Topic_7

= Topic 7: = = Publishing Web Content and Making it Searchable and Accessible =

Background/Rationale:
Creating web content is the first hurdle for many new web publishers, but next is to publish that same content on the web. Knowing how to choose a solid domain name, web host, and FTP program help make the publishing step achievable. Once the content is posted, the web author must make sure others can find it. Content needs to be very search engine friendly so that the appropriate target audience can find the site. Additionally, the web author must examine whether the content he/she has just published is accessible to “all.” By understanding how people with disabilities use the web, sites become user friendly as well as search engine friendly.

Learner Outcomes:
At the end of this Learning Topic, you will be able to:
 * Distinguish and assess the value of domain name choices as they pertain to human and search engine use.
 * Examine three web hosting options available to educators, and examine the appropriateness of each host for educational websites.
 * Create a free or low-cost web hosting account and use self-selected FTP software to transfer/upload a web page/site.
 * Examine your own content for search engine friendliness, and work to apply known SEO techniques to achieve greater “findability.”
 * Examine your own work for accessibility issues and make changes that promote web content access for all.

Readings and Research:
//**NOTE: See instructions on accessing Books24x7 in the syllabus Required Course Materials section.**//
 * Crowder, P., & Crowder, D. A. (2008). Creating Websites Bible (3rd ed.). Wiley. Read Chapter 14 – Putting It on the Web. Available for Regis students via Books24x7.
 * Ledford, J. L. (2009). SEO: Search Engine Optimization Bible (2nd ed.). Wiley. Read Chapter 4 - Building Your Site for SEO. Available for Regis students via Books24x7
 * Sahlin, D., & Snell, C. (2007). Building Websites All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies. Read Book III - Site Construction: Chapter 9 - Website Usability and Accessibility. Available for Regis students via Books24x7
 * Search Engine Optimization with Richard Jenkins. (2006, July 28). What is Search Engine Optimization? [Video file]. Retrieved from @http://www.lynda.com/home/Player.aspx?lpk4=21616
 * Web Accessibility Principles with Zoe Gillenwater. (2007, October 16). Experiencing a website via a screen reader [Video file]. Retrieved from @http://www.lynda.com/home/Player.aspx?lpk4=31184
 * Web Accessibility Principles with Zoe Gillenwater. (2007, October 16). How does accessibility help you and your clients? [Video file]. Retrieved from @http://www.lynda.com/home/Player.aspx?lpk4=31185
 * Web Accessibility Principles with Zoe Gillenwater. (2007, October 16). Overview of Section 508 standards. [Video file]. Retrieved from @http://www.lynda.com/home/Player.aspx?lpk4=31186
 * Web Accessibility Principles with Zoe Gillenwater. (2007, October 16). What does accessibility mean? [Video file]. Retrieved from @http://www.lynda.com/home/Player.aspx?lpk4=31182
 * Web Hosting Review (n.d.). Top Ten Reviews. Retrieved December 15, 2009, from @http://web-hosting-review.toptenreviews.com/
 * Web Hosting Tutorial: Web Hosting Domain Names (n.d.). W3C Schools.com. Retrieved December 15, 2009, from @http://www.w3schools.com/hosting/host_domains.asp
 * Apple Corporation: Voice over technology: @http://www.apple.com/accessibility/voiceover

Field Experience:
In your field experience log, respond to the following:
 * Talk with two other educators who have created websites.
 * Find out what steps they’ve each taken to optimize their sites for search engines, as well as what steps they’ve each taken to make their websites as accessible as possible for those with disabilities.
 * What suggestions or tips can each educator suggest on these topics?

7.1: Discussion – Hosting and Publishing on the Web
Creating web content is only meaningful if the publisher has a method of sharing it with the targeted audience. While some web publishing platforms allow file transfer directly within a webware interface, many content management systems (CMSs) and static websites are often uploaded and maintained on a host server using file transfer protocol (FTP) software. Learning how to choose a domain name, select a web host, and how to use a reliable file transfer program to upload content is especially empowering to educators wanting to use this medium to its full potential.
 * Getting web content hosted and published on the web**


 * Step 1**: After completing the assigned readings related to getting content hosted, discuss the following:
 * What type of forethought should be put into selecting a domain name? What right or wrong choices are there as far as name selections go?
 * How would you explain in plain English how to go about purchasing and registering a domain name? How long does this typically take? What should a potential user be wary of?
 * What type of web hosting would be the most beneficial for the typical educator wanting to create a classroom website for students and their parents? What types of hosting should educators recognize as “overkill”?
 * What are some ways an educator could research a particular web hosting service (beyond what the service says about itself on its own site)?
 * Are promises of “Unlimited site traffic” or “Unlimited hosting space” really viable offers by hosting providers? Why or why not?

Refer to the Discussion Checklist in the Course Resources folder for more information on how you will be evaluated.
 * Assessment**

7.2: Free Hosting and FTP Activity – Using free/low-cost web hosting and free FTP programs
In this activity you will find and register for free or low-cost web hosting. Then, using an FTP program of your choice, upload any web pages you have made in this course. Learning that this process is not as “technical” as you may have feared, you will feel empowered by this important act of publishing. Complete the following activity:


 * Step 1:** Using search terms such as “free web hosting reviews,” find and register with a free or low-cost web hosting service. Look to register with hosts that allow FTP, as well as a service that could meet the needs of the average educator. Reliability and range of services should also be considered.


 * Step 2:** After exploring your new account, choose and install an FTP program to use with this account. Search for the top free FTP clients, such as those found at @http://www.technobuzz.net/top-10-ftp-clients/
 * 1) After installation of the FTP software, find an online written or video tutorial on the respective FTP client and quickly learn how to use it to transfer files to your new free/low-cost web hosting service.
 * 2) Using your chosen FTP software, transfer any web page you have made (prior to this course or during this course) to the web host.
 * 3) To complete this activity, include the following in a summary of one to two pages.
 * A statement of which free/low-cost web hosting service was chosen, including your rationale for why you chose that host
 * A brief description of which FTP program was selected, including your rationale for why you chose that FTP client
 * A hyperlink to the uploaded material at your website
 * A reflection or personal growth statement regarding new concepts and skills acquired from this activity


 * Step 3:** Post your summary to the Topic_7_Student_Page.


 * Assessment**

 7.3: Discussion – Search Engine Optimization
Understanding how to create a website is important, as is learning how to post/upload it to the Internet. But web content must also be “searchable,” so that our target audience can easily and quickly access our information. Understanding how search engines work allows designers to create websites that capitalize on searchability.


 * Step 1:** After completing the assigned readings related to search engine optimization (SEO), discuss the following:
 * What is the most simplistic way of describing search engine optimization to a person who has never heard of it before?
 * Would the SEO goals and techniques of a small business website owner be different or similar to an educator with a website or a student-generated website?
 * At what point in the web design is it best to learn about SEO? Why?
 * What are the best SEO techniques? What are the worst or most unethical methods (black hat) sometimes used to achieve search engine optimization? Are there consequences for trying to “trick the system”?

Refer to the Discussion Checklist in the Course Resources folder for more information on how you will be evaluated.
 * Assessment**

7.4: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Techniques
In this activity you will work to make your web content more “searchable” by web crawlers and indexing spiders by applying a series of self-chosen SEO techniques. Referring to the second website (Final Project – Classroom Website) you created in this course, perform three to five search engine optimization techniques to make your site more searchable. Free online SEO tools may be used to help analyze or perform each technique. See SEO Tools at @http://www.seocompany.ca/tool/seo-tools.html
 * Application of SEO Techniques**


 * Step 1:** Take a “before” screenshot of your web page or site (print screen key) before using the first technique.


 * Step 2:** After the first technique is implemented, take an “after” screenshot showing SEO improvements made.


 * Step 3:** Add a brief statement of what was done and why or how this will affect SEO rankings.


 * Step 4:** Repeat Steps 1-3 for the remaining SEO techniques chosen.


 * Step 5:** Post your SEO techniques to the Topic_7_Student_Page.


 * Assessment**

7.5: Web Accessibility Methods Used
Today, our lives are becoming more and more digital. We shop, learn, play, and recreate online more and more with each passing day. Because of this, everyone – those with or without disabilities – should have equal access to web content. Acknowledging and rectifying unintentional design barriers encourages everyone to participate and contribute more fully to society.
 * Web Accessibility and Web Design**


 * Step 1:** After completing the assigned readings on web accessibility, implement at least two techniques/methods to your Final Project – Classroom Website (website 2) to make it “more accessible.” Online accessibility tools may be used, as well.


 * Step 2:** Give a brief presentation on which methods were incorporated and explain who will benefit from the changes and why.


 * Assessment**

Homework

 * **7.4 Application of SEO Techniques** - Post your SEO techniques to the Topic_7_Student_Page. // (Due the last class – Class Session8) //
 * **7.5 Web Accessibility and Web Design** - Implement at least two techniques/methods to your Final Project – Classroom Website // (Due the last class – Class Session8) //
 * Finish **4.5 Final Project – Classroom Website**. Your website URL is to be submitted to Topic_8_Student_Page. // (Due the last class – Class Session8) //