Will “The EvCC Strict Coder Guru”

Those interested in an entry level Web Tech position? The job announcement has been released and will close February 4. Check it out at http://www.everettcc.edu/administration/hr/jobs/index.cfm?id=3154

Bork

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Came across this article on my listserv over Web and User Interfaces. Jared Spool covers Usability Challenges in Development

Jared covers some very useful insight on how to start your design and interface under five challenges to the developer. The five he includes are Scalability, Visual Design, Comprehension, Interactivity, and Change Management. He shows an example of a major web site that decides “the users will want this feature on our site” and it comes back to them that the users reject it. This seems this is an issue, especially with this Web 2.0 time in which may portable features can be integrated into any web site. It may be a interactive map or calendar app, however is it useful on your site for your intended audience? These are some of the questions he raises in his article.

Jared also came out with a podcast article about a 5-second test for your web pages, what are the initial impressions, what did the user gather, and much more.

After a long time away, I am back in action now.

This past summer I took on the new web site release, which you can now find at http://www.everettcc.edu and also teaching Computer Programming 120 - Beginning Web Design.

The new web site release went off well. It took a period of time to update bookmarks, correct links, update content on division pages, fix template configurations, but it is up and running. We have received many postive comments about the site. I hope to continue adding features that will enhance the site to be more user friendly. You can also stay up on the news and events through the RSS feeds I created at http://www.everettcc.edu/rss/

The summer quarter of CP 120 went well. It was a busy and accelerated class since it was 11 weeks of information pushed into 8. Many students felt it was too much work, but they did learn a lot. You can check out some of their Final Web Site Projects – The one positive/negative of the class was the “Hybrid” status in which it allowed us to meet virtually online to study and turn in assignments. It did save time from coming to class, but then being motivated to work on assignments without instruction may have hindered some students.

The Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle was the location of this regions Launch Tour for the new Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. A co-worker (Tim) and I headed down early… early in the morning.. in a sleep comatose. When we arrived, there was already a line of IT and Microsoft enthusiasts waiting to go up to check-in and then into the main auditorium. We first headed into the sponsor and partners room where people lined up to get the goodies that were being given out. We received everything from pens, blinking emblems, a Sudoku handheld, logo plastered squish balls and T-shirts.

When the time approached nine, we headed into the main room. Everyone sitting down in place ready to start the launch, feel the excitement and see Bill Gates. Microsoft’s own Bill Gates came out and gave a speach on the launch and the improvements back from the late 70’s team to now. The company has grown enormous and many products are now in most computers around the world, one being Microsoft Office products. Back when the release of Windows 95 and then Office 97, these products have been introduced as a normal part of life and computing. These two products, Windows and Office are the backbone of Microsoft and has allowed them to drive and spread there wings to all areas of life. Read more