Journal #1: Chapters 1-3

Robbins, J. (2012). *Learning web design: A Beginner's Guide to HTML, CSS, Javascript, and Web Graphics*. (4th ed., pp. 3-45). Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly Media, Inc.

source: http://gbcimaginate.com/?page_id=24

Summary: Web designers take on a number of roles and practice a variety of disciplines during their regular work day. These disciplines most commonly include graphic design, web document/style sheet production, content strategy, multimedia, scripting/programming and user interface/experience design. Under each of these disciplines are many sub-disciplines as well. For instance, "user interface/experience design also includes user research and testing reports, wireframe diagrams, site diagrams, storyboards and user flow charts. This is why some web designers choose to hire someone to perform one of these specific duties that for whatever reason, they do not feel suited to do themselves. Each of these disciplines falls into either "frontend" or "backend" web design. Frontend web design includes all aspects of web design that shows up on the browser (i.e graphics, html, javascript.) Backend web design encompasses the behind the scenes details that are not seen, like forms processing and database programming. Web design has its own extensive jargon (HTML, CSS, Javascript.) There is a difference between the internet, a network of connected computers, and the web, one way information can be shared over the internet, and they are not interchangeable. INTRAnets work just like the internet, but use firewalls to prevent people outside of an associated business or other entity to access them. EXTRAnets are similar, except they also allow access to users so utside the business/entity, but only to those given permission. The web is accessed from a growing number of devices which in turn creates the need for creation of smooth user-friendly web interfaces regardless of the devices being used to access it.


Q1: How might you utilize an intranet or extranet in education?
A2:Intranets and extranets could be used to give only campus staff and faculty access to confidential information. For example, emergency procedures for a school shooting are not something that you would want on a public domain, but that you WOULD want all staff and faculty to have easy access to without having to go digging through their e-mail or computer files to get it. I know that many school communities already use websites like edmodo, webgrader, and blackboard. Using an intranet or extranet could be used to add an extra layer of security. I had experience with a principal who did not allow photos to be added to their school website out of concern that pedophiles could access the student photos. Using an intranet could greatly reduce this possibility.

Q2: Is it efficient and effective to create mobile sites in addition to their desktop counterparts?
A3: This one is yes and no in my opinion. Yes, because there are several desktop websites that are frustrating and difficult to use on mobile devices. Not to mention that fact that many mobile devices do not properly display javascript or flash components if they do at all. However, many times, mobile websites leave out aspects of the desktop versions that I love. Considering the fact that creating mobile sites takes twice as much work than the desktop ones, I would say that creating mobile sites is only effective and efficient if they contain all the same parts as their desktop versions. Otherwise, what's the point?