Today’s Web has moved way beyond the basic HTML files, gophers, and tiled backgrounds used in its infancy. Developing a website today requires a thorough understanding of what goes on “Under the Hood”. Web developers need to understand the differences in platforms and protocols, programming languages, scripting languages, data storage methods and much, much more.  You will learn the concepts of information architecture as they apply to Website Development, including methods of navigation, forms of discourse, text structure, languages and formats suitable to the Web environment. This course takes a detailed look into the core concepts and general principles of Web application development.

Important note: This is a web-based online course developed and offered by Cleveland State University (Division of Continuing Education). To participate you need to have average web skills, a computer, Internet access, and an e-mail address. All other directions will be provided to you, via email and Blackboard, during the course. You will need to log into the course web site at least once for each of the lessons. Your work and access time will be monitored by the instructor. You must begin the course within the first week of the time period and may request a one week grace period to conclude all lessons if necessary.

Prerequisites: Experience with HTML, an Internet Browser, Windows and the Internet.

Text Required: Information Architecture for the World Wide Web: Designing Large-Scale Web Sites, Third Edition, by Peter Morville and Louis Rosenfeld, O'Reilly Media, ISBN 596527349.
 

You'll learn to:

1) Describe different protocols, graphical formats, and naming and organizing conventions.
2) Determine the best methods used for navigation and scripting.
3) Differentiate between search engines, directories and site indexing.
4) Address accessibility issues.
5) Discuss browser differences and testing.
6) Determine best methods for storing and securing data.