Task 1Today we are going to begin the process of translating our print-based arguments into hypertext format. First "Select All" of the text of your document. Then, just paste it into an HTML file. That's it. Good Job. :-)
If only it were that simple. We'd better spend some time thinking about the conceptual issues involved in presenting an argument on the Web.
Since the Web is a hypertext, we want to
consider composing as a way of linking different pieces of information. If we
think about an essay as a way of delivering information, we can see that it has a
structure that depends in part on linearity. The opening will map out the
project, but the rest of the work will flow from that opening until the end. This
means that connections between something like an oppenents argument and your main
claim are made by positioning them in the body of the essay and acknowledging
their relationships. So, think about your argumentative essay in terms of the
relationships between the ideas and information that you present. Obviously,
opposition statements have a corresponding statement or piece of information in
the essay. How are they related? What about the logical structure of your essay.
Does one point depend upon the reader having an understanding of a previous
point? What is the relationship between each of your statements and the overall
claims that are being made? Does your essay provide a section that brings it all
together, or does it rely on the reader having processed all of the individual
sections to make its broader claims?
On the Web, there is also an
opening screen. The arrangement of the information is more flexible. In a way,
acknowledging the relationships and explaining and making the connections becomes
more important. Now let's think about your essay in terms of this structure. If
you decided that some information did rely on the reader having previously
understood one of your statements, it will be important for you to structure your
hypertext so that readers will only be able to reach the dependent information
after having read the section that it relies on. Note that the structure of the
Web project won't allow readers to get to the "last" section without first having
read the section above. Each project will demand a different structure, but the
point is to consider A.) the relationships between the information you are
presenting and B.) the possible movements of readers through the information.
Inside the Teacher Folder there is a folder called "webdrafts." Open this folder, then go to the File menu and select New Folder. Use your last name in lower case letters as the title of the folder.
You can store your files in this folder. Be sure to save your initial file with the title "index.html". Place other files in the folder as you work. You can also store files on your diskettes to work on them, but the project itself will need to be turned in to these folders. Be sure to backup your files if you are working on them on a diskette. It is best to have them saved in two spots, in case one goes bad.
The draft of the project will be due on Friday April 4th at 5:00 pm.
The final project will be due on Wednesday April 16th at 9:00 pm.
The requirements are:
Now you'll want to construct some HTML. You can refer to the materials that I have passed out for some information. You can also get a sense of the commands at
So think about your project. Remember, that you can't cut and paste the information from your essay into the page. I'll be around to help with the HTML and also to think about the organization issues. Start building.
If you have comments, let me know.
