Course Title: Write content for web pages

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: COSC6137C

Course Title: Write content for web pages

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5314 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925-4815

Course Contact Email:mcvet@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher Yannick Thoraval

Teacher Contact Phone 9925-4908

Teacher Email yannick.thoraval@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This course will allow you to develop key skills and knowledge around writing for the web. You will leaarn how to analyse user engagement and produce sharp, accessible content. This will include creating content that is optimized for search engines, social media and multiple web platforms. You will also develop the technical skills necessary to produce clear website layouts that are friendly to a range of users.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICAWEB420A Write content for web pages

Element:

1. Determine site content requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify customer information needs with reference to audience, site functionality and client requirements
1.2 Confirm site purpose and functionality with reference to client specification
1.3 Identify content channels and format as part of client requirements
1.4 Identify relevant templates and style guides
1.5 Identify relevant content and analyse with reference to audience needs, maintenance requirements, information architecture, and site design and functionality
1.6 Negotiate alterations to site design, as required by the content and client requirements
 

Element:

2. Write site content

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Generate content in accordance with content and client requirements
2.2 Ensure that content is easily and conveniently accessible and visible and that information is clear, understandable and flows in a logical pattern or is grouped logically
2.3 Edit content with reference to audience needs, site functionality, content and client requirements
 

Element:

3. Upload content

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Log into server site using either administrative or anonymous file transfer protocol in preparation for upload
3.2 Launch transfer file transfer protocol client and navigate to destination directory, either graphically or by using a command line interface
3.3 Store and order files according to logical design and user needs, using accepted file extension scheme
3.4 Demonstrate operation in closed contention mode
 


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will be able to write clearly and effectively for the web, recognise how people access information on websites and build a community of online users around your content topics. 


Details of Learning Activities

In this unit, you will learn how to create engaging content for a website. You will be able to apply content layout, writing and design principles to a page of web content and reflect on the user’s engagement with your content.

In-class activities:

  • Lab work
  • Development of practical projects
  • Group discussion
  • Class exercises
  • Workshopping

Out-of-class activities:

  • Online research
  • Development of practical projects


Teaching Schedule

Week Class Content Assessment
1

• Introduction, explanation of course structure and assessment
• Discussion of student-teacher expectations
• Know why you are writing online content
• Define your writing content focus

Developing user profiles

Assessment 1 assigned: Create a User Profile 

 
2

• Principles of good online writing
• Web layout and content design
• Content strategy
 

Assessment 2 assigned: Develop Site Architecture

Assessment 1 Due: Create a User Profile
3

• Site architecture
• Writing for diverse audiences

Analysing websites and providing feedback

 
4

Using images and text

Assessment 2 Due: Develop Site Architecture
5

Creating a website
Using Wordpress
Assessment 3 assigned: Create a Website

 
6

Embedded media, domains and social media


 

7

Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of web-based communication
image editing
Providing and responding to feedback
Manage responsiveness

 

8 Review Assessment 3 Due: Create a Website


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

The following texts are available in the RMIT Library:
Halvorson, Kristina and Rach, Melissa, Content Strategy for the Web New Riders, Berkley, 2012. Neilsen, Jakob and Budiu, Rulua Mobile Usability, New Riders, Berkley, 2013.
Felder, Lynda Writing for the Web: Creating Compelling Web Content Using Words, Pictures and Sound, New Riders, 2011


Other Resources

See Blackboard


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will be ongoing throughout the semester.  It will demonstrate your ability to create well written content with consistent voice, tone and presentation format designed to meet the needs of the customer.


Assessment Tasks

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete all of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive written feedback on all assessment (refer to Blackboard for assessment criteria).

Once you have demonstrated competency, your final assessment will be graded (refer to Blackboard for grading rubric).

Assessment 1 - Create a User Profile due week 2 (18 February)
Assessment 2 - Develop Site Architecture due week 4 (4 March)
Assessment 3 - Create a Website due week 8 (1 April) (Graded)


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available from the course contact person (stated above).

Other Information

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students

Attendance

The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency. Non-attendance may seriously jeopardise the chances of success in a course. Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. Where visa conditions apply, attendance is compulsory.

Cover Sheet for Submissions

You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning (web link)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process through which people can gain entry to, or credit in, recognised courses based on competencies gained. The competencies may have been gained through experience in the workplace, in voluntary work, in social or domestic activities or through informal or formal training or other life experiences. Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) applies if a student has previously successfully completed the requirements of a unit of competency or module and is now required to be reassessed to ensure that the competency has been maintained.

Assessment and Feedback (web link)

You will receive verbal feedback during scheduled class times, and written feedback from teachers on your work . Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

Student Progress (web link)

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.

Special consideration for Late Submission (web link)

All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you wil need to apply for special consideration.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism (web link)

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity

Course Overview: Access Course Overview