This document provides an overview and instructions for Module 6. Students will create a custom theme for their Tumblr blog using CSS and HTML. They will also create a mock webpage that could serve as the start of an online portfolio. The goals are to learn how to design for specific systems and platforms. Students will work on wireframes and learn CSS by modifying existing code. The assignments are due on April 14th. The class will focus on wireframing and refreshing CSS basics.

2. TODAY Introduction of Module Six Where are we? Audience: what we read Audience: let’s make something For next class…

3. MODULE 6 For module six, you’re going to finally have no choice but to dive in and wrestle with some code. The goal here is to learn how to create for specific systems (using HTML and CSS along with some custom tags). I want you to realize going into this module that it will likely be a little bumpy. That’s okay. The process of learning is often fraught with moments where we stumble and have to learn as we go. It will all turn out fine.

4. MOD 6 You might want to open the assignment and read along. Here are the two goals of the module: 1) Create a unique theme, using CSS and HTML, for your Tumblr blog. It should represent you, and to some degree represent the content. Remember what we’ve learned about design.

5. MODULE 6 And this will lead to: 2) Create a rough draft/mock-up of a webpage using the same CSS that could serve as the start of a portfolio of your work. As you do this, think about what you’d need to change. Can those changes be implemented and taken to Tumblr, or are those demands specific to the portfolio site?

6. MOD 6 These items will be due on April 14th. You can submit by sending a link to your Tumblr and emailing the other piece(s). The grading criteria are on the assignment sheet at the course website.

7. MODULE 6 So how do we go about doing this, right? We’re going to do this in design steps. First– in class on Tuesday (and before) we’re going to work on wireframes and then a little more advanced form of wireframing. That’s sort of what we’ve been modeling in class. Basically, we’re going to sketch out the potential site changes then figure out how to make them happen.

8. MOD 6 Learning CSS will be, to a large degree, about looking at what is there and modifying/tweaking from it. Remember the basics we’ve learned so far, but also remember that you’ll need to look carefully at how the code works for various elements. The goal here is to execute a vision, or as close as possible, so think about the design you want and then figure out how to make it work.

9. TOPIC SWAP: AUDIENCE

10. AUDIENCE You had four readings on Audience for last class. What I’d like you to do now is form 4 groups. We’ll do this by numbering off, so you can meet some people you might not work as much with. Each group will have this responsibility: write a brief summary of your reading that you can share with the group, then have responses to the prompts on the next slide.

11. QUESTIONS What is the main point (or what are the main points) of the article? What is one thing the reading brings up that you hadn’t considered before? Come up with two or three questions the article raises for you. You don’t need answers to these– that will be everyone else’s job.

12. ACTIVITY Based on our discussion of audience, I’d like you to complete the following activity: Build a table grid in MS Word (or draw it on paper). You will need 3 columns and a variable number of rows. In the top row, put the following in your cells: (potential audience member) (needs) (how to provide) Then fill in the first column with all the people you think might be audiences for your website. After that, flesh in the table.

13. NEXT CLASS Danielle will be here to make up for my back-pain addled missed evaluation. Try not to make me look silly.  I want you to read two things. One is short. One is long. Wireframes and Tumblr Customizing Directions. In class we will focus on wireframing and refreshing the “basics” of CSS. I will also (finally) have the resources page all together and ready for your use.

14. TWITTER Your Twitter question for today is this: What sorts of things (menus, layout tricks, etc.) have you seen on the web that you’d like to know how to replicate? Offer a link if possible.