Collaborative Assignment

Purpose:
In the "real world," you'll rarely be authoring an entire Web site all by yourself. This assignment is meant to give you practice in working collaboratively. It's also a chance for you to get experience with DW templates and the Check In/Check Out feature while practicing and strengthening your skills with Web site design and content creation.

Groups:

• Group One: Jon, Anthony, Quinn, Will, Nick
• Group Two: Warren, Dawn, Maia, Jaehyun, Stacy
• Group Three: Joseph, Andre, Pei, Dan, Sharon
• Group Four: Jason. Jasmine, Ingrid, Ed, Christine

Assignment:
Working as a group, create a Web site with a minimum of five total pages (that's the main page and four inner pages). The Web site can be on any topic the group would like it to be, and while it should involve some outside links and some research, the extent of both will also be determined by the group. The distribution of work, as well, will be group-determined, though suggested positions and responsibilities are listed below. The grade will be determined by the overall cohesion of the site (that is, it doesn't look like a bunch of pages made by different people but comes off as a single site both in terms of consistent design and consistent voice), the content (which should have a specific audience in mind, should address the information needs of that audience, and should be grammatically correct), and basic design (in other words, the site is navigable and readable in a variety of browsers and resolutions).

Sites must use a template and style sheet.

Positions:
Here are some possible positions to consider assigning to group members:

1. Editor in Chief: responsible for keeping track of all work assignments and the timeline of work, proofreading the site, maintaining consistent editorial conventions (such as page titles and section headings), overseeing the style sheet, and maintaining site cohesion. Should also be the site contact person, with email link on all pages. In the end, the Editor in Chief is responsible for this site.
2. Site Architect: responsible for the design of the main page and the design and updating of the template. Works with the Editor in Chief to determine the design needs of the site and maintains the style sheet under the Editor in Chief's direction.
3. Chief Content Manager: assigns content tasks to group members, maintains consistent voice throughout the site, works with the Editor in Chief and other group members as determined to ensure the site is grammatically correct.
4. Graphic Designer: Works with the Site Architect and creates any needed graphics, including original artwork and any clip art or photos needed for the site. Handles questions of copywrite permissions and handles any acknowledgements needed for graphics used in the site.
5. Chief Researcher: oversees the research needs of the site, performs specialized research needed by content producers, and ensures all quoted content is properly acknowledged.
6. Chief Programmer: handles any needs for JavaScript or PHP implementations, including finding appropriate scripts and working with the Site Architect to incorporate scripts into the templates.

These are only suggested positions. Divide the work as your group sees fit. However, all group members must produce the content for one of the pages.

Tasks:
Here are the basic tasks for the group:

1. Determine Web site purpose: what Web site will you be making? who is the audience? what do they need to know about the topic?
2. Determine site content: what pages will you have? what content will be on the pages? what research will you need to complete to produce the content?
3. Determine basic design: what color palette will you use? what layout for the main and inner pages? What fonts?
4. Determine style sheet: will you need special classes for the style sheet? What will the base colors and font be?
5. Determine work assignments: who will do what?
6. Determine schedule: what must be done by what date to make sure the site is ready on time?

Resources:
Here are some resources you might find helpful:

• Old Collaboratory: so that you can see the kinds of projects past groups have created.
• DW and Templates: tutorial on using templates in DW.
• DW and Collaboration: information on using the Check In/Check Out feature of DW.

Sample Ideas:
How about a Web site on:

• Web design resources
• Buying a computer
• Buying an MP3 player
• A guide to events and activities at RU
• A guide to events and activities in New Brunswick
• A guide to New Brunswick restaurants
• A guide to Grease Truck cuisine

Slacker Check:
At the end of the assignment, every group member will turn in a short written assignment, about a paragraph in length, that assesses the work of the group members. Essentially, if someone did not pull their load, let me know and I will speak with them. Group members who do not perform their share of the work will have their grade lowered.