How should I name my files?

File names can present problems when the files will be going over the net. Do NOT use spaces because this can cause problems with some web browsers making for broken links. Instead use a hyphen, - , or underscore, _ , to separate words in filenames. Examples: "my-file.htm" or "my_file.htm" "myFile.htm" also works. Do NOT use punctuation except for the underscore or hyphen. It is good practice to be consistent in case for filenames. Make filenames descriptive but keep their length to 25 characters or less.

Macintosh users should always add file extensions, such as .htm, .gif, .jpg, .doc, etceteras. By doing so you will ensure that your files are able to be read by a PC platform computer.

What should I keep on my W:drive?

Your W: drive is specifically for internet-available files. Anything you save to your W: drive can be accessed from any internet browser anywhere in the world. Please do not save private files here! Even if there are no links from your home page to a certain file, it is by no means impossible for Web-surfers to find and view it.

Instead, save personal/confidential documents to your H: drive. No one outside of RCC can view files on this drive. It is also a good idea to save backups of all your internet files to a folder on your H: drive, especially files containing important class information (schedules, grades, student contact info, etc.).

Only use your W: drive for storing files you want visible as part of your home page. What you don't want anyone else to see, keep on your H: drive.

Where IS my W:drive?

Oops! Your log-on script didn't connect to your W: drive automatically. Logging off and logging on again may correct the problem, but who wants that kind of hassle? Try this instead:

First, open up Windows Explorer. There are several ways to do this:

If Windows Explorer isn't on your desktop...
Pull up your "Start" menu (usually at the lower-left corner of your monitor) and look under "Programs".
Those of you with Windows Compatible Keyboards can also try pressing "E" while holding down the button with the Windows logo on it (between "Ctrl" and "Alt").
Next, under the Tools pull-down menu, choose "Map Network Drive..." Give it the following information:

Drive: W:
Path: \\we\username OR \\we\departmentdirectory

Examples:
\\we\cgoyer
\\we\business

Those of you who are web managers for your department will have to enter your department's directory name. Those of you who aren't will just enter your username.

If your attempt to map your W: drive results in an error message, jot down that error message and contact Cheryl Goyer for assistance.

How do I edit web pages?

If you don't have web page editing software on your computer you can pick up a copy of Expression Web from Sam Battrick x7826 or Cheryl Goyer x7846 to install on your office computer. Or come to CH12 for a copy.

While not the best choice you can also use Microsoft Office to save documents as web pages.

Should I post student grades?

Yes and no. The Web offers a tempting opportunity to get information to your students immediately, and the latest version of Microsoft Excel translates grade spreadsheets into Web pages efficiently. But the World Wide Web is no less than that — worldwide! By contrast, your students' grades are your students' private data. Be careful!

Do not use any part of the student's Social Security number in the grade sheet. It is however, acceptable to use the student ID that's given to every student that enrolls at RCC to reference a student's grades.

Here are some creative alternatives:

E-mail each student his or her grade individually. This works if you have the time to dash off the same amount of brief e-mails as you have students, and if each of your students have e-mail.

Assign each student a random, private code that no one else will know, or ask each student for a "preferred pseudonym." Then post student's grades to the Web using only these codes for identification.

Again, remember that a student's grades are private, and are not to be given out to anyone else without that student's permission. If you choose to post class grades on the Web, take the utmost care to safeguard each student's privacy.

If you have any questions about a student's right to privacy please refer to the online FERPA tutorial.