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Assignment:

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If you choose to create web pages as your final project, you will need to consider the following:

You will need to learn how to do HTML (hyptertext markup language).

You will need to create a home page with introductory information about yourself, followed by at least three separate pages with information about other topics.

At least one of the three pages must focus on an academic topic. Suggestion: use the same topic you are doing for your research paper! You could even put a link to your research paper on this page and include your research paper on your web site so that people can read it.

The other two pages can be what you want, but they must be consistent. For example, if one of your web pages focuses on fishing for rainbow trout at the top of the page, it should stay on that topic. It shouldn't suddenly switch to fishing for catfish. You can, of course, provide links to other fishing pages out there on the web that might deal with other types of fish or other aspects of fishing other than what you consider to be your primary focus.

As far as other topics go, the sky is the limit. Search around on the web and find out what's out there. You might do a focused search in regard to a topic and find out what else has or hasn't been done. For example, you could go to the USD search page, select a search machine, and do a search on fishing to see what's out there. Maybe, somebody else has done a thorough web page on fishing for rainbow trout and you decide you don't need to do one. Or, maybe, you think: aah! This page completely ignores the best way to cook rainbow trout! Or: it doesn't cover fishing in South Dakota! You get the idea.

Each of the three "topic" pages should include a minimum of 300 words of original text written by you. In other words, if one of your pages deals with organic farming, you should be able to write something in your own words about organic farming--even if it simply about how your family does organic farming and you strongly feel that more farmers should be farming that way. Your use of language on your web site may be informal (you can use "I"); keep in mind that correct spelling and grammar are important.

You should plan on spending time outside in class, most likely in this Mac lab, as you create your pages.

Here's the Lab Schedule:
Sun. night: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Mon. and Wed.: 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tue. and Thur.: 3:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Fri.: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sat. (4/27 only): 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

You are welcome to come on the alternate days as well (on the days I am teaching the newsletter). Keep in mind that newsletter people have priority on the computers on the newsletter days.

Your web site will be judged on:
1. Originality (Do you take a creative approach to your topic? Is it an unusual topic?);
2. Writing style (including grammar, punctuation, etc.);
3. Complexity (Are there links to other sites? Did you use tables? Did you include graphics? Have you done your pages in color--in a color or colors that seems appropriate?)
4. Visual appeal (Have you made your page too busy with graphics? Is the type hard to read because of the background you chose?)

Keep in mind: what you put on your web site can be read by the entire world. Don't put anything on your web site that you wouldn't want your mother, your father, your eight-year-old brother, John J. Smith in England, or the president of this university to see.