Case Study: Manchester Metropolitan University
Netskills materials support web development needs for undergraduate students
Materials User: Richard Eskins, Lecturer
Richard is a lecturer in the Department of Information and Communications at MMU which has made extensive use of Netskills materials for over 10 years as part of the formal undergraduate provision on all of the Department's programmes including Librarianship, Information Management and Web Development.
Intended audience?
Undergraduate students completing web related subjects at levels two and three.
For what course/subject?
- B.Sc.(Hons) Information Architecture
- B.Sc.(Hons) Web Content Management
- B.A.(Hons) Information and Library Management
- B.Sc.(Hons) Information Management
- B.Sc.(Hons) Information and Communications
Number of students using the materials. Which modules were used?
Usually over a hundred students of mixed abilities in web design and related subjects make effective use of workbook materials.
- Accessible Web Design
- Accessible Web Page Content
- Creating Web Pages: Basic HTML
- Creating Web Pages: Further HTML
- Databases on the Web with Active Server Pages
- Evaluating Information on the Internet
- Metadata Explained
- Search Engines and Other Animals
How are they delivered / used?
A whole range of the Netskills modules have been incorporated directly in to undergraduate teaching programmes making use of both PowerPoint presentations and practical exercises. Many materials are used 'as is' with only minor changes to cover local file management issues. Some workbooks are also used by colleagues in the teaching of post graduate students.
Additionally, the Department runs its own web server, allowing students to maintain their own web space. The server supports access to workbook materials covering a wide range of topics including XHTML, CSS, XML and Java.
Students can download or use the materials online from the Department's intranet reducing printing costs and improving access to up to date support materials. MMU is currently investigating the inclusion of Netskills training materials in to the WebCT Vista environment.
What benefits were identified from using the materials - for the tutor, for the student?
Overall the materials provide easy to use workbooks and well planned lecture slides. Materials such as Accessible Web Design and Accessible Web Page Content supports the department's own focus on teaching the importance of both accessibility and usability in web development. Netskills materials have additionally been integrated in to the assessment strategies specifically relating to database integration. Students are encouraged to implement the results of the workbooks into their personal web site.