Course Title: Write content for web pages
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2020
Course Code: COSC6137C
Course Title: Write content for web pages
School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context
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: Melissa Cranenburgh
Email: melissa.cranenburgh@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 Select content channels and format as part of client requirements 1.4 Obtain templates and style guides 1.5 Identify 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 Create content according to content and client requirements 2.2 Establish that content is easily and conveniently accessible and visible and that information is clear, understandable and logical 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 (FTP) 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-class activities may include:
- Lectures
- Guest lecture
- Class presentations
- Group discussions
- Teacher directed group activities/projects
- Class exercises to review discussions/lectures
- Workshopping of student projects
- Analysis/critique of relevant reading material
Out-of-class activities may include:
- Online research
- Independent project based work
Teaching Schedule
This course addresses the following units of competency, clustered for delivery and assessment under the title 'Writing Digital Content':
- ICAWEB420A Write content for web pages
- CUFWRT301A Write content for a range of media
Please note that below is the proposed schedule though there may be minor adjustments due to guest speaker availability.
Course schedule
Week |
Topics & Activities | Assessment Due |
| 1 | Introduction to Writing Digital Content |
|
| 2 | Principles of digital content writing |
|
| 3 | Targeting your audience: creating a user profile |
Assessment 1: Planning a site |
| 4 | Longform to listicles: major writing forms online | |
| 5 | Online journalism: writing hot takes |
|
| 6 | Adapting copy for the web: shaping corporate writing for rolling content |
|
| 7 | Foregrounding the user: content-focussed website design/UX writing |
Assessment 2 Part 1: Creating a website (draft) Guest speaker TBD |
| 8 | Writing for social media: platforms and audiences, tone of voice and engagement |
|
| 9 | User testing for websites (workshopping class) |
|
| 10 | Social media strategies: planning posts and using a management system |
|
| 11 | Writing scripts for audio/video content |
Guest speaker TBD |
| 12 | Creating a media kit and an 'about' page |
|
| 13 |
Editing for the web |
Assessment 3: Social media strategy |
| 14 | What's up in the back end of your site: basic coding for simple CMS |
Assessment 2 Part 2: Creating a website (final) |
| 15 | Showcase day |
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
None |
References
You are advised to look on Canvas for ongoing updated information. |
Other Resources
All required resources will be provided by the teacher on Canvas.
The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The learning Lab
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops
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
This unit of competency is clustered for delivery and assessment with CUFWRT301A Write content for a range of media.
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as competent in this course you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.
Assessment 1 – Planning a site (Due Week 3, Sunday 1 March)
You will prepare a range of planning documents for your website, with an emphasis on the user profile and content plan.
Assessment 2 – Creating a website (Part 1 Draft Due Week 8, Sunday 29 March; Part 2 Final Due Week 14, Sunday 24 May)
You will structure and create content for a simple website using a standard web platform. You will prepare a draft for workshopping in class, including user testing, and on completion will showcase your site to the class.
Assessment 3 – Social media strategy (Due Week 13, 17 May)
You will create a social media strategy to help augment your web site.
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did not Submit Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.
Other Information
Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Information about your studies
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Course Overview: Access Course Overview