News [Feb 17]: I posted the first project on the web but forgot to link to it from this page. The URL is http://www.cs.umbc.edu/~wyvern/ta/b1.html. The page includes questions I've been asked so far [last modified February 22], so you may want to check it out even if you have a copy.
News [Feb 12]: The project description will be mailed to everyone sometime next week. So if you haven't sent us e-mail with your preferred e-mail address, do so now! I don't know yet what the project is either, so don't ask. It will be creating a web page of some description; the exact requirements will be nailed down soon.
However, I can tell you right now that there are a couple of things I'm going to be on the lookout for. First of all, you must write the HTML yourself! We have ways of finding out if you used Netscape Composer, or another HTML editor. Later on, this will not be as important; but it's just like using a calculator -- first you have to know how to do arithmetic by hand, so that you don't become too reliant on a tool. Also, you will lose points if you use Netscape- or Internet Explorer- specific tags. Part of good Web design is designing for compatibility.
News [Feb 3]: There seems to be some confusion as to how to register for the course. You will have to bear with us on this one, as Mr. Copeland is new here and this is the first time I have been a TA.
The way you get in is by filling out a blue Closed Section Request Form. These can be found in ECS 208, and I will probably just bring a bunch to class on Thursday, February 4. These forms do have a space for you to explain why you need to get in. As the course has proven so popular, it will very likely be offered again in the future; thus first consideration will be given to graduating seniors and grad students.
Despite what it says on the form, this is obviously not going to be resolved by February 4th. Please accept our apologies. We should know by next Tuesday, however. So -- just come to class on Thursday. Okay? Thanks.
News [Feb 1]: Due to popular demand, the course size has been increased from 18 to 40. This will necessitate a restructuring of the course; it will be less a seminar and probably more a lecture. If you're on the hold list you should have been notified of this already. This may leave a couple of spots -- we will work this out today and tomorrow.
I have informed the UMBC Bookstore of the change, and they should get more textbooks in about a week from now (now being Monday, February 1). If you prefer, you can probably order the books online.
The required textbook is How to Set up and Maintain a Web Site, by Lincoln Stein. Get the 1997 edition, not the 1995.
Steve Matuszek, February 12, 1999