Module 4: Tasks

Downloading tools/plug-in tasks:
(1): Task:
In your learning log, record which programs you downloaded and note which (if any) facets you think might prove useful.

I downloaded Web Copier for Windows, Version 4.6. 
This is a trial version for a period of 15 days evaluation at which time there is the option to buy the program.
Once the program is loaded, you are able to create a new project which entails typoing in the URL of the page you want an offline copy of, and the program downloads it into the browser.
This is an excellent program for viewing websites which contain information that you are interested in for later viewing.Search Engine Task:
Using Web Tools
Specialised Databases.      

When I attempted to open the link, both pages gave me an error message. “File not found”.
This part of the exercise was therefore not completed due to this problem.  It was reported to the tutor through the online forum.

 (2)Task:
Choose your most commonly used internet search engine and do a search with words of your choosing.
Record the first hit and number of hits in your learning log.   

For this task, I used Google (http://www.google.com) and searched the term “internet communications”.  This returned 44 million hits.

 

 For this task, I used Copernic and searched the term “internet communications”.  This returned 44 hits.

 

 (3)Task:
What differences do you notice?  Why?  Which search, on first glance gave you the most promising results?

Results:
I downloaded Copernic Meta for PC which installs a toolbar in the browser, and a desktop menu.  This program allows you to search for files on your pc, or through the search facilities.
I believe it to be a valuable asset to locate files, for example, assessments stored on the computer.
I do not care for the toolbar, however, that it adds to the browser, and prefer to search through the usual search engines, for example, google or yahoo.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Module 3: Tasks

(1)Task:
Record any difficulties you encountered with these exercises. Record your thoughts about html – do you feel a sense of achievement? What are the differences between html and blogging? what do you like best?

Having an understanding of HTML prior to completing this tutorial, I found it to be an easy tutorial, with clear instructions.  From the concepts contained in this tutorial, I have completed my “Internet Basics Home Page” and have posted it into student presentations.  HTML requires coding to make the page internet ready, whereas blogging does not require any coding to appear on the internet.  I prefer to code pages as you have more input into how the page will look compared to a weblog.

(2)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?

a: Scannable layout: Web Pages that employ scannable text
b: Highlighted key words
c: Bulleted Lists
d: One idea per paragraph
e: Concise text: Half the word count (or less) than conventional writing.

Conclusion: Both articles advocate the same methods be employed when writing for the web.  I believe these methods are still current.

(3)Task:
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?

Result:
Tested page at: http://validator.w3.org/
http://www.cricketaustralasia.com/index.htm.
This page failed validation and there were (5) errors found. These errors were caused by tags within the page. The main problems related to the display of the page.

(4) Task:
Go to the Curtin home page and find the policy documents that relate to copyright and IP in IT use.
Drawing on these sources, consider these questions:

• have you used images or words on your web page or website that contravene copyright laws?
• Would you be in breach of copyright if you put the Curtin logo at the top of your web page for an assignment? 

Result: 
The image used for my webpage was obtained from “http://www.sxc.hu” which is a copyright free image site. Some restrictions are placed by some authors for their particular image. I have used words from an “internet basics” tutorial website, but have made a note of this underneath the text.Under Section 5.5.7 of Curtin Copyright Policy and Procedures, I have found the following text which would relate to using the “curtin logo” for my webpage.

- the artistic work must be “static”, not one where the image can move or change colour (as in   animation);

According to the wording contained within this section, it would appear that using the curtin logo would be an infringement of copyright.

(5)Task:
Consider various uses for blogs such as citizen journalism and personal blogging. Have you seen in your net travels any interesting uses for blogs? This blog entry is an opportunity to tell us what you really think of blogging!

Response:
I have seen blogs utilised for personal web pages and sporting information and links. Whole websites are contained within blogs and are used by a large number of users online. I believe blogs will continue to gain popularity.