CMST 450: Web Design Methodology and Technology
A UMUC Online WebTycho Class
Instructor: Maggie Smith

Course Description

CMST 450 Web Design Methodology and Technology (3) (Formerly CAPP 498D.) Prerequisites: CMST 385 and 386, or equivalent. An in-depth survey of the design and delivery of professional Web content. Focus is on using comprehensive tools and the latest technology to enhance the Web presence of a small business. Topics include multimedia and interactivity. Online commerce and Internet security issues are discussed. Assignments include a comprehensive project. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CAPP 498D or CMST 450.

Dates

Term 1/2, 2001-2002: 27 August 2001 through 14 December 2001

Break: 13-26 October 2001

Textbooks & Tools

Web Design in a Nutshell. Niederst, O'Reilly, 1-56592-515-7
Web Navigation. Fleming, O'Reilly, 1-56592-351-0

The above texts may be purchased online from the UMUC - Europe Textbook Office in Heidelberg. Order early! They may also be purchased from Amazon.com, O'Reilly, or Barnes & Noble.

The following tools are required to successfully complete the Web site project:
1) Web design software: either Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia Dreamweaver.
2) An FTP application such as WS_FTP or FTP Explorer.
3) A graphics application such as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Paint or Microsoft Imaging.
Many software applications may be downloaded for a 90-day+ free trial period or for educational purposes. This list will be distributed in the WebTycho classroom.

Instructor

Maggie J. Smith (bio)

Course Objectives

Upon successfully completing CMST 450, students will be able to:

• Describe the Web site development process.
• Describe the core methods of Web site development required for an effective Web site.
• Identify and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Web design techniques and recognize which technique is most appropriate for a given business problem.
• Describe the different e-commerce models and their characteristics.
• Compare and contrast commercial Web site development software tools.
• Use multimedia and interactivity techniques in Web design.
• Discuss Web site and privacy issues.
• Identify Internet tools such as FTP, telnet, and others.

Student Responsibilities

• Keep up with course schedule and respond to conference topics on time.
• Participate in conference discussions at least three times a week.
• Complete required reading and Web exercises on time.
• Work regularly on the individual project.
• Take the midterm and final exam on time.
• Communicate with the instructor periodically regarding progress.

Grading