I really enjoyed this module. I have been wanting to learn HTML, but I was having trouble finding a good source to learn from. I have had a look at HTML instructional pages before, but was having trouble absorbing the information. Now I finally have the hang of it. I just need to commit all the codes to memory. HTML is not as hard as it once seemed!!
Here are my results and observations for Module 3:
HTML tags
I had no problems completing the HTML task.
Optional ‘standards’ task:
Make a summary of what you believe are the 5 most important ‘rules’ for writing online. Think about any differences between the articles: for example, is the advice in Nielsen’s paper -- written in 1997 – still current?
- Record your summaries and comments in your learning log
I believe the 5 most important 'rules' for writing online are:
- Be concise
- Don't use 'marketese', or exaggeration
- Divide information into sections
- Keep ideas to one paragraph
- Present information in a user-friendly format - consider your target
Nielsen's paper is still relevant. People still read the same as they did in 1997, however they may now have a little more patience with websites. Horton's article has the similar information, but also explains the consequences of taking Nielsen's rules too far. I have had difficulty accessing Jerz's writing. I keep timing out when I try.
Optional ‘standards’ task 2:
Test your web page according to the W3C standards by going to their ‘validator’ page. If your page does not conform (it probably won’t!) record in your learning log why you think this is: try and identify the particular tags or code that are causing trouble. Are the problems related mostly to display, usability, or accessibility?
I performed a markup validation and my page failed for many reasons. Some were easy to understand, like failing to close things, or forgetting a character. Others were confusing, such as "No Character Encoding Found! Falling back to UTF-8.", and " No DOCTYPE found! Attempting validation with HTML 4.01 Transitional". I read the FAQs but I still don't understand them.
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OK, with some info from W3C and from Benjamin in the discussions, I have fixed the major problems I mentioned above. I am left with a number of small errors. The following message seems to explain it all:
One common cause for this error is the use of XHTML syntax in HTML documents. Due to HTML's rules of implicitly closed elements, this error can create cascading effects.
It seems that if I use an HTML doctype rather than XHTML, the instructions I have written will make full sense. I will have to look further into this.
I'm glad I chose to complete this optional task. I have learned heaps from it, and still have more to learn.
ftp
Try uploading your web page (or your draft info bank or learning log) to your student web space in Oasis or your own web space provided by your ISP if you have one using ftp.
First, make sure you still have your ftp client from module 1.
Read any instructions provided about using ftp to upload a page (rather than downloading as we did in module 1).
You will also need to read the instructions in the Oasis ‘help’ section on ‘using ftp’.
Once you are ready, upload either your test page, or your finished assignment.
- Record the url of your uploaded page in your weblog
I had no luck using ftp to upload my page. Instead I uploaded it to the presentations section in WebCT. It can be found at : http://webct.curtin.edu.au/305033_b/student_pres/Group59/index.html
Module 2 is all about email. As basic internet users we should all know how to send email. This topic covers all aspects of email - basics, style, attachments, management, lists, newsgroups, and chat & messenging.
Before starting this module I felt I was quite knowledgeable regarding email. However, it turned out this was not true. I learned a great deal from this module. Many of the terms and concepts were new to me. Those that weren't were explained further.
Here are my answers and observations for Module 2:
Email tasks
1. What information about a user's email, the origin of a message, and the path it took, can you glean from an email message?
An email contains a great deal of information. A friend forwarded me an email. From this message I can see who else the message was forwarded to. I can also see who originally sent the email, and who else they sent it to. I can see the date and time when the email was originally sent to my friend, and also when she forwarded the email.
2. In what cases would you find it useful to use the 'cc', 'bcc' and 'reply all functions of email?
Cc is used to send to multiple recipients. Bcc is used to send to multiple recipients without letting each other know who else recieved it. Reply all is used to reply to all recipients of the original email.
3. In what ways can you ensure that an attachment you send will be easily opened by the receiver?
Ensure the attachment can be opened by the recipient's computer. If unsure send in plain text format. Include the file name in the body of the email.
4. What sorts of filters or rules do you have set up, and for what purpose?
I have a few blocked addresses. These are spam addresses.
5. How have you organised the folder structure of your email and why?
I added one folder for usernames and passwords. I needed somewhere else to keep these emails as they were not convenient in my inbox.
- What are the pros and cons of email lists versus discussion boards?
- Are there certain kinds of communication or purposes more suited to one than the other?
- Record your conclusions in your learning log
Lists
Overall I prefer discussion boards. I like being able to sort through and only access posts that are of interest to me. With the email list I subscribe to, I find many messages messages are irrelevant to me. Although I share one point of interest with these people, there are many topics covered that don't concern me. On a discussion board I can just skip over these, instead of having to delete these emails.
On the other hand, email lists are convenient as the messages are sent directly to your email inbox. Discussion boards require you to access and login to a website.
I don't think that email list is more suitable than discussion board for any purpose. They both have their merits, but I feel discussion boards are most user friendly.
Newsgroups
Follow your chosen newsgroup for a couple of days, and then post a message to the group. You should be able to see that message shortly thereafter. Now cut and paste a copy of the entire message, including the header information.
- Record the message in your learning log
I subscribed to alt.music.ween. Here is my first post:
From: "td81" <tldavey81@yahoo.com>
Subject: Aus tour?
Date: Sunday, 3 June 2007 11:47 PM
Does anyone know if there are any plans for an Australian tour? I would kill
to see them.
Optional task: Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
Think about the following question: how does IRC differ from other chat or messaging such as ICQ, MSN or AIM? Which system do you prefer?
- Record your answer in your learning log
IRC is an older version of these programs. I used to use IRC in high school to chat to my friends. I now use MSN and Yahoo Messenger. I prefer these to IRC as they are easier to use and much nicer to look at. I also like the fun aspects of these newer programs. I can add sounds and animations to the text.
