their press?
Could they avert a "meltdown" of the Internet? How well have they caught on?
· · ·
ELIZABETH PASSAVANT
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March 6
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JavaScript:
Netscape introduced the JavaScript scripting language with Navigator 2.0
one year ago. Report on the features and usefulness of this language. Demonstrate examples
of JavaScript in use on Web pages. Evaluate alternatives in the Microsoft environment.
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APRYL FLYNN
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March 13
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Java Applets:
Review a range of Java applets that might be useful for Web pages of various kinds.
Demonstrate how to apply and adapt applets for individual pages. Mention several good sites
for acquiring applets.
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ANGELA McGHEE
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March 13
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Java Authoring:
Explain what is involved in creating your own Java applets,
both in terms of authoring software and programming skills. Review several
Java development environments and suggest some good reference books on Java.
Demonstrate at least one Java IDE in class.
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UNASSIGNED
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March 20
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Shockwave and Macromedia Director:
Shockwave and Director: Report on the features and usefulness of Macromedia's
Shockwave plug-in for Web browsers. What benefits does Shockwave bring to Web
authoring? What is involved in learning Director? How does Director/Shockwave
compare to Java, JavaScript, and other ways of delivering sophisticated content?
Demonstrate Shockwave applications in class.
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MICHELE D'ANNA DECKER
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April 3
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Castanet:
Marimba Corporation's CastanetTM is one of several
new approaches to Web content based on a broadcast rather than a publishing model.
Visit Marimba's site, check out Castanet "channels," and report on their usefulness and
significance. Demonstrate this technology in class. (Note: at this writing, "channels"
are available only for Windows machines.)
· · ·
RICK BENTON
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April 10
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ActiveX:
Microsoft's entry into the "content push" market is ActiveX. Describe and
evaluate this technology. Compare it to its competition (especially Java) and assess
its likely importance in the future.
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UNASSIGNED
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April 24
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Virtual Reality Modeling Language:
Everyone will have a beginning exposure to VRML in the Space Project
exercise; your task is to extend our knowledge into aspects of VRML that we
will not be covering in the exercise. What tools and concepts should we acquire
if we want to go further with VRML? What developments can we expect in this
technology? Demonstrate interesting examples of VRML sites.
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UNASSIGNED
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May 1
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Portable Document Format:
Assess this alternative to traditional page design. Explain what is needed to create
PDF documents. Demonstrate. Assess the importance of this technology over the
next two years. Will PDF continue to be important?
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LISA MONROE
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May 8
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Real-Time Audio:
Look at a number of solutions to "streaming" or real-time audio
(including but not limited to RealAudio). What is being done with this technology on
the Web? What is its potential? Discuss pros and cons. Demonstrate examples in class.
· · ·
SUSAN MURRAY
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May 15
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Video on the Web:
Examine at least one solution for "streaming" video on the Web. Discuss hardware as
well as software. Is this technology likely to be important in the next two years? If so,
how can we prepare to take advantage of it?
· · ·
SU-CHENG LEE
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