Some students found our brief discussions on intellectual property interesting. These students might enjoy this free book by James Boyle
http://thepublicdomain.org/thepublicdomain1.pdf
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Good Luck with your exams
Remember to just take them one at a time. And when one is over - forget about it and move on.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Well, all's well that ends
I spent most of the day correcting. I'm pretty pissed off actually, more than other times. The modules I was teaching this semester were really easy to pass. The subjects were not difficult and not complex. All people had to do was a bit of work. But a lot of students did not do that.
I'm actually looking forward to next semester because the subjects I have are more meaty and there's no waffle in them. It'll be good to be teaching real stuff.
I'm actually looking forward to next semester because the subjects I have are more meaty and there's no waffle in them. It'll be good to be teaching real stuff.
Friday, December 5, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 40
This morning I mostly just waited for students to arrive with pieces of projects.
While I was waiting I talked about recognition for prior learning (RPL) and the Erasmus programme.
The CIT contact for RPL is Phil O'Leary. You can e-mail her at phil.oleary@cit.ie
For information on Erasmus contact Margaret Mudderig. You can make an appointment to see her by call to her office. If the first on the right as you enter the admin building.
While I was waiting I talked about recognition for prior learning (RPL) and the Erasmus programme.
The CIT contact for RPL is Phil O'Leary. You can e-mail her at phil.oleary@cit.ie
For information on Erasmus contact Margaret Mudderig. You can make an appointment to see her by call to her office. If the first on the right as you enter the admin building.
Web Pubishing CA Adjustments
During the semester I promised that I would find ways for students to get marks for various things that were not actually on the syllabus. Recall the 110% total we discussed. Well that was not in my gift and that is why that plan was abandoned and we went back to Plan A.
However I have made some adjustments so that studies who did that work can have it included in their marks. Students who didn't do it are at no loss because their marks is based on the course schedule anyway.
The Blog: I said I'd make that worth 10%. What I have done is calculated each students mark normally using the scheme set out in the course schedule.
Mark = (Essay * 40 + Exam * 30 + Project * 30)/100
However I awarded marks from 0 to 10 for the blog based on the number of weeks during which entries were made. I calculated a second mark
Mark2 = Mark *.9 + blog
The final marks awarded is the greater of the two. So everybody wins.
I had promised marks for the FTP lab. However when I looked I found that only two students had actually done it. SO I didn't bother with that.
I included questions from NewsU in the exam so I believe that covered that base.
Unfortunately these changes were not much use to the students that needed them most. Students who got 0 for their essays have a huge 40% sized hole in their mark and it's very hard to get around that.
However I have made some adjustments so that studies who did that work can have it included in their marks. Students who didn't do it are at no loss because their marks is based on the course schedule anyway.
The Blog: I said I'd make that worth 10%. What I have done is calculated each students mark normally using the scheme set out in the course schedule.
Mark = (Essay * 40 + Exam * 30 + Project * 30)/100
However I awarded marks from 0 to 10 for the blog based on the number of weeks during which entries were made. I calculated a second mark
Mark2 = Mark *.9 + blog
The final marks awarded is the greater of the two. So everybody wins.
I had promised marks for the FTP lab. However when I looked I found that only two students had actually done it. SO I didn't bother with that.
I included questions from NewsU in the exam so I believe that covered that base.
Unfortunately these changes were not much use to the students that needed them most. Students who got 0 for their essays have a huge 40% sized hole in their mark and it's very hard to get around that.
Southpark Jumper
I left my Southpark jumper in B217/9 if anyone wants it. It might be a bit big for some of you seeing as how I'm big-boned and all. If it's still there next week I'll chuck it in the bin. I was going to give it to the charity shop but Isn't it enough that I pay taxes?! What about the poor houses that I pay for?!
Valuable Lessons
Bill Clinton: "No, thank you, Lisa. For teaching kids everywhere a valuable lesson: If things don't go your way, just keep complaining until your dreams come true."
Marge: "That's a pretty lousy lesson."
Bill Clinton: "Hey, I'm a pretty lousy president."
COM1-CMOD6001 2 weeks late?
If you submitted your project today with pieces missing you are free to supplement your submission next week. This will make the project 2 weeks late at a cost of 20%. But that might be better than projects with parts missing.
COM1-CMOD6001 Assignment Weightings
Here's an update on how I'm going to re-mark the blogs. If you made entries in 10 weeks you'll get 100%. 9 weeks 90% and so on.
I think that's a bad system since they were very easy marks anyway. If you are expected to something every week and you only do it half the time you shouldn't get 50%. 50% is a honours mark at CIT. 70% is first class honours.
But that's how I'm going to do it.
In addition I'm going to give either the job exercise mark or the blog mark for 10% overall. Which ever of the two is the higher. That should make a difference to quite a number of students.
So the bread down will be
final mark =
[(job or blog) * 10 + presentation * 15 + essay * 15 + project * 60] / 100
I think that's a bad system since they were very easy marks anyway. If you are expected to something every week and you only do it half the time you shouldn't get 50%. 50% is a honours mark at CIT. 70% is first class honours.
But that's how I'm going to do it.
In addition I'm going to give either the job exercise mark or the blog mark for 10% overall. Which ever of the two is the higher. That should make a difference to quite a number of students.
So the bread down will be
final mark =
[(job or blog) * 10 + presentation * 15 + essay * 15 + project * 60] / 100
COM1-CMOD6001 Who goes there?
Please identify yourselves. I have all the murder mystery games now ready to correct, but I don't know which belongs to which students. There don't seem to be any names on them.
The sooner I get that information the sooner you'll get the marks.
Colin M
[Thanks for that guys. Although I've since been told that I am not allowed to give out the results of the final assessment. So it means ye won't get them any quicker for helping me out.]
The sooner I get that information the sooner you'll get the marks.
Colin M
[Thanks for that guys. Although I've since been told that I am not allowed to give out the results of the final assessment. So it means ye won't get them any quicker for helping me out.]
Thursday, December 4, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 Blog marks
Jim O'Dwyer has persuaded me to change the way I marked the blogs. Details later when I figure it out exactly.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Web Publishing Results
Here are the results for the CA elements completed so far. I am sorry that they took so long. Dealing with plagiarism is a tricky business and this caused some delays.
The essay is worth 40%. The exam is worth 30%. The (yet to be decided) project is worth 30%.
All the results listed in the table are out of 100%.
Some students got zero for their essay because I believe that significant portions of their work was copied and pasted from various websites. I received submissions from all students to there is no need to contact me to make sure I got yours. Some students took up the offer to resubmit but didn't take it seriously. Those C & V keys were just too tempting.
Some students got low marks for the essay because some very small portions were lifted from the web, or because they were late.
The results are here indexed by the last 4 digits of ID number.
The essay is worth 40%. The exam is worth 30%. The (yet to be decided) project is worth 30%.
All the results listed in the table are out of 100%.
Some students got zero for their essay because I believe that significant portions of their work was copied and pasted from various websites. I received submissions from all students to there is no need to contact me to make sure I got yours. Some students took up the offer to resubmit but didn't take it seriously. Those C & V keys were just too tempting.
Some students got low marks for the essay because some very small portions were lifted from the web, or because they were late.
The results are here indexed by the last 4 digits of ID number.
Stephen & Dade
Stephen P & Dade need to e-mail me about something. I have no proper way to contact you.
Web Publishing Deadline is 1600
I am still waiting on a number of submissions.
Did you e-mail me the URL and list of group members?
There's no good reason to delay sending that information.
So far (1600) I have
http://www.classicfilmcritic.com
http://irishtourist.tk
http://www.geocities.com/eisenhorn_66/
http://www.headz-up.net
www.cookingforstudents.info
Did you e-mail me the URL and list of group members?
There's no good reason to delay sending that information.
So far (1600) I have
http://www.classicfilmcritic.com
http://irishtourist.tk
http://www.geocities.com/eisenhorn_66/
http://www.headz-up.net
www.cookingforstudents.info
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Web Publishing Results
Letters will not now be sent to students after all. This is not because of a massive change of policy, just that it is taking too long.
I expect to post the results of the essay and exam on Wednesday 3 December. If students got zero because I believe they lifted material from websites, the result will appear as zero.
More later
I expect to post the results of the essay and exam on Wednesday 3 December. If students got zero because I believe they lifted material from websites, the result will appear as zero.
More later
Friday, November 28, 2008
Web Publishing Results & Deadline
I thought I had put the results of the exam online. I guess I didn't. The whole lot will be available soon enough anyway.
Some students took at the second shot at writing the essay. No student took my advice and started with a pencil and a blank sheet of paper.
A number of student will get zero and will get a letter from JimOD explaining that's why they got zero. I hope those letters will be organized on Monday or Tuesday. If you feel hard done by, there is a process you can trigger and some third parties will good at your essay and make a call. They also get to make a call on the punishment. That could be worse than just getting zero, but I've never heard of a penalty greater than that.
Some other students took a stab at second attempt. They got a mark that wasn't a whole lot better than zero (there was only 35% to play for anyway) but they won't be getting the letter home.
It won't take me too long to get the projects corrected one they are submitted. The module schedule says this is to be delivered in Week 12. Let's say Wednesday at 1600. After that will be considered late. But I really think you should get it done and dusted this weekend. Studying for exams is a better use of your time. This is only worth 30% of one module afterall.
Some students took at the second shot at writing the essay. No student took my advice and started with a pencil and a blank sheet of paper.
A number of student will get zero and will get a letter from JimOD explaining that's why they got zero. I hope those letters will be organized on Monday or Tuesday. If you feel hard done by, there is a process you can trigger and some third parties will good at your essay and make a call. They also get to make a call on the punishment. That could be worse than just getting zero, but I've never heard of a penalty greater than that.
Some other students took a stab at second attempt. They got a mark that wasn't a whole lot better than zero (there was only 35% to play for anyway) but they won't be getting the letter home.
It won't take me too long to get the projects corrected one they are submitted. The module schedule says this is to be delivered in Week 12. Let's say Wednesday at 1600. After that will be considered late. But I really think you should get it done and dusted this weekend. Studying for exams is a better use of your time. This is only worth 30% of one module afterall.
COM1-CMOD6001 Results
I have updated my results for COM1 CMOD6001. Action is required on the part of some students, but if these students do nothing these marks will stand.
If you would like to know why you got a particular mark for any element please e-mail me to ask. I don't keep all of that information in my head, so please don't ask me in the hallway.
It is also possible that I have made a mistake. So please contact me if you think I may have.
If you would like to know why you got a particular mark for any element please e-mail me to ask. I don't keep all of that information in my head, so please don't ask me in the hallway.
It is also possible that I have made a mistake. So please contact me if you think I may have.
COM1-CMOD6001 38
The group projects were due in today's class. A number of groups chose to submit late and take the 10% hit. This means that a project that might have got 50% will not get 40% (not 45%).
There will not be any more labs. In any event next week's lab time will be used for an exam in another subject.
I propose to have one more class. I would like to explain to students how recognition for prior learning (RPL) works and explain all about the Erasmus program.
There will not be any more labs. In any event next week's lab time will be used for an exam in another subject.
I propose to have one more class. I would like to explain to students how recognition for prior learning (RPL) works and explain all about the Erasmus program.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 37
Students met in their groups. I got to speak to every group but one. Most seem to be on schedule to deliver on Friday.
Some groups left to go to labs. I hope that wasn't a sign that they are behind schedule. I didn't get to speak to them.
Some groups left to go to labs. I hope that wasn't a sign that they are behind schedule. I didn't get to speak to them.
Web Publishing Project Handup
I expect to get an e-mai lfrom a representive of each group.
That e-mail will contain
1. The URL for the project
2. The names of the people in the group
Some time before the end of the semester I will contact that representive to organize a time to go through the project with (some of all of) the group. The main purpose of that meeting will be to show off features that I might have missed.
I will be using the project blogs in the assessment of the project.
If the group has a marked preference for everybody getting the same mark, or a marked preference for individual marks I should be advised of that.
That e-mail will contain
1. The URL for the project
2. The names of the people in the group
Some time before the end of the semester I will contact that representive to organize a time to go through the project with (some of all of) the group. The main purpose of that meeting will be to show off features that I might have missed.
I will be using the project blogs in the assessment of the project.
If the group has a marked preference for everybody getting the same mark, or a marked preference for individual marks I should be advised of that.
Web Publishing 40 & 41
Students worked on their projects. Nearly there now.
I briefly outlined what procedure the dept (well JimOD) will use for dealing with the alleged plagiarism of the essays.
I repeated my advice to students to use a pencil and a blank sheet of paper to write their essays.
One student was interested in having a discussion about why it was necessary to copy and paste content from websites. I was not.
I briefly outlined what procedure the dept (well JimOD) will use for dealing with the alleged plagiarism of the essays.
I repeated my advice to students to use a pencil and a blank sheet of paper to write their essays.
One student was interested in having a discussion about why it was necessary to copy and paste content from websites. I was not.
COM1 CMOD6001 Results
I have put some CA results online.
The first column is the last 4 digits of the student ID number. Where there are 3 digits there should be a zero in front.
The blanks represent gaps in the data that I have. Some gaps are easily explained (e.g. students who joined the course late for example). Others may be missing information.
If there is a blank entry for you please contact me letting me know what the story is. If you didn't submit, for example, that information will allow me to stop looking.
The 2nd column is the marks (out of 5) for the job & modules exercise. The 3rd column has the marks (out of 5) for the blogs. The 4th column has the marks (out of 100) for the presentations.
The publication of the essay marks will be delayed slightly.
The first column is the last 4 digits of the student ID number. Where there are 3 digits there should be a zero in front.
The blanks represent gaps in the data that I have. Some gaps are easily explained (e.g. students who joined the course late for example). Others may be missing information.
If there is a blank entry for you please contact me letting me know what the story is. If you didn't submit, for example, that information will allow me to stop looking.
The 2nd column is the marks (out of 5) for the job & modules exercise. The 3rd column has the marks (out of 5) for the blogs. The 4th column has the marks (out of 100) for the presentations.
The publication of the essay marks will be delayed slightly.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Web Publishing 39
We had a lab class in IT1.3.
I showed students what a web interface to a hosting service might look like. But students might be better off using an FTP application.
While I was looking something up in TurnItIn a bunch of people gathered around. I'm not happy taht verybody saw everybody else's scores. TurnItIn's plagiarism score should not be taken too literally. It does not deal well with referenced material.
I showed students what a web interface to a hosting service might look like. But students might be better off using an FTP application.
While I was looking something up in TurnItIn a bunch of people gathered around. I'm not happy taht verybody saw everybody else's scores. TurnItIn's plagiarism score should not be taken too literally. It does not deal well with referenced material.
Monday, November 24, 2008
ITS1 CMOD6001 13 & 14
A few students turned up but they were working on other things. Since the last CA component was submitted last week it's not surprising that so few turned up.
ITS1 Exams
KITSU_6_Y1
STAT6006 15/12/2008 13:30 Statistical Calculations
COMP6009 18/12/2008 13:30 Networking Fundamentals
COMH6002 08/01/2009 18:30 Computer Architecture
STAT6006 15/12/2008 13:30 Statistical Calculations
COMP6009 18/12/2008 13:30 Networking Fundamentals
COMH6002 08/01/2009 18:30 Computer Architecture
COM1-CMOD6001 Essays
I asked several students to send/re-send their essay in electronic form. If you are one of those students the time when you will get zero for your essay is rapidly approaching.
COM1 CMOD6001 35A & 36A
I explained how the free module will work next semester.
I talked briefly about transfers to other courses.
I talked briefly about transfers to other courses.
Joint Statement from CIT and CIT Students Union
Joint Statement from CIT and CIT Students Union re “Christmas Day”
Dear Colleagues/Students,
“Christmas Day”, the traditional pre-Christmas fundraising event has been a feature of the CIT student calendar for the last number of years, as both a social event for students and a fundraising opportunity for charity.
Arising from excesses following the 2007 event, “Christmas Day” will not be taking place this year. This decision, which has already been communicated by the CIT Students Union President, has been taken with regret. This is, unfortunately, the consequence of the actions of some, who may or may not have been members of the CIT student body.
It has come to our attention that alternative, off-campus functions may be organised in the coming days. These events have no sanction or support from either Cork Institute of Technology or the CIT Students Union. We would urge you to communicate this through your classes, in the interests of upholding the good name of CIT, CIT Students Union and CIT students, past and present. We are also very concerned that our neighbours within the community are not inconvenienced or discommoded in any way. Our reputation in the community should not be put in jeopardy by ill-advised support of functions targeting the CIT student body.
We would welcome your assistance in advising students that all classes, laboratories, continuous assessment deadlines, etc. continue as normal this week.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Barry O’Connor, Acting Registrar
Gearóid Buckley, President, CIT Students Union
Dear Colleagues/Students,
“Christmas Day”, the traditional pre-Christmas fundraising event has been a feature of the CIT student calendar for the last number of years, as both a social event for students and a fundraising opportunity for charity.
Arising from excesses following the 2007 event, “Christmas Day” will not be taking place this year. This decision, which has already been communicated by the CIT Students Union President, has been taken with regret. This is, unfortunately, the consequence of the actions of some, who may or may not have been members of the CIT student body.
It has come to our attention that alternative, off-campus functions may be organised in the coming days. These events have no sanction or support from either Cork Institute of Technology or the CIT Students Union. We would urge you to communicate this through your classes, in the interests of upholding the good name of CIT, CIT Students Union and CIT students, past and present. We are also very concerned that our neighbours within the community are not inconvenienced or discommoded in any way. Our reputation in the community should not be put in jeopardy by ill-advised support of functions targeting the CIT student body.
We would welcome your assistance in advising students that all classes, laboratories, continuous assessment deadlines, etc. continue as normal this week.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Barry O’Connor, Acting Registrar
Gearóid Buckley, President, CIT Students Union
COM1 Exam Timetable
STAT6006 15/12/2008 13:30 Statistical Calculations Exhibition Centre D158
COMP6009 18/12/2008 13:30 Networking Fundamentals WEST ATRIUM
COMH6002 08/01/2009 18:30 Computer Architecture WEST ATRIUM
COMP6009 18/12/2008 13:30 Networking Fundamentals WEST ATRIUM
COMH6002 08/01/2009 18:30 Computer Architecture WEST ATRIUM
COM1-CMOD6001 35B & 36B
I demonstrated how TurnItIn works using a paper volunteered by a student. However he hadn't cheated enough to fully demonstrate how it worked.
I talked students through the free choice modules available for next semester.
I talked briefly about transfers to other courses.
I talked students through the free choice modules available for next semester.
I talked briefly about transfers to other courses.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Beautiful Web Design
I came across this free chapter from "The Principles of Beautiful Web Design" by Jason Beaird. Not bad for a freebie.
http://sitepoint.com/books/design1/design1-sample.pdf
Some other sample chapters currently available are:
http://sitepoint.com/books/jsant1/jsant1-sample.pdf
http://sitepoint.com/books/html1/html1-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/phpant2/phpant2-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/Kevs-php-mysql.pdf
http://sitepoint.com/books/javascript1/javascript1-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/jsdesign1/jsdesign1-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/cssref1/cssref1-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/csswrong1/csswrong1-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/cssant2/cssant2-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/css2/css2-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/dhtml1/dhtml1-sample.pdf
http://sitepoint.com/books/checklists1/checklists1-sample.pdf
And a whole book:
http://cssdesign.s3.sitepoint.com/Art_Science_Of_CSS_Giveaway.zip
http://sitepoint.com/books/design1/design1-sample.pdf
Some other sample chapters currently available are:
http://sitepoint.com/books/jsant1/jsant1-sample.pdf
http://sitepoint.com/books/html1/html1-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/phpant2/phpant2-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/Kevs-php-mysql.pdf
http://sitepoint.com/books/javascript1/javascript1-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/jsdesign1/jsdesign1-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/cssref1/cssref1-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/csswrong1/csswrong1-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/cssant2/cssant2-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/css2/css2-sample.pdf
http://www.sitepoint.com/books/dhtml1/dhtml1-sample.pdf
http://sitepoint.com/books/checklists1/checklists1-sample.pdf
And a whole book:
http://cssdesign.s3.sitepoint.com/Art_Science_Of_CSS_Giveaway.zip
Friday, November 21, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 34
There were very few students in class. There was a night out last night.
There didn't seem to be many people present who had groups in common so there was very little work being done.
I gave away some cards with envelopes (there might be some left in the classroom) and a biscuit tin.
I took attendance at 0920 and left soon after.
There didn't seem to be many people present who had groups in common so there was very little work being done.
I gave away some cards with envelopes (there might be some left in the classroom) and a biscuit tin.
I took attendance at 0920 and left soon after.
Web Publishing Essays
[These comments refer to students taking COMP6023. Not COM1 students]
A number of students lifted large chucks of their essays from various websites. As it stands these students will get zero. For a number of these this means they will definitely fail this module overall.
A smaller number of students lifted bits from websites here and there. They will loose some marks and that could put them at risk of failing.
Other students did not cheat.
I am prepared to accept new essays from any student that wants to submit it by noon on Friday 28 November. The maximum marks these new late essays can earn is 35%. But this might make the difference between a pass and a fail for some students.
This is not a recommendation to disguise your cheating better. The threshold for lifted content in these new essays will be set very very low. I strongly recommend that you start with a pencil and a sheet of blank paper and work from there.
For the small number of students who did not get zero I will award the higher of the two scores should they choose to resubmit.
Students who have not submitted anything at all yet are free to submit now for a possible 35%. Students are also free to change topic.
Last chance. Use it wisely.
A number of students lifted large chucks of their essays from various websites. As it stands these students will get zero. For a number of these this means they will definitely fail this module overall.
A smaller number of students lifted bits from websites here and there. They will loose some marks and that could put them at risk of failing.
Other students did not cheat.
I am prepared to accept new essays from any student that wants to submit it by noon on Friday 28 November. The maximum marks these new late essays can earn is 35%. But this might make the difference between a pass and a fail for some students.
This is not a recommendation to disguise your cheating better. The threshold for lifted content in these new essays will be set very very low. I strongly recommend that you start with a pencil and a sheet of blank paper and work from there.
For the small number of students who did not get zero I will award the higher of the two scores should they choose to resubmit.
Students who have not submitted anything at all yet are free to submit now for a possible 35%. Students are also free to change topic.
Last chance. Use it wisely.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Web Publishing 38
We had a discussion about the exam yesterday. Some students felt they had been told that FTP was not coming up. Students who joined the class late in the semester had not completed the FTP exercise. Others felt that the marks given for the FTP question were too high.
The projector wasn't working so we had a very short discussion on content management systems.
We also discussed how to get domain names and some students shared their experiences of different hosting companies.
Attendance was poor. But It's hard to imagine why students would come to class at this stage in the semester when there are no further exams and only one assessment remaining.
I encouraged students to get the assignment in as soon as possible because it's not worth doing it late in the semester when exams are approaching.
The projector wasn't working so we had a very short discussion on content management systems.
We also discussed how to get domain names and some students shared their experiences of different hosting companies.
Attendance was poor. But It's hard to imagine why students would come to class at this stage in the semester when there are no further exams and only one assessment remaining.
I encouraged students to get the assignment in as soon as possible because it's not worth doing it late in the semester when exams are approaching.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Web Publishing 36
We had an in-class exam with short questions.
I will try to have the results of the essay and this exam made available soon. It is difficult the balance the desire for quick feedback with student's privacy. I porpose to post the results online using the last for digits of each student's ID number as the key. If would would prefer not to have the results delivered liek this please let me know.
I will try to have the results of the essay and this exam made available soon. It is difficult the balance the desire for quick feedback with student's privacy. I porpose to post the results online using the last for digits of each student's ID number as the key. If would would prefer not to have the results delivered liek this please let me know.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Web Publishing 35
The lab we had been squatting in up to now was occupied so we reverted to the timetabled classroom.
We took a quick look at the new CIT website.
I advised students that I had run a plagiarism check on their essays and outlined hte positions they might find themselves in numerically if they get zero for the essay as a result. The easy was worth 40%.
I outlined how the final marks would be calculated. The exam tomorrow is worth 30% and the project another 30%. There are no marks on the syllabus for a blog, but I will attempt to account for it somewhere.
Students who get zero for their essay and do not will in the exam will find things very difficult numerically.
Towards the end of class we looked at Google AdSense and Google Analytics. But we didn't spend much time on it. It might be worth taking another look some day.
We took a quick look at the new CIT website.
I advised students that I had run a plagiarism check on their essays and outlined hte positions they might find themselves in numerically if they get zero for the essay as a result. The easy was worth 40%.
I outlined how the final marks would be calculated. The exam tomorrow is worth 30% and the project another 30%. There are no marks on the syllabus for a blog, but I will attempt to account for it somewhere.
Students who get zero for their essay and do not will in the exam will find things very difficult numerically.
Towards the end of class we looked at Google AdSense and Google Analytics. But we didn't spend much time on it. It might be worth taking another look some day.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Turn It In
www.TurnItIn.com is my new favourite toy. I used to spend hours before correcting assignments identifying those that were ripped off from web sites and the sites they were ripped off from. TurnItIn does all that for me.
The interface is poorly designed, but it does the job. And it's not terribly sophisticated. But the cheating strategy of the average CIT student is not terribly sophisticated either. A product like TurnItIn shifts the balance of effort so that the trouble a student has to go to to avoid detection is much closer to what it might take to actually do the work for real. And the effort the lecturer has to go to catch (and more importantly verify) cheating is greatly reduced.
I don't know what I'll do with all the time I'll save. Maybe real work!
Perhaps I should conserve my enegry for the "No one told me cheating was wrong" Appeals.
The interface is poorly designed, but it does the job. And it's not terribly sophisticated. But the cheating strategy of the average CIT student is not terribly sophisticated either. A product like TurnItIn shifts the balance of effort so that the trouble a student has to go to to avoid detection is much closer to what it might take to actually do the work for real. And the effort the lecturer has to go to catch (and more importantly verify) cheating is greatly reduced.
I don't know what I'll do with all the time I'll save. Maybe real work!
Perhaps I should conserve my enegry for the "No one told me cheating was wrong" Appeals.
The Big Meeting
There's a big meeting on now about the state of affairs at CIT. Government cutbacks mean that the Institute of is few million short. Rumours have been circulating for two weeks now about what drastic measures will be taken. We shall see.
I'm not going to bother going. I'll wait for the bad news to arrive by e-mail.
I'm not going to bother going. I'll wait for the bad news to arrive by e-mail.
ITS1 CMOD6001 11 & 12
There was one project group present in the class. I spoke with them about their project.
COM1-CMOD6001 31A & 32A
I got students to sign up to turnitin.com and submnit their recent essays.
I'd apprectiate if all students could do this. It will save me a good bit of hassle later on. The class ID is 2506113. The password was givin out in the Group A lab.
TurnItIn is designed to detect segments of student work that have been copied from websites and other sources. I will run each eassy through this process before correcting. If you do not submit your essay using this process it will be a lot of hassle for me. If you have copied large chucks of your paper from the web, annoying me will only compound the problem.
Some students allowed me to use their submissions to illustrate how TurnItIn works. I showed students the 2-window display with student submissions in one window and the source material on the other.
I'd apprectiate if all students could do this. It will save me a good bit of hassle later on. The class ID is 2506113. The password was givin out in the Group A lab.
TurnItIn is designed to detect segments of student work that have been copied from websites and other sources. I will run each eassy through this process before correcting. If you do not submit your essay using this process it will be a lot of hassle for me. If you have copied large chucks of your paper from the web, annoying me will only compound the problem.
Some students allowed me to use their submissions to illustrate how TurnItIn works. I showed students the 2-window display with student submissions in one window and the source material on the other.
Friday, November 14, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 30
Less than half the students in the class were present. Students met in project groups. A few groups moved their meetings to the canteen.
I don't believe that many groups are at the stage they need to be at in order to complete the assignment well and on time. But hopefully it will start to come together soon.
I don't believe that many groups are at the stage they need to be at in order to complete the assignment well and on time. But hopefully it will start to come together soon.
COM1 Presentation Videos
I recorded video and audio of the in-class presentations in order to have a record to help me with assessment. However I have received a number of requests from students for copies of the audio and video. The audio recordings are of very high quality but I am in the middle of some jobs at home and the cables I need are in a mystery box somewhere in the house. I do not have the kit I need to digitize the audio at CIT. The quality of the video is very poor, but I have it handy. So I can provide the video very easily.
I believe that audio and video recordings of individuals constitute personal data that are covered by the Data Protection Act. Consequently I am not prepared to make the recordings widely available without the permission of those who appear in them.
If you would like to see the video recording of your group's presentation please e-mail me the names and ID numbers of all the members of the group. Since student's ID numbers are not generally known to anyone other than the student, I will accept the provision of a student's ID number as permission to release the video to all members of the group. I will e-mail the URL to one of the members of the group. If the members of the group choose to distribute the URL widely after that, that is their choice, not mine.
Each group will be provided with a single video clip. I am not prepared to chop the video into student-specific segments.
I will be happy to delete any group's presentation at the request of any member of the group (please supply ID number), but students should be aware that in the digital world it is very difficult to put the genie back in the bottle once it has been released. So students should think carefully before giving permission to post the clip in which they appear.
I believe that audio and video recordings of individuals constitute personal data that are covered by the Data Protection Act. Consequently I am not prepared to make the recordings widely available without the permission of those who appear in them.
If you would like to see the video recording of your group's presentation please e-mail me the names and ID numbers of all the members of the group. Since student's ID numbers are not generally known to anyone other than the student, I will accept the provision of a student's ID number as permission to release the video to all members of the group. I will e-mail the URL to one of the members of the group. If the members of the group choose to distribute the URL widely after that, that is their choice, not mine.
Each group will be provided with a single video clip. I am not prepared to chop the video into student-specific segments.
I will be happy to delete any group's presentation at the request of any member of the group (please supply ID number), but students should be aware that in the digital world it is very difficult to put the genie back in the bottle once it has been released. So students should think carefully before giving permission to post the clip in which they appear.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Web Publishing 34
We had a lab instead of a lecture.
The sites seem to be taking shape. Although I've really only see three.
Students seem to be under a bit of pressure, but I expect they'll get there.
The sites seem to be taking shape. Although I've really only see three.
Students seem to be under a bit of pressure, but I expect they'll get there.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 29
I was delighted to see today that some students are finally taking the murder mystery assignment seriously.
Some students discussed with me the firing of members from their group who are not pulling their weight. I've no problem with that. The number of members in the group will be considered when assigning a mark. However it is vital that I be advised of group membership. The latest information I have is at www.com2008blogs.tk. I should be informed of changes by e-mail.
The project is due on Friday 28 November at 0930.
Some students discussed with me the firing of members from their group who are not pulling their weight. I've no problem with that. The number of members in the group will be considered when assigning a mark. However it is vital that I be advised of group membership. The latest information I have is at www.com2008blogs.tk. I should be informed of changes by e-mail.
The project is due on Friday 28 November at 0930.
Web Publishing 32 & 33
I announced today that we will be having the exam soon as per the course schedule. We decided to put it off until Wednesday of next week because of conferrings on Friday.
The exam will conver everything we have done in class so far and the material covered in the NewsU course that students took.
All the powerpoint presentations used in class are available by following the links off this blog.
The exam will conver everything we have done in class so far and the material covered in the NewsU course that students took.
All the powerpoint presentations used in class are available by following the links off this blog.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Correcting
Today is my day for correcting essays. I find the library is a nice place to work than my office. But unfortunately I feel the need for a computer a lot. I find I very often have a need to google a sentence or a passage to check for plagiarism.
My tolerance threshold for copy & pasting is set very low. But I am actually surprised at the very low level of sophistication of the copying I encounter. So far today I have seen spelling mistakes on a website reproduced in a paper. A simple spell check would have caught that. The laziest thing I see every year is the copy and paste from wikipedia that leaves the hyperlinks in tact. That is just so lazy.
Students who copied and pasted any text should expect to get zero for the paper. But I expect that I won't catch everyone. Some students are a bit cuter than others, mostly because they have more experience of cheating.
My tolerance threshold for copy & pasting is set very low. But I am actually surprised at the very low level of sophistication of the copying I encounter. So far today I have seen spelling mistakes on a website reproduced in a paper. A simple spell check would have caught that. The laziest thing I see every year is the copy and paste from wikipedia that leaves the hyperlinks in tact. That is just so lazy.
Students who copied and pasted any text should expect to get zero for the paper. But I expect that I won't catch everyone. Some students are a bit cuter than others, mostly because they have more experience of cheating.
Web Publishing 31
We continued our look at intellectual property. We discussed Trademarks and Trade Secrets.
We also looked briefly at the ICANN Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy and quickly passed summary judgment on a few pending cases.
Slides
We also looked briefly at the ICANN Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy and quickly passed summary judgment on a few pending cases.
Slides
Monday, November 10, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 Essays
Coming Friday is the last day that essays will be worth any marks. Essays submitted after that will not earn any marks.
Students who have not yet submitted should get the finger out. Students who do not yet have an essay topic should e-mail Colin for one.
Students who get no marks for their essay will find it very difficult to pass this module.
Students who have not yet submitted should get the finger out. Students who do not yet have an essay topic should e-mail Colin for one.
Students who get no marks for their essay will find it very difficult to pass this module.
ITS1 CMOD6001 09 &10
There were only a handful of students in class and they didn't seem to be doing anything very productive. Because students have been moved to different lab groups the time slot can't now be used for project meetings.
I gave the students some ideas for the structure of the game.
I met with students and asked them about the games and what they had done so far. There didn't seem to be much creativity, innovation, not teamwork in evidence. I expect that I will be disappointed by the results.
I reminded students that it was very important to document their project work in the group blog.
I gave the students some ideas for the structure of the game.
I met with students and asked them about the games and what they had done so far. There didn't seem to be much creativity, innovation, not teamwork in evidence. I expect that I will be disappointed by the results.
I reminded students that it was very important to document their project work in the group blog.
COM1-CMOD6001 27AB & 28AB
Presentations were this morning. We used the programming time slot too. That will have to be paid back at some stage before the end of the semester.
I was disappointed with the quality of the presentations in general. With a few exceptions, it didn't seem like a lot of preparation had gone in to them. I was also disappointed by the lack of respect students showed for their colleagues. Maybe that makes me old fashioned.
In general I expect that few people will get less than a pass mark for the presnetation assessment component. But few will get very good marks either.
If it is practical I will make the video and audio files available.
This leaves only the murder mystery assessment. I have not seem much evidence so far that students are taking this very seriously. But hopefully in the next few weeks the situation will improve.
I was disappointed with the quality of the presentations in general. With a few exceptions, it didn't seem like a lot of preparation had gone in to them. I was also disappointed by the lack of respect students showed for their colleagues. Maybe that makes me old fashioned.
In general I expect that few people will get less than a pass mark for the presnetation assessment component. But few will get very good marks either.
If it is practical I will make the video and audio files available.
This leaves only the murder mystery assessment. I have not seem much evidence so far that students are taking this very seriously. But hopefully in the next few weeks the situation will improve.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Media Data Formats
Next semester I am offering Media Data Formats COMP6021 in the free module time slot. This modules explains how bits end up being sound and images.
What's the difference between a GIF, and JPEG, and a PNG? What's MPEG? How does digital audio work? How does digital TV work? All this and more! :-)
If you are interested please send me an e-mail and I will add you to my list.
If you previoulsy took (and passed) COM2 Internet Studies & Web Design you can't take this module.
What's the difference between a GIF, and JPEG, and a PNG? What's MPEG? How does digital audio work? How does digital TV work? All this and more! :-)
If you are interested please send me an e-mail and I will add you to my list.
If you previoulsy took (and passed) COM2 Internet Studies & Web Design you can't take this module.
Web Publishing 28 & 29
I met with each group and they walked me though what had been done so far. Most sites still only exist on paper and few groups have got the structure of their site properly sorted out.
We decided collectively to wait one more week before pinning down a delivery date. But obvioulsy the semester is only so long.
Thursday's class will be delivered by guest lecturer Gary Couse and will be in C123 as become our custom.
Colin
We decided collectively to wait one more week before pinning down a delivery date. But obvioulsy the semester is only so long.
Thursday's class will be delivered by guest lecturer Gary Couse and will be in C123 as become our custom.
Colin
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Web Publishing 27
We looked at Intellectual Property. Just Copyright & Patent today. Trademarks and Trade Secrets next time.
I left the handout on copyright in B219. Go pick that up if you'd like to learn more.
I left the handout on copyright in B219. Go pick that up if you'd like to learn more.
Monday, November 3, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 Project groups
Students are expected to advise Colin of any changes to the composition of the groups. The most up to date information Colin has is that shown on the list of blogs.
The normal size of the groups is four members. Groups of five may be allowed in exceptional circumstances.
The normal size of the groups is four members. Groups of five may be allowed in exceptional circumstances.
COM1-CMOD6001 Presentations
The presnetations are on monday next.
The schedule is here.
If we are ahead of schedule we will break.
As I explained on Fiday last all students must attend all presentations. Late arrivals will not be admitted.
The schedule is here.
If we are ahead of schedule we will break.
As I explained on Fiday last all students must attend all presentations. Late arrivals will not be admitted.
COM1-CMOD6001 24A & 25A
Some students worked away. Others appeared to be wasting time.
The presentations are next Monday.
The presentations are next Monday.
COM1-CMOD6001 24B & 25B
I spend most of the class sorting out essay submission issues and dealing with group allocations.
The presentations will be on Monday next. If you missed last Friday's class ask someone who was there about the requirements.
The presentations will be on Monday next. If you missed last Friday's class ask someone who was there about the requirements.
Friday, October 31, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 23
This morning was the deadline for the submission of the paper. In addition to the electronic copy e-mailed to Colin, students were expected to also deliver a hard copy by this morning. Many students did not. These students are now late.
The standard CIT penalty for being late is 10%. Students who are late now have one more week to submit a paper copy and matching electronic version. The penalty is applied weekly so there is no incentive to submit any earlier than necessary. Students are, however, welcome to submit their papers at any time.
If you were on time but you feel that if you had an extra week your essay would yield higher marks even with the 10% penalty you are free to re-submit. Please advise me if you intend to do this so that I can hold off correcting your essay until you decide.
The penalty for being an addition week late will be 20% of the original mark. After that week the penalty is 100%, that is you will get nothing.
Students were expected to write an essay on the topic that had been randomly assigned to them. Students were not free to switch topics without prior permission. Students who attended class so infrequently as to not even have a topic were not free to write on any topic of their choice. The list of topics assignments that I have is here.
If you do not yet have a topic you should request one by e-mail or (God Forbid!) come to class. You may submit in time for the next deadline for a possible mark of 90%.
The standard CIT penalty for being late is 10%. Students who are late now have one more week to submit a paper copy and matching electronic version. The penalty is applied weekly so there is no incentive to submit any earlier than necessary. Students are, however, welcome to submit their papers at any time.
If you were on time but you feel that if you had an extra week your essay would yield higher marks even with the 10% penalty you are free to re-submit. Please advise me if you intend to do this so that I can hold off correcting your essay until you decide.
The penalty for being an addition week late will be 20% of the original mark. After that week the penalty is 100%, that is you will get nothing.
Students were expected to write an essay on the topic that had been randomly assigned to them. Students were not free to switch topics without prior permission. Students who attended class so infrequently as to not even have a topic were not free to write on any topic of their choice. The list of topics assignments that I have is here.
If you do not yet have a topic you should request one by e-mail or (God Forbid!) come to class. You may submit in time for the next deadline for a possible mark of 90%.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Web Publishing 26
The project in B217 wasn't working so we squatted in C123 for the hour so at least the time was constructive.
I gave out a list of all the assessment components for this module and the weightings. These components are more detailed than the course schedule.
I gave out a list of all the assessment components for this module and the weightings. These components are more detailed than the course schedule.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Web Publishing 25
I arrived a little late. Studenst were working away. Most groups are on the right track although I think more thought needs to go in to the structure of the sites.
Quite a few students were missing. There are job placement interviews today.
I left early because I too had a job interview!
Quite a few students were missing. There are job placement interviews today.
I left early because I too had a job interview!
COM1-CMOD6001 No CIT lecture today
I have a meeting at 1515 and can't be certain I'll be done for 1600. When I'm finished I'll call over to the classroom. But if you don't need me for anything you need not come to class.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Web Publishing 24
{Monday was a holiday in case you're wondering where those entries went}
We revisited mystery meat navigation using Colin's own crimes against web design.
We look at some more tips from Krug's book.
We looked a number of websites to see how they handled the five persistent navigation elements Krug speaks of.
And now that Amazon has abandoned tabs we settled on the ESB site as an example of tabs.
Watch this blog in case there is a mid-week timetable change
We revisited mystery meat navigation using Colin's own crimes against web design.
We look at some more tips from Krug's book.
We looked a number of websites to see how they handled the five persistent navigation elements Krug speaks of.
And now that Amazon has abandoned tabs we settled on the ESB site as an example of tabs.
Watch this blog in case there is a mid-week timetable change
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Mumps (zapalenie opon mózgowych)
There have been a number of suspected cases of mumps in CIT over the past week. The MMR vaccine is available free of charge in the Medical Centre.
The vaccine is especially important if are a male who hasn't had the mumps and you are planning on making babies in the future.
The vaccine is especially important if are a male who hasn't had the mumps and you are planning on making babies in the future.
Friday, October 24, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 22
We looked at tips for giving presentations.
Students will be giving presentations in groups later in the semester. The default composition of the groups expects that students doing the same essay will be in the same group. However some groups may not be viable, since some students have clearly decided to not participate in this module.
Slides
Students will be giving presentations in groups later in the semester. The default composition of the groups expects that students doing the same essay will be in the same group. However some groups may not be viable, since some students have clearly decided to not participate in this module.
Slides
Web Publishing 23
{Thursday}
The computer in the classroom wasn't working so I had to fumble around a bit for a Plan B. So we didn't really get started until 30 minutes past. I gave out printout of the notes we'd been using so far. I also gave out the slides based on the "Don't Make Me Think" book.
Slides:
Elements
Don't Make Me Think
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 21
I sorted out door access for students who had their cards with them. I'll try to organize the others when we are next in a lab.
Students met in their project teams and had a meeting. I expect to see the minutes of those meetings in the group blogs. Minutes should reflect who was present and who was not.
We discussed some possible structures for the murder mystery evenings.
Students met in their project teams and had a meeting. I expect to see the minutes of those meetings in the group blogs. Minutes should reflect who was present and who was not.
We discussed some possible structures for the murder mystery evenings.
Web Publishing 21 & 22
I arrived to class 5 minutes late. However people were clearly doing great project work in groups so I left everyone at it.
I reminded students to document their work as they went. Records of meeting should appear on each group's blog. I am as interested in the development process as I am the finished product. So it's important for marks to document the process.
I sorted out door access for students who had not already done so themselves.
I reminded students to document their work as they went. Records of meeting should appear on each group's blog. I am as interested in the development process as I am the finished product. So it's important for marks to document the process.
I sorted out door access for students who had not already done so themselves.
Web Publishing Essay Topics
Firewalls (technical, not ethical) - Peter C & Davy D
Video Streaming (technical) - Shane D & Florence K
Is TV Dead? (non-technical) - Stephen H
Blogger vs. WordPress - Becky Yu & Olga L
Open-Source Solutions for e-commerce
Goodle Adsense & AdWords - Leanne A
Podcasting - Wallace K & Neil B
Introduction to Chinese character coding & unicode - xiaodan liu
Web Site Localization - Felix W
Internet Crime (some technical) - Stephen P & Patrick O
Setting Up a Web Server at Home - Giuseppe B
Technical Approaches to Multi-Lingual Web Sites
Students should e-mail their choice of topic to Colin. Students who think up their own topic should check with Colin first that it's a topic that would work and yield a decent grade.
Students sharing a topic with someone else should be careful about discussing it lest their papers end up being too similar.
Students are welcome to send Colin a rough draft for early feedback.
Video Streaming (technical) - Shane D & Florence K
Is TV Dead? (non-technical) - Stephen H
Blogger vs. WordPress - Becky Yu & Olga L
Open-Source Solutions for e-commerce
Goodle Adsense & AdWords - Leanne A
Podcasting - Wallace K & Neil B
Introduction to Chinese character coding & unicode - xiaodan liu
Web Site Localization - Felix W
Internet Crime (some technical) - Stephen P & Patrick O
Setting Up a Web Server at Home - Giuseppe B
Technical Approaches to Multi-Lingual Web Sites
Students should e-mail their choice of topic to Colin. Students who think up their own topic should check with Colin first that it's a topic that would work and yield a decent grade.
Students sharing a topic with someone else should be careful about discussing it lest their papers end up being too similar.
Students are welcome to send Colin a rough draft for early feedback.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Web Publishing 20
We looked at some more tips from JJ Garrett's book. Powerpoints slides later.
The paper is due at noon on Friday 7 November. e-mail to Colin before then. Min 1500 words. If you submit early I might be able to give you feedback that you could use to improve your paper.
The paper is due at noon on Friday 7 November. e-mail to Colin before then. Min 1500 words. If you submit early I might be able to give you feedback that you could use to improve your paper.
Monday, October 20, 2008
ITS1-CMOD6001 05 & 06
I asked students to set up a multi-author blog for each project group. Some students didn't know what group they were in.
I asked students to hold a meeting and enter a report of the meeting into the group blog. However many students were missing and some groups had only one member. I asked the partial groups to meet with each other.
I think I will talk to Deidre about the composition of groups. Some students are clearly not interested in taking this course seriously.
I asked students to hold a meeting and enter a report of the meeting into the group blog. However many students were missing and some groups had only one member. I asked the partial groups to meet with each other.
I think I will talk to Deidre about the composition of groups. Some students are clearly not interested in taking this course seriously.
Access to Labs
All computing students should now have access to the computer labs. However each student's card must be updated in order to work. There are a few special hotspots around campus that can update cards. The handiest one is in the C corridor next to the comms room. Obvioulsy any attempt to gain access top the comms room will not succeed, but the card will be updated in the process.
This doesn't actually work. I'm on it!
This doesn't actually work. I'm on it!
COM1-CMOD6001 19A & 20A
Most students were still not in project groups so I forced the issue. Students formed groups, set up multi-author blogs, and e-mailed me the details.
Some students went to the canteen for "meetings". Find by me as long as the work gets done.
Some students went to the canteen for "meetings". Find by me as long as the work gets done.
COM1-CMOD6001 19B & 20B
Most students were still not in project groups so I forced the issue. Students formed groups, set up multi-author blogs, and e-mailed me the details.
Some students worked on a different module altogether.
Some students worked on a different module altogether.
Friday, October 17, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 18
I gave out some handouts about grammar and punctuation.
Students with the same paper met and discussed their approaches.
I gave another warning about plagiarism.
Students with the same paper met and discussed their approaches.
I gave another warning about plagiarism.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Web Publishing 19
Only two students turned up to class. Normally I would give class anyway under such circumstances. But I didn't have the energy today. I know that's not much of a reward for those who did turn up.
COM1-CMOD6001 17
{Wednesday}
We talked aboutthe structre of the essay. We did a paragraph exercise.
At the ne dof the class there were a lot of very useful questions.
We talked aboutthe structre of the essay. We did a paragraph exercise.
At the ne dof the class there were a lot of very useful questions.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Web Publishing 16
{Tuesday}
We looked at JJ Garrett's Elements of User Experience and briefly examined each of the 5 planes.
We looked at JJ Garrett's Elements of User Experience and briefly examined each of the 5 planes.
Web Publishing 17 & 18
First the first half of the class students held group meetings.
In the second half students took the Online Media Law course at newsU. It's vital that student log out of this site when finished. After taking the test students should send the results to Colin's e-mail.
In the second half students took the Online Media Law course at newsU. It's vital that student log out of this site when finished. After taking the test students should send the results to Colin's e-mail.
Monday, October 13, 2008
ITS1-CMOD6001 03 & 04
The networked drive was not working so that caused a few problems.
We had a quick look at the internet, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint based on the self-assessment sheets that students filled out before. We didn't look at the windows stuff because of the lack of a drive.
Students did the powerpoint exercises.
We'll try to look at spreadsheets next time.
For the last half hour we played the zoom game outdoors. It was too sunny to be inside!
We had a quick look at the internet, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint based on the self-assessment sheets that students filled out before. We didn't look at the windows stuff because of the lack of a drive.
Students did the powerpoint exercises.
We'll try to look at spreadsheets next time.
For the last half hour we played the zoom game outdoors. It was too sunny to be inside!
COM1-CMOD6001 15A & 16A
We looked at PowerPoint and spreadsheets.
I gave out handouts 16, 12, 13, 83, 84, 61. But we didn't discuss them.
I gave out handouts 16, 12, 13, 83, 84, 61. But we didn't discuss them.
COM1-CMOD6001 15B & 16B
We looked at PowerPoint and spreadsheets.
I gave out handouts 16, 12, 13, 83, 84, 61. But we didn't discuss them.
I gave out handouts 16, 12, 13, 83, 84, 61. But we didn't discuss them.
Friday, October 10, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 14
We looked at some more job descriptions and their requirements.
I gave out the spec for Assignment 4.
I gave out a list of common mistakes students mistake when writing. But we didn't really go through it.
I gave out the spec for Assignment 4.
I gave out a list of common mistakes students mistake when writing. But we didn't really go through it.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Web Pubishing Paper Ideas
Firewalls (technical, not ethical)
Video Streaming (technical)
Is TV Dead? (non-technical)
Blogger vs. WordPress
Open-Source Solutions for e-commerce
Goodle Adsense & AdWords (both!)
Top 20 Tips for Website Usability
Podcasting
Introduction to Chinese character coding & unicode
Web Site Localization
Internet Crime (some technical)
Video Streaming (technical)
Is TV Dead? (non-technical)
Blogger vs. WordPress
Open-Source Solutions for e-commerce
Goodle Adsense & AdWords (both!)
Top 20 Tips for Website Usability
Podcasting
Introduction to Chinese character coding & unicode
Web Site Localization
Internet Crime (some technical)
Web Publishing 15
I got an e-mail from the Students' Union saying that students will not be available for class until 1500 because they are protesting. So I don't expect to have class today.
COM1-CMOD6001 Information about Friday's Class
Last Friday some students summarized for the class the requirements of they job description they were assigned. Tomorrow's class will provide a second chance to students who did not turn up last Friday.
Students who did not attend last Friday and who do not attend tomorrow, will not get full marks.
Students who attended last Friday and were asked to contribute but did not (Jobs 25 & 33) should also make sure to attend tomorrow.
The marks of all other students who attended last Friday, will not be affected by their attendance tomorrow.
Students who did not attend last Friday and who do not attend tomorrow, will not get full marks.
Students who attended last Friday and were asked to contribute but did not (Jobs 25 & 33) should also make sure to attend tomorrow.
The marks of all other students who attended last Friday, will not be affected by their attendance tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Getting in the Builders
No one could tell me anything about the construction that's going on outside my office. It's like a big secret or something. Given that the CIT PR machine sends around e-mails and magazine articles to announce the opening of an envelope, it's surprising that there wasn't more fanfare.
I eventually found out everything I wanted to know at the Cork City Planning Office. And I got my main question answered - yes. All of the trees will go.
I eventually found out everything I wanted to know at the Cork City Planning Office. And I got my main question answered - yes. All of the trees will go.
Web Publishing 12
We talked a bit about the assessment for this course. Students are expected to come up with a topic for the paper and send it to me for approval. Eventually students who have not selected a topic will be assigned one.
Students should try to form a project group this week. I recommend group sizes of 6, but students may do as they wish.
We will sort out the new members of the class in the labs tomorrow. If you want to be in the class it is important to turn up, as it is possibly over-subscribed.
We talked about usability. We looked at ryanair.com and iberia.es and identified some usability issues. Students are expected to identify a web site with usability issues and describe how they might fix them. This should be posted to the blog.
We looked at metrics. How do we measure the success of a site? We looked at google anylitics very briefly. We'll come back to that.
I didn't properly explain what click-thru-rate is. It's the number of people who click on a an ad divided by the number of people who see it.
I gave out Garrett's Elements of User Experience handout, but we never go around to talking about it.
Notes:
Garrett's Elements
Powerpoint ppt2008-10-07.ppt
Students should try to form a project group this week. I recommend group sizes of 6, but students may do as they wish.
We will sort out the new members of the class in the labs tomorrow. If you want to be in the class it is important to turn up, as it is possibly over-subscribed.
We talked about usability. We looked at ryanair.com and iberia.es and identified some usability issues. Students are expected to identify a web site with usability issues and describe how they might fix them. This should be posted to the blog.
We looked at metrics. How do we measure the success of a site? We looked at google anylitics very briefly. We'll come back to that.
I didn't properly explain what click-thru-rate is. It's the number of people who click on a an ad divided by the number of people who see it.
I gave out Garrett's Elements of User Experience handout, but we never go around to talking about it.
Notes:
Garrett's Elements
Powerpoint ppt2008-10-07.ppt
Monday, October 6, 2008
ITS-CMOD6001 01 & 02
This was my first class with ITS1.
I gave out self-assessment forms for PowerPoint and for speadsheets. We'll look at those in a subsequent class.
Students set up blogs and added the other students in the class to their blogrolls.
I gave out self-assessment forms for PowerPoint and for speadsheets. We'll look at those in a subsequent class.
Students set up blogs and added the other students in the class to their blogrolls.
Canteen Muppets
I hate canteen muppets even more than I hate bus muppets. Sometimes the canteen is very busy and it can be difficult to find a seat. Some people's solution to this problem is to keep a seat with their bag while they are in the queue. Although this alleviates the probelm for them personally, it exacerbates the problem for everyone else.
Imagine if everyone kept a seat for themselves as they went in to the canteen. If they spent 10 minutes in the queue and 15 eating their lunch, the overall seating capacity of canteen would be only 60% of what it would be otherwise. No wonder it's hard to find a seat.
Imagine if everyone kept a seat for themselves as they went in to the canteen. If they spent 10 minutes in the queue and 15 eating their lunch, the overall seating capacity of canteen would be only 60% of what it would be otherwise. No wonder it's hard to find a seat.
Bye Bye DNET & DCOM Hello ITS
My allocation has changed and I am no longer teaching CMOD6001 to the DNET/DCOM group. However I now have ITS1. I will see them for the first time today.
COM1-CMOD6001 11A & 12A
We looked at Windows, Word, and the Internet and covered topics identified by sdtuents last week on their self-assessment forms.
I can our self-assessment forms for PowerPoint and Spreadsheets. We'll fill the gaps in knowledge of those applications next week.
I can our self-assessment forms for PowerPoint and Spreadsheets. We'll fill the gaps in knowledge of those applications next week.
COM1-CMOD6001 11B & 12B
We looked at Windows, Word, and the Internet and covered topics identified by sdtuents last week on their self-assessment forms.
I can our self-assessment forms for PowerPoint and Spreadsheets. We'll fill the gaps in knowledge of those applications next week.
I can our self-assessment forms for PowerPoint and Spreadsheets. We'll fill the gaps in knowledge of those applications next week.
Friday, October 3, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 10
This morning we looked at some of the jobs that had been given out for the job & modules exercise. I asked a number of students to outline what the job they were assigned was about and what modules might be required in order to get it.
Many students were missing so we did not investigate all of the jobs I had chosen in advance.
Most students submitted the assignment on time. A number of students were able to type their submission using only three keys: CTRL & C for copy, and CTRL & V for paste.
Many students were missing so we did not investigate all of the jobs I had chosen in advance.
Most students submitted the assignment on time. A number of students were able to type their submission using only three keys: CTRL & C for copy, and CTRL & V for paste.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Web Publishing 11
We had a brain storming session of ideas for projects. Four project groups would be optimal.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 09
We talked about reasons for being at college. Students completed exercise sheets 6 & 87.
We recapped what is expected for the job description assignment that is due on Friday morning at 0600, and what will be expected of students in class on Friday.
We talked a little bit about time management. Students completed exercise sheets 75 & 76.
I briefly outlined what assignments are coming up. There will be a paper, a presentation (group), and a project (group). I will give more details of those next week.
Students were reminded to keeping blogging and to make at least one entry per week.
We recapped what is expected for the job description assignment that is due on Friday morning at 0600, and what will be expected of students in class on Friday.
We talked a little bit about time management. Students completed exercise sheets 75 & 76.
I briefly outlined what assignments are coming up. There will be a paper, a presentation (group), and a project (group). I will give more details of those next week.
Students were reminded to keeping blogging and to make at least one entry per week.
Web Publishing 09 & 10
We spent time setting up blogs. This was a pity because had spend time on that already.
Towards the end of the class students remotely logged in to a server, created a folder, and FTPed a simple page. They were then able to view the page in a web browser.
Some students we hindered by their total lack of competence in HTML. They will probably have to revise the notes they made in previous modules.
In the next class we will brainstorm about possible projects. Since we appear to have 17 students I will be proposing 2 project groups.
Towards the end of the class students remotely logged in to a server, created a folder, and FTPed a simple page. They were then able to view the page in a web browser.
Some students we hindered by their total lack of competence in HTML. They will probably have to revise the notes they made in previous modules.
In the next class we will brainstorm about possible projects. Since we appear to have 17 students I will be proposing 2 project groups.
Web Publishing - Blogs
These are the blogs of the students in the class. You should add them to your blog roll.
florencecit
wallacekareeba
helen-liu-helen
leannescollegeblog
mydcom3year
peteranthony1
lovethedice
felixwunderlich
ciaranosullivan
motherwaysblog
notorious-string
dadeodugbose
beckysiboyu
olgalinek
gius78
daviedee
jbumba
darraghpaul
neilo12
xzemx
dbesteva1
{This post have been modified to accomadate new students. List last updated 08 Oct 2008}
florencecit
wallacekareeba
helen-liu-helen
leannescollegeblog
mydcom3year
peteranthony1
lovethedice
felixwunderlich
ciaranosullivan
motherwaysblog
notorious-string
dadeodugbose
beckysiboyu
olgalinek
gius78
daviedee
jbumba
darraghpaul
neilo12
xzemx
dbesteva1
{This post have been modified to accomadate new students. List last updated 08 Oct 2008}
Web Publishing 08
(30 Sep 2008)
We started a little late because the machine in the classroom couldn't connect to anything and so I had to do a Shank's mare file transfer.
We had a class on how to transfer files from a local machine to a web server.
notes:
unix-ftp.ppt
Unix ftp man page printout
We started a little late because the machine in the classroom couldn't connect to anything and so I had to do a Shank's mare file transfer.
We had a class on how to transfer files from a local machine to a web server.
notes:
unix-ftp.ppt
Unix ftp man page printout
Monday, September 29, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 Reminder
Don't forget to e-mail the job description to me by Friday morning and to bring it with you to class on Friday.
This is worth marks.
This is worth marks.
COM1-CMOD6001 07A & 08A
I asked students to asses their IT skills using the check lists I gave out. Many opf the same gaps in knoweledge appear in this class as in the last. However like the last class I was unable to fill them because I couldn't get the projector working. I suspect though that all of the pieces are in fact present. At least it means I will do exactly the same with both calsses next week, so it's not all bad I suppose.
Students mostly worked on their blogs or on the job assignment.
A number of students already have attendance rates of less than 30%. That's quite shocking so early in the year.
Students mostly worked on their blogs or on the job assignment.
A number of students already have attendance rates of less than 30%. That's quite shocking so early in the year.
COM1-CMOD6001 07B & 08B
I asked students to assess their own IT skills using the check lists I provided. That gave me an idea of what kinds of things we need to go over. However having figured out what we needed to to, we could not because the cable connecting to the projector had been stolen. Persumably it had been stolen to go with the monitor that was also stolen.
So we'll do that at the next opportunity.
So we'll do that at the next opportunity.
Friday, September 26, 2008
My head hurts
I still have a rotten headache. It's like a hangover that's lasted 2 weeks. I think I'll have to go back to the doctor. If today was a tougher day I think I'd have called in sick. So no partying for me this weekend. I've a load of DVDs to get though anyway.
COM1-CMOD6001 06
We discussed some of the ideas student came up with in the last class about what makes for good teamwork.
Students worked in groups to come up with possible rules for a group.
Handouts: 94, 97, 99
Students did a self-evaluation (94)
We went though 99
Students worked in groups to come up with possible rules for a group.
Handouts: 94, 97, 99
Students did a self-evaluation (94)
We went though 99
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Web Publishing 07
We looked briefly at the Wikipedia article on Web Hosting.
We went through a long list of different features offered by several web hosting companies and I explained what they meant.
notes:
web hosting handout
We went through a long list of different features offered by several web hosting companies and I explained what they meant.
notes:
web hosting handout
DNC-CMOD6001
We played name tag rizzla in order to get to know each others names. The students didn't seem to be that interested in mingling and 1 or 2 even cheated.
When we were finished with that we wrapped up.
I expect that next week I will have a different number of hours with this group.
When we were finished with that we wrapped up.
I expect that next week I will have a different number of hours with this group.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 05
We had to do the roll call twice because it was difficult to hear. And even then I was one name short.
We did an exercise on groups. Students got in to groups of 4 or 5 to come up with suggestions for what make for good working groups. Most students worked well on the exercise and came up with interesting and useful ideas. However when it came time to collate those ideas and share them with the entire class is was very difficult to hear the student contributions over the noise and chatter. I wasn't prepared to shout louder than everyone else put together, so I left at 20 minutes to the hour.
We did an exercise on groups. Students got in to groups of 4 or 5 to come up with suggestions for what make for good working groups. Most students worked well on the exercise and came up with interesting and useful ideas. However when it came time to collate those ideas and share them with the entire class is was very difficult to hear the student contributions over the noise and chatter. I wasn't prepared to shout louder than everyone else put together, so I left at 20 minutes to the hour.
Web Publishing 06
(2 hour labs)
Students set up blogs and added the other students' blogs to their blog rolls.
Students set up blogs and added the other students' blogs to their blog rolls.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Finally Under Way
I feel like the college year is finally under way. Stuff is actually getting done. There was a fair bit of hassle today with student computer accounts and many couldn't log in even though they had fully registered and paid their money and everything. Admissions told them it might be a few days before the computer system reflects their status accurately. In the meantime we have some dummy accounts so students can get on with things. Having dummy accounts is a bit of a security risk but we have to strike a balance.
COM1-CMOD6001 03A & 04A
I distributed the job descriptions exercise.
In the second half of the class students set up blogs.
In the second half of the class students set up blogs.
COM1-CMOD6001 03B & 04B
Some time was wasted at the start of class with people unable to log in. But hopefully all that will be sorted in a few days.
I distributed the job descriptions exercise.
In the second half of the class students set up blogs.
I distributed the job descriptions exercise.
In the second half of the class students set up blogs.
Friday, September 19, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 02
We played name tag rizzla so that we could get to know each other's names. It was good fun.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Web Publishing 04
Very short class. went through syllabus and explained what the course was about.
I asked students to decide over the weekend whether they were in or out, so that we could get down to work.
I asked students to decide over the weekend whether they were in or out, so that we could get down to work.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
COM1-CMOD6001 01
I explained CIT's system of modules and credits, the NFQ levels and ECTS credits. I talked about transfers to computing and other courses within CIT.
I explained about the free module in the second and subsequent semesters.
We went through the CMOD6001 Syllabus and I explained what the module was trying achieve.
We had a group exercise during which students discussed whether it was better to be randomly assigned groups for the project or better to allow students to choose their own group members. The class seemed evenly divided in their choice.
There were 31 students present.
I explained about the free module in the second and subsequent semesters.
We went through the CMOD6001 Syllabus and I explained what the module was trying achieve.
We had a group exercise during which students discussed whether it was better to be randomly assigned groups for the project or better to allow students to choose their own group members. The class seemed evenly divided in their choice.
There were 31 students present.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Web Publishing Class 01
We had our first class today. I gave a quick overview of the course. Since only two students turned up I didn't really make a start and we left early. That practice only rewards the student who didn't show up. So I probably won't do that in future.
This should be an interesting little module. But it's very much a work in progress.
This should be an interesting little module. But it's very much a work in progress.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Grumpy
I was a bit grumpy at work today. I think I am in a bad mood because of the uncertainty about what I will be teaching this semester. I like to be some bit prepared for a class. But it's hard to invest in a subject on the off chance that I might end up teaching. It also frustrates me that I don't get to teach the things I know most about.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Mentoring
I went to a talk on mentoring on Thursday. It was very interesting and very useful. I'm not sure if I should become a mentor though. It seems fraught with risk and there are no supports structures in place. I must think about it some more.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
DNET4 Internet Technologies Autumn Paper
Students must answer Q1 and 2 other questions.
Q1 (40 marks)
JavaScript
Q2 (30 marks)
JavaScript
Q3 (30 marks)
HTML
Q4 (30 marks)
Image formats / compression type stuff
Q1 (40 marks)
JavaScript
Q2 (30 marks)
JavaScript
Q3 (30 marks)
HTML
Q4 (30 marks)
Image formats / compression type stuff
COM2 ISWD Autumn Paper
Here's all I have to say about the Autumn Paper
Students must answer Q1 and three other questions.
Q1:
JavaScript
Q2:
JavaScript
Q3:
Image formats / Compression type stuff
Q4:
HTML
Q5:
Image formats / Compression type stuff
Students must answer Q1 and three other questions.
Q1:
JavaScript
Q2:
JavaScript
Q3:
Image formats / Compression type stuff
Q4:
HTML
Q5:
Image formats / Compression type stuff
June 20 is the last day lecturers are available
All CIT lecturers will be on holidays from June 21 to August 30. So if you want to talk to someone about your exam result you should do so before then.
Colin
Colin
Script Viewing
To view your script you should fill out this form
and take it to the exams office.
I won't be viewing it with you. I can meet you before or after that, but I guess it makes sense to do so after you've seen the script. I am available any time any day this week, except for a bunch of meetings on Wed PM.
Learning Support Centre
The Learning Support Centre will provide a summer programme for students intending to sit the autumn repeat examinations. The sessions will begin on Monday 21st July 2008 and run for 4 consectutive weeks until Thursday 14th August 2008. This will be an intensive programme with 6 sessions of Maths per week and 4 sessions of Programming, Physics and Electronics per week. Lecturers from the respective departments will be available at the designated times to assist students with any difficulties they may have facing the exam paper.
| Week1 Day Time | Monday 21st July 2008 | Tuesday 22nd July 2008 | Wednesday 23rd July 2008 | Thursday 24th July 2008 |
| 10.00-11.00am | Programming | Maths | Programming | Maths |
| 11.00-12.00 | Programming | Maths | Programming | Maths |
| 12.00-1.00pm | Electronics | Physics | Physics | Electronics |
| 1.00-2.00pm | Electronics | Physics | Physics | Electronics |
| 6.00-7.00pm | Maths | | | |
| 7.00-8.00pm | Maths | | | |
| Week 2 Day Time | Monday 28th July 2008 | Tuesday 29th July 2008 | Wednesday 30th July 2008 | Thursday 31st July 2008 |
| 10.00-11.00am | Programming | Maths | Programming | Maths |
| 11.00-12.00 | Programming | Maths | Programming | Maths |
| 12.00-1.00pm | Electronics | Physics | Physics | Electronics |
| 1.00-2.00pm | Electronics | Physics | Physics | Electronics |
| 6.00-7.00pm | Maths | | | |
| 7.00-8.00pm | Maths | | | |
| Week 3 Day Time | Tuesday 5th August 2008 | Wednesday 6th August 2008 | Thursday 7th August 2008 | Friday 8th August 2008 |
| 10.00-11.00am | Maths | Programming | Maths | Programming |
| 11.00-12.00 | Maths | Programming | Maths | Programming |
| 12.00-1.00pm | Physics | Physics | Electronics | Electronics |
| 1.00-2.00pm | Physics | Physics | Electronics | Electronics |
| 6.00-7.00pm | Maths | | | |
| 7.00-8.00pm | Maths | | | |
| Week 4 Day Time | Monday 11th August 2008 | Tuesday 12th August 2008 | Wednesday 13th August 2008 | Thursday 14th August 2008 |
| 10.00-11.00am | Programming | Maths | Programming | Maths |
| 11.00-12.00 | Programming | Maths | Programming | Maths |
| 12.00-1.00pm | Electronics | Physics | Physics | Electronics |
| 1.00-2.00pm | Electronics | Physics | Physics | Electronics |
| 6.00-7.00pm | Maths | | | |
| 7.00-8.00pm | Maths | | | |
The Learning Support Centre Summer Programme Timetable July 2008
All sessions will be delivered in LSC rooms D259A/B
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