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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Multimedia Authoring
Module Code CM553
School School of Communications
Online Module Resources

Module TeacherDeclan Tuite
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
This module will develop a student centred approach to the technical knowledge and control of publishing to an online medium. This module will focus on end-user consideration and adding functionality to live web sites.Special attention will be paid to core and common objects and functions that will allow scalability & re-use. Site maintenance and structure will be focused on and methods introduced to allow students to develop sites of a standard that can be published successfully and reliably to multiple browsers and platforms. The web as medium will be addressed, including concepts of working within an online environment, open source access to information, sharing of resources and utilising online and printed source material. All work produced by students will be presented and maintained as live sites, which will be both viewable and accessible by the public. The module will concentrate on the delivering online media to browsers and not the software used.Attention to the re-use of core and common objects and functions will allow scalability A key focus of the module will be dynamic page creation and delivery- primarily server side scripting. Open source languages of PHP, JavaScript, XML & DHTML will be used. This will be complimented with an integration of client side scripting to enable students to produce web applications that perform their functions but also help the user.

Learning Outcomes
1. Plan and site for a profiled audience.
2. Describe the architecture of a site.
3. Develop a site that can be published successfully and reliably.
4. Choose the most appropriate technologies to produce a site based on used considerations.
5. Identify key concepts for syntax and semantics of a mix of contemporary languages ( HTML/CSS/PHP/XML/XHTML)
6. Code a site that works in multiple browsers and adheres to accessibility standards.
7. Outline the principle programming structures and concepts.
8. Apply the principle programming techniques in developing simple web applications.
9. Produce a small dynamically generated site.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture12Weekly Lecutures - theory/ case study based
Lab24Lab session practice based, feedback and problem solving exercises
Directed learning36Weekly class challange, problem solving exercises
Assignment40assignment one - static web site with oringinal content
Assignment40assignment two - dynamic site
Directed learning30Presentation preparation and site surveys
Independent learning time68independent learning time
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Page Layout and User ConsiderationsPlanning a site for scalability and usabilityBasic Html/XHTMLstructuresPage Layout Site navigation and architecture Cascading Style Sheets Client side scriptingUsabilityAccessibility.
WAI StandardsMetatagsOpen Source developmentDynamic web deliveryBuilding templatesBuilding pages on the flyEncapsulation / Inheritance /Instantiation /PolymorphismClasses IndependenceCollating data from different sources.Server side scriptingClient side ScriptingReading Remote Files.

Page Layout and User Consideration.
Site navigation and architecture, Usability, Site testing.

Planning a site for scalability and usability.
WAI Standards, Building templates, Understanding Browser comparability.

Basic Html/XHTMLstructures.
Cascading Style Sheets.

Design.Position / Layout.Inheritance..
Accessibility.

Building sites with Screen-readers in mind.Design for users with colorblindness.Evaluating the Accessibility of a Web Site..
Programming Essentials.

Encapsulation / Inheritance /Instantiation /Polymorphism / Classes Independence.
Building pages on the fly.

Server side scripting.Client side Scripting.Reading Remote Files.Collating data from different sources..
Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Digital productionCharacter / Portfolio Site50%Week 7
Digital productionready reckoner dynamic site50%Week 7
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List
  • Mercer, Dave W et al: 2006, Beginning PHP5, Wrox Pres,
  • Heinle, Nick,: 2005, Designing with JavaScript, Creating Dynamic Web Pages, O'Reilly, London,
  • Ullman, Larry: 0, PHP for the World Wide Web:, Visual QuickStart Guide,,
  • Duckett, Jon: 2007, Accessible XHTML and CSS Web Sites: Problem Design Solution, Wrox,
  • Cranford Teague, Jason ,: 2006, DHTML & Css for the world wide web, Peachpit Press,
  • Garrett, Jesse James: 2008, The Elements of User Experience: UserCentered Design for the Web, New Riders Press,
  • Hofstadter, Douglas R,: 1980, Godel, Escher, Bach : an eternal golden brid., Harmondsworth, Middlesex: Penguin,,
Other Resources
11, Web SIte, 0, .php.net, http://www.php.net/, 12, Web SIte, 0, WEbMonkey, http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/programming/,
Array
Programme or List of Programmes
MMMMSc Multimedia
Timetable this semester: Timetable for CM553
Date of Last Revision31-MAR-06
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