Website of research report
Using individual Research Reports as the intellectual foundation, develop a website to share your knowledge and insights with your intended audience (and others that will discover your site).
The content of your site will be different than the content of your Research Report. In other words, this is not an exercise in cutting and pasting from your report to a website. Websites are expected to deliver content in a more dynamic and quickly understandable manner than a written scientific paper. And, they can contain a greater depth of information (or access to information) than a 5 page research report. We will discuss the qualities of an effective website in class but as a consumer of web-based information, your understanding of the effectiveness of various approaches is essential.
Some examples of websites developed by previous students in this course can be found here (click link).
I recommend that you use Weebly to develop your website. Their site and service (free) provides all the information you need to learn how to develop a website. We will not cover how to develop a website in class. All member of the group should participate in the design and development of the site. In fact, the most experienced website designers should allow the least experienced to take a central role to develop their skills.
You can publish your website at any time prior to the date/time the final is due. All team members will receive the same grade for the website. Note that points may be deducted from the total activity score within some criteria (e.g., for a failure to cite sources and follow applicable copyright laws), as noted below. Maximum points possible is based on a 10 point scale; review your specific course syllabus for the maximum points possible in your course.
Problems and suggestions for improving the written Research Report should be corrected for the website.
Late Submissions: This assignment may be turned in late. See the point deduction policy here. I will not accept late submissions past the end of the block.
The content of your site will be different than the content of your Research Report. In other words, this is not an exercise in cutting and pasting from your report to a website. Websites are expected to deliver content in a more dynamic and quickly understandable manner than a written scientific paper. And, they can contain a greater depth of information (or access to information) than a 5 page research report. We will discuss the qualities of an effective website in class but as a consumer of web-based information, your understanding of the effectiveness of various approaches is essential.
Some examples of websites developed by previous students in this course can be found here (click link).
I recommend that you use Weebly to develop your website. Their site and service (free) provides all the information you need to learn how to develop a website. We will not cover how to develop a website in class. All member of the group should participate in the design and development of the site. In fact, the most experienced website designers should allow the least experienced to take a central role to develop their skills.
You can publish your website at any time prior to the date/time the final is due. All team members will receive the same grade for the website. Note that points may be deducted from the total activity score within some criteria (e.g., for a failure to cite sources and follow applicable copyright laws), as noted below. Maximum points possible is based on a 10 point scale; review your specific course syllabus for the maximum points possible in your course.
Problems and suggestions for improving the written Research Report should be corrected for the website.
Late Submissions: This assignment may be turned in late. See the point deduction policy here. I will not accept late submissions past the end of the block.
website evaluation criteria
Argument
Your website should be an effort to convince a viewer of one understandable and well-argued claim/thesis. Your claim completes the sentence: "We are trying to convince the viewer/reader that_________________________"
Maximum points: 2
Your website should be an effort to convince a viewer of one understandable and well-argued claim/thesis. Your claim completes the sentence: "We are trying to convince the viewer/reader that_________________________"
Maximum points: 2
Understanding
Convincing a viewer of your argument and claim requires that you minimize confusion and create understanding---You cannot convince anyone of what they don't understand. Sentences must be well constructed and all words spelled correctly - violating these basic expectations diminishes the credibility of your site. \
Maximum points: 1
Convincing a viewer of your argument and claim requires that you minimize confusion and create understanding---You cannot convince anyone of what they don't understand. Sentences must be well constructed and all words spelled correctly - violating these basic expectations diminishes the credibility of your site. \
Maximum points: 1
Intellectual merit
The sentences you write arguing the intellectual merit of your work answers the question: "why should the viewer care what I am saying?" It is best to make this argument easily and quickly accessible.
Maximum points: 1
The sentences you write arguing the intellectual merit of your work answers the question: "why should the viewer care what I am saying?" It is best to make this argument easily and quickly accessible.
Maximum points: 1
Organization - Content
In what order does the viewer need to know and understand the different parts of your argument? Some information or parts of your argument must precede or follow other parts so that you are understood. The amount of text or pages devoted to a part of your argument should roughly equal the importance of the paragraph or explanation to your argument.
Maximum points: 1
Organization - Design
The content should be approachable, visually appealing, and have the effect of stimulating curiosity and inviting inspection. Maximum points: 1
In what order does the viewer need to know and understand the different parts of your argument? Some information or parts of your argument must precede or follow other parts so that you are understood. The amount of text or pages devoted to a part of your argument should roughly equal the importance of the paragraph or explanation to your argument.
Maximum points: 1
Organization - Design
The content should be approachable, visually appealing, and have the effect of stimulating curiosity and inviting inspection. Maximum points: 1
Intellectual Contribution
Your website must make an original intellectual contribution through research or innovative thinking. Your research question should not be answerable with a cursory internet search. Your research must be more than a summary of the arguments of others. Maximum points: 1
Your website must make an original intellectual contribution through research or innovative thinking. Your research question should not be answerable with a cursory internet search. Your research must be more than a summary of the arguments of others. Maximum points: 1
Photos, Figures, Tables, Text
All graphics must support your effort to argue or explain your thesis. For each visual you provide, ask yourself: "is this necessary, does this promote understanding of my argument or research problem?" Website photos etc. can also be used to maintain visual interest and to educate the viewer about the problem you are considering. The text should be readable; neither too small nor too large for your intended audience. Any photos, figures, etc. used on your site that are not your own must strictly follow legal requirements specified by the owners of the photos, etc. All photos must link or provide a source.
Maximum points: 1. Points may be deducted from the total activity score for violations of copyright laws.
All graphics must support your effort to argue or explain your thesis. For each visual you provide, ask yourself: "is this necessary, does this promote understanding of my argument or research problem?" Website photos etc. can also be used to maintain visual interest and to educate the viewer about the problem you are considering. The text should be readable; neither too small nor too large for your intended audience. Any photos, figures, etc. used on your site that are not your own must strictly follow legal requirements specified by the owners of the photos, etc. All photos must link or provide a source.
Maximum points: 1. Points may be deducted from the total activity score for violations of copyright laws.
Sources
The sources (references/citations) you use provide the viewer with evidence of the rigor and veracity of your argument. Unless the idea or information is the product of your original thinking or research, it must be cited. The most valuable sources you can provide will be peer-reviewed articles or books. The least valuable sources you can provide are from commercial websites or blogs developed with the intent to sell products or promote personal opinions.
Maximum points: 1. Points may be deducted from the total activity score for failure to cite sources.
The sources (references/citations) you use provide the viewer with evidence of the rigor and veracity of your argument. Unless the idea or information is the product of your original thinking or research, it must be cited. The most valuable sources you can provide will be peer-reviewed articles or books. The least valuable sources you can provide are from commercial websites or blogs developed with the intent to sell products or promote personal opinions.
Maximum points: 1. Points may be deducted from the total activity score for failure to cite sources.
Audience
The audience for your site should be explicitly or implicitly clear to the viewer. If you are not sure who you want to view and benefit from your website, it is unlikely to be successful at attracting and serving an audience. You do not need to provide your personal contact information on the website. However, your motives for the development of the site should be stated to help the viewer evaluate your credibility.
Maximum points: 1
The audience for your site should be explicitly or implicitly clear to the viewer. If you are not sure who you want to view and benefit from your website, it is unlikely to be successful at attracting and serving an audience. You do not need to provide your personal contact information on the website. However, your motives for the development of the site should be stated to help the viewer evaluate your credibility.
Maximum points: 1
