You may take this class totally online!!!
No classroom attendance required.
Section #
Aug 20 - Oct 13, 2018
General Information
This class is an 8-week, 2-unit class.
The classes will be all online, though I plan to have face-to-face help sessions for those who would like to come. The on-campus help sessions will be totally optional.
About WordPress
WordPress has taken the Web by storm. It's an amazingly versatile and efficient way for many people to have their own Web sites. People who don't know anything about Web Design can learn to use the admin area to add content to their sites and to keep the site updated. Those who have had no Web experience can easily have a site up and running very quickly.
It's helpful for Web professionals to learn WordPress, as well. Often, Web professionals are called upon to setup the site initially, and add the functionality that a particular client needs. A professional can also adjust the design of the site to suite the client's needs. After that, the client is able to take over the maintenance of the site, something that many clients want to do. Learning to use WordPress is a valuable skill for both non-professional and professional Web developers.
Course Description and Objectives
GCMW 115 is a beginning level WordPress class without prerequisites. By the end of the class, you will have your own WordPress site up and running. You'll know how to choose the look and feel of the site, how to add functionality with plug-ins, how to add content to the side columns, and how to add content both for blogging and for site pages. We'll set up menus and add media, as well. We'll also discuss how to optimize your site for search engines and how to control comments left by your users. You'll be able to use WordPress to create a standard, informational Web site, or to create more of a blog site. There are many possibilities with this versatile application.
Prerequisite Skills:
This is a beginning class in Web page design. No previous experience is expected and no previous knowledge of Web design is required. You will need to be able to use a Web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox or Chrome to navigate the Web, fill out forms, etc. You will also need to be able store photos or other multimedia on your computer and to find those files for later use.
Required Textbook
WordPress: The Missing Manual (2nd Edition) by Matthew MacDonald, O'Reilly Media. ISBN: 978-1-449-34190-9.
Note: Amazon has the Kindle version of the book available at very low cost for purchase or for rent. There will also be a free PDF of the book available in class. These options can save money. I do recommend that you have a print copy to read, though. I find that students often to better with print copies than with screen copies. You can use the PDF version to print out your own chapters if you prefer to do it that way than to purchase the book. You can also purchase used books from Amazon or the bookstore.
Software Requirements
- A Browser such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox or Chrome.
- An Internet Connection
- FTP software - optional. FTP software allows you to upload files from your computer to a Web server on the Internet. This is not required for class, but you may find that you want to use it. We'll discuss this in class. There are free FTP programs that you can download at that time, if you like.
- Image Editing Program - optional. Fireworks and Photoshop are both great and you can download a free 30-day trial to use during class. You won't need this unless you would like to edit images for your site or create your own banner. Not required for the class.
Web Hosting and Domain Name
You will need to provide your own Web hosting for the class. It can be obtained for about $6 or less per month. Figure on paying for 2 months of hosting. You should not get this ahead of time. We'll be discussing desirable Web hosts in class. It's best if you wait to choose a hosting service until after you know exactly what technologies your Web host needs to support. It's possible that we can get some student discounts, too.
Logging on to the Class Site:
Connections to our online Web site will be activated at http://artbytes.net/115 on Aug 20th, the first day of the semester.
Username: Students registered for this class will use their nine-digit student identification number for their UserID to login. Be sure to type in all 9 digits.
Passwords: For your password, use the same password that you use on eServices.
Once you are logged on to the system, click on the link to our class. You don't have to login at any particular time of day. During the course you will be logging in frequently, but at times that are convenient to your schedule. You will have an assignment due at the end of the first week of classes, so it is important that you do login to the class site during the first few days of class and do your assignment by the end of the first week. If you have not done so, or let the teacher know why not, you might be considered a "No Show". "No Shows" might be dropped from the class so that someone on the waiting list may take the course. It's just as if you were taking a class on campus and did not show up for the first class.
eServices Email Address: Be sure to check your email address on eServices. Keep it updated so that if a teacher wants to send you some information, she will be able to. You can add a non-Palomar address, and then mark it as your "Preferred" email address. That way you can receive your Palomar email at the address that you use most often. Also, if you are unsure of your password for Blackboard, you can use the "Forgot Password" link, and the password will be sent to your preferred address.
Check Back Often:
This page will be updated to reflect any changes in information about the class. Please check back often.
Applying to Palomar and Registering for the Class
You can apply to Palomar College Online and register for the class. Please go to: Apply to Palomar.
Your application to Palomar College is free. When you apply, you will be given a student ID number. Once you have your student ID number, you will be able to enroll online for classes.
Enroll in classe at: https://my.palomar.edu/psp/palc9prd/?cmd=login&languageCd=ENG&
You will be enrolling through the MyPalomar student center. That's your online student account center where you manage your classes, fees, and registrations.
When you so a class search to enroll in the class, choose:
Subject: Graphic Communications Multimedia and Web
Course Number: 102
YouTube Video on How to Register for Classes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkntOMhgQEE&t=1s
This video shows you how to enroll in classes after you have already registered for OpenCCC and have a Palomar student ID.