Novakovich December 8-2011 -2

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Crap PreventionTroubleshooting Movable Type 5.10

Jeanette Novakovich

Professional Writing Minor Program

English Department

Concordia University

Montreal, Quebec


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2011 Novakovich


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CRAP PREVENTION 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents 3

Edition Notice 5

Overview of Course 6

Learning Objectives 10

Concept Map 11

Setup Instructions 12

Presentation Visuals 15Learning Objectives .................................................................................... 16

Slide 1 of 22 Crap Prevention: Troubleshooting Movable Type ................ 16Slide 2 of 22 Crap happens. .................................................................... 18Slide 3 of 22 Troubleshooting: Know what produces crap. .................. 19

Unit One ...................................................................................................... 22

Slide 4 of 22 Selecting [Refresh Templates] produces crap..................... 22Slide 5 of 22 Never confuse refreshing your website with refreshing yourtemplates................................................................................................. 25Slide 6 of 22 A customized website brands your portfolios identity. ......27

Unit Two ...................................................................................................... 29

Slide 7 of 22 Deleting a widget produces crap. ....................................... 29Slide 8 of 22 Uninstalling a widget removes it from the sidebar.............. 31Slide 9 of 22 Widgets add functionality to your website.......................... 34

Unit Three ................................................................................................... 36

Slide 10 of 22 Changing the [Professional Style] color produces crap .....36Slide 11 of 22 Changing the color style, removes code from thestylesheet................................................................................................ 38Slide 12 of 22 Restoring the missing code will restore your customizedbanner...................................................................................................... 40Slide 13 of 22 A customized banner defines your E-portfolio................... 42

Unit Four ..................................................................................................... 44

Slide 14 of 22 Copying and pasting from wordproduces crap............... 44Slide 15 of 22 Select [Convert Line Breaks]............................................. 46Slide 16 of 22 Selecting [Convert Line Breaks] eliminates invisible code.................................................................................................................. 48

Unit Five ...................................................................................................... 50Slide 17 of 22 Adding code using the default [A] tool produces crap....50Slide 18 of 22 Select the [] button on your toolbar before you addcode......................................................................................................... 51Slide 19 of 22 Selecting [] will embed objects.................................. 53

Close-Out Slideshow ................................................................................... 55Slide 20 of 22 Consulting online support prevents crap. ......................... 55Slide 21 of 22 Avoid crap! ........................................................................ 57Slide 22 of 22 References ........................................................................ 58

Learning activity ......................................................................................... 59


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Setup instructions for the learning activity ............................................. 59Instructions .............................................................................................. 59

Closeout Activities ...................................................................................... 62

Evaluation ................................................................................................ 63Sample satisfaction survey (Kirkpatrick Level 1) ..................................... 64

Appendix 66Appendix A: Glossary .................................................................................. 67

Appendix B: Online help resources for movable type ................................. 69

Appendix C: Related courses ...................................................................... 70

Appendix D: Outline of troubleshooting material........................................ 71Appendix E: Formative Evaluation .............................................................. 74

Technical review ...................................................................................... 75Pilot test ................................................................................................... 81................................................................................................................ 88Editorial review ........................................................................................ 88

References 92

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CRAP PREVENTION 5

EDITION NOTICE

Crap Prevention: Troubleshooting Movable Type 5.10

Professional Writing Minor Program

English Department

Concordia University

Montreal, QC

First Version

Copyright 2011 Jeanette Novakovich. All rights reserved.


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OVERVIEW OF COURSE

The primary goal of this project is to train students enrolled in theProfessional Writing Minor Program at Concordia University, Montreal

QC how to best use Movable Type 5.10 software, an online open sourcepublishing web content management system, to design and publishprofessional e-portfolios.

The Background of the Course: The following course is a sandwich

module, which takes place during week ten of English 396, Advanced

Composition and Professional Writing. The students have been

introduced to Movable Type 5.10 software and are halfway through the

construction of their e-portfolios.

Main Objectives: The overall purpose of this course is to providestudents with a basic understanding of common errors made when

using Movable Type 5.10 as a publication tool for online professional

portfolios. For this module, students will be given an introduction to

common pitfalls that occur when using Movable Type 5.10, including

the following units:

Unit One: Selecting the [Refresh Templates] option produces

crap

Unit Two: Deleting a default widget produces crap

Unit Three: Changing the [Professional Style] color produces crap Unit Four: Copying and pasting text directly from a Word

document into the default [Rich Text] editor produces crap

Unit Five: Adding embed code to an entry field using the default

[A] tool produces crap.

Each unit is divided into roughly three parts: the problem, a tip forintervention, and an explanation for the reason why the issue isimportant. The presentation part of the program will end with acloseout providing students with online resources to consult when

working with Movable Type.

Administrivia: The students should not experience problems

understanding the technical terms since they have extensive

experience working with the Movable Type dashboard and have

received prior training. Definitions for technical terms are provided to

the course instructors in order to clarify terms that are potentially

confusing and those that are specific to Movable Type. Terms specific

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CRAP PREVENTION 7

to Movable Type are bracketed. The definitions for technical terms are

provided in two places, in theAdministrivia notes for the instructor

presentation and in the Glossary, which is provided to both the

instructor and students prior to the start of the training program.


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Prerequisites for the Course: When the course takes place, students

should have basic working knowledge of Movable Type 5.10 software

and know how to complete the following tasks:

Publish an entry

Publish a page

Update an entry

Update a page

Customize a banner

Create a widget

Add custom styles to the style sheet template

Update or refresh website

Integrate social media sharing

Time: The 60-minute training module is divided into three parts,

including a PowerPoint presentation and a hands-on learning activity,

followed up by an evaluation of learning and assessment of the course.

Administrivia: The first part of the course consists of a PowerPoint (PPT)presentation. It is important to be prepared to answer student

questions throughout the lecture by providing demonstrations on a test

portfolio. Thus, prior to the start of the presentation, the instructor will

have a test portfolio dashboard open in another tab. This test portfolio

can also be used for demonstrations during the Learning Activity.

Students will be provided a bio break and snacks at the end of the

training session. Cookies and drinks will be provided on a table outside

of the lab.

Equipment and Services:

PC lab

Projector

Access to Internet

Material and Props:

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CRAP PREVENTION 9

Power Point embedded on course website Printed instructors guide Printed student guide Online activity Online evaluation activity

Online assessment

Schedule:

5:45 Classroom setup

6:00 PowerPoint presentation

6:25 Learning activity

6:40 Evaluation and assessment forms

6:50 Bio break and snacks (informal Q&A)

7:00 Training session ends


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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Explain that selecting the [Refresh Templates] option produces crap

Explain that deleting a default Widget produces crap

Explain that changing the [Professional Style] color producescrap

Explain that copying and pasting text directly from a Word

document into the default [Rich Text] editor produces crap

Explain that adding embed code to an entry field using the default

[A] tool produces crap.

Explain that consulting available online support help for usingMovable Type avoids crap

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CRAP PREVENTION 11

CONCEPT MAP


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SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

Classroom: Training will take place in Hall 923 during regularly

scheduled class time.

Materials: Training guides for the students and instructor will beprinted prior to the training session and additional materials will beavailable online posted to an entry: Crap Happens, on the Portfolio-Remix Help website.

Printed Instructors Guide

Printed Learners Guide

Blog entry consisting of online training materials:

o Embedded PowerPoint

o Online file for learning activities and evaluation

o Online form for submitting Kirkpatrick Level 2 Evaluation

Before the students arrive:

1. Turn on the projector by pushing the red button under theprojector.

2. Login to the main computer located at the front of class:

a. Username: jnovako

b. Password: ********

3. Type Portfolio-Remix.com into the address bar.

4. Select the [Portfolio-Remix Help] tab/ Portfolio-Remix Help[Blog] /Crap Happens entry. (http://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/11/crap-

happens.html)

5. Open a new tab in your browser window and follow the sidebarlink to the Portfolio Dashboard.

6. Login to the portfolio dashboard.

a. Username: Admin

b. Password: ******

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http://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/11/crap-happens.htmlhttp://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/11/crap-happens.html


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CRAP PREVENTION 13

7. Open Portfolio Remix/Blogs/Manage/Z. J.D.

8. Return to first tab, Crap Happens.

9. Open printed instructors guide.


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After the students arrive at 6:00 p.m.:

1. Have students complete the following tasks:

1.1. Login to computer terminals.1.2. Type Portfolio-Remix in the address bar1.3. Select Portfolio-Remix Help tab1.4. Select Blog tab/ Crap Happens1.5. Download the student training materials posted tothe

Crap Happens entry (http://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/11/crap-happens.html)1.6. Right click the sidebar link to the Portfolio Dashboard

1.7. Open link in a new tab.1.8. Follow the link in sidebar to the Portfolio Dashboard1.9. Login to student portfolio dashboard.1.10. Open dashboard.

2. Open the embedded Slide Rocket presentation, CrapHappens, to Slide One.

You are now ready to begin the training program.

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http://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/11/crap-happens.htmlhttp://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/11/crap-happens.html


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CRAP PREVENTION 15

PRESENTATION VISUALS

Administrivia: Each objective or unit is divided into three parts, each

entailing a specific goal:

Explain how crap is produced

Provide an intervention tip

Summarize the reason why the issue is important.

Visual annotations are also divided into three parts:

Key points

Anticipated questions

For discussion

Key definitions are provided as needed throughout the visualannotations. The slideshow ends with a closeout providing studentswith additional tools in the form of online resources to troubleshootMovable Type.


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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

SLIDE 1 OF 22 CRAP PREVENTION: TROUBLESHOOTING MOVABLE TYPE

Key Points

Whenever something goes wrong with your website, well callit crap. Crap costs me time and you your reputation.

The following PPT will help you troubleshoot Movable Type software.

Optional script: After watching this PPT, you still might make mistakes,crap happens, but if you follow this lecture, you will know what causedor might cause crap to happen and how to prevent it or fix theproblem.

Anticipated Questions

What is crap?

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CRAP PREVENTION 17

Crap is when you click a button or make a decision usingMovable Type that:

o Creates a software problemo Creates a flaw in the appearance of your website.

Crap could entail any of the following:

Destroy the appearance of your website

Prevent using the dashboard effectively.

Hinder your ability to complete a professional portfolio.

Crap costs time because it entails repairing and re-doing.

For Discussion

Can you share anytime crap has happened to you when youwere building your portfolio?


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SLIDE 2 OF 22 CRAP HAPPENS.

Production Instructions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THQxU9SKAAY&feature=related

Thirty-second video clip from Kosturicas 1998 film, Black Cat, WhiteCat.The video will play automatically when the slide is opened

Key Points

Crap happens, its not pleasant.


No anticipated questions.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THQxU9SKAAY&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THQxU9SKAAY&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THQxU9SKAAY&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THQxU9SKAAY&feature=related


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CRAP PREVENTION 19

SLIDE 3 OF 22 TROUBLESHOOTING: KNOW WHAT PRODUCES CRAP.

Key Points

Know what produces crap.

You control crap.Once you know what causes it, you can avoid it.

Selecting the [Refresh Templates] option produces crap.

Worst kind of crap.

Takes most time to restore

Looks the worst.

Refresh Templates: An option provided by Movable Type software to

restore all predesigned templates to an unmodified default state.

Useful option if templates have been modified beyond functionality.


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Deleting a widget produces crap.

Uncommon

Prevents you from updating your website

Leaves you in software limbo, helpless, like that guy in the videoclip [shitter].

Widget: a small application that is installed within a web page that

can perform a number of functions

Changing the [Professional Style] color produces crap.

Wont happen consistently.

Movable Type bug.

Professional Style: refers to color style themes available for Movable

Type professional websites and blogs.

Copying and pasting text from a Word document into an entryfield using the default [Rich Text] editor produces crap.

Most common form of crap

Mostly invisible crap

Appears at times and create a less than professional impression

Detracts from the professionalism of your website

Makes it more difficult to update a page or entry

Rich Text editor: a web-based interface editor, which allows the user

to view web-based text without html.

Adding code to an entry field using the default [A] tool

produces crap.

Noticeable on all browsers

Easiest to solve

[HTML] code: (Hyper Text Markup Language) web language used to

build web pages.

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CRAP PREVENTION 21

Default is a setting that a program automatically uses if an alternative

setting is not selected.


What should I do if I make any of the above mistakes?

Sometimes you will have to contact me for help

Sometimes, you will need a do-over

For Discussion

Mistakes are not serious.

This lesson will provide you:o Skillsets necessary to avoid making mistakeso Information to solve them

Mistakes can be reversed rather quickly and arent a big deal

Any more questions?


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UNIT ONE

SLIDE 4 OF 22 SELECTING [REFRESH TEMPLATES] PRODUCES CRAP.

Key Points

Selecting [Refresh Templates] produces crap.

Never make this selection.




[Refresh Templates] restores default templates.

The parent website, Portfolio-Remix, in the default state, wantsthe children to dress and look like the parent.

In the default state, the parent dictates information about the

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CRAP PREVENTION 23

look of the childrens websites (student portfolios).

Customized templates transform childrens websites intoindependent websites by removing shared templates with theparent website, allowing each student to control and customizethe appearance of the website.

Rebuilding the customized templates is difficult.

Contact the course instructor.

Customize: taking a pre-designed web template and altering it to

create a personal style.


You must contact the course instructor in order to have the followingtemplates rebuilt or customized: [Blog Index] template or independent blog page [Header] template or website header and title [Navigation] template or menu bar [Stylesheet] template, which creates your websitesappearance

You will have to change your banner and re-customize any changesthat you made previously in the design of your website.

If you select this option, your website defaults to a scratch state.

[Web] Template: is a file, which contains MTML (Movable Type

Markup Language) that includes a diverse number of languages

(javascript, CSS, HTML, for example) that allows servers to read how a

browser should display the web page.


Where is this button located?

[Refresh Templates] can be found on each one of the Templates pagesof your dashboard and on the [Professional Themes] page.

Why does the navigation menu look so weird?

It receives messages not only from the parent, but also from thechildren sites


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Think of the Star Trek series when the Borg took over the galaxy.All members of the Borg shared the same thoughts andarchitecture.

Professional Theme: refers to a Movable Type website option that

provides predesigned templates to create a professional website andblog.

For Discussion

If you have ever selected [Refresh Templates] share thecircumstances and your motivation.

Summary:

In the end, it wont cost more than 10 minutes to rebuild yoursite.

Dont be afraid to experiment with your website.

But if you can avoid it, dont select [Refresh Templates].

Any more questions?

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CRAP PREVENTION 25

SLIDE 5 OF 22 NEVER CONFUSE REFRESHING YOUR WEBSITE WITHREFRESHING YOUR TEMPLATES.

Key Points

Never confuse refreshing your website with refreshing yourtemplates!

The [Refresh Templates] option will restore default templates

In contrast, the refresh website icon:

Located in the upper right-hand corner

Refreshes your website

Publishes any recent changes that have been made to yourcustomized templates, such as the addition of a new page orentry

Refresh Website: updates any recent changes that have been made

to the websites templates, including adding entries, pages, modifying

predesigned templates and widgets.


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Can you explain the difference in their appearances andlocations?

The [Refresh Website] icon is a graphic that does not includewords.

Looks like a refresh button that you might find on your browserto update a page.

Located in the same place on every page: the upper right-hand

corner.

The [Refresh Templates] option consists of both a graphic andwords.

The graphic is a tool and the words are refresh templates.

Found toward the bottom or middle of your screen.

Use it as last resort option because it will eliminate any furtheroptions

Your instructor will have to rebuild the customized templates

You will have to start from scratch in terms of designing yourwebsite.

For Discussion

Any more questions?

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CRAP PREVENTION 27

SLIDE 6 OF 22 A CUSTOMIZED WEBSITE BRANDS YOUR PORTFOLIOSIDENTITY.

Key Points

A customized website creates a valuable brand identity foryour portfolio.

Avoid any actions that restore default settings.

Default settings provide a framework to build upon toindividualize a website.

The default banner serves as a spaceholder until you replace it

with your own. Relying on default settings will hinder your ability to stand out.

Short optional script: Unlike a curiculum vitae, with a customizedwebsite, you can move beyond the one-dimensional space of paperand add multimodal projects, creating a richer characterization of yourprofessional goals and abilities.



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Default: is a setting that a program automatically uses if an

alternative setting is not selected.


What if I dont have any skill sets or projects to make thishappen?

The course is designed to make this happen.

Weekly Movable Type tutorials combined with assignments thatwere designed specifically to help you build a credible portfoliowill make it possible for every student to create a professional e-portfolio.

For Discussion

Keep in mind, when you are creating your professional e-portfolio, your ultimate goal is to brand your professionalidentity.

Any more questions?

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UNIT TWO

SLIDE 7 OF 22 DELETING A WIDGET PRODUCES CRAP.

Key Points

Deleting a widget produces crap.

Once you receive this error message, there is very little that youcan do to restore your damaged templates.

You will have to contact the instructor.

The templates and widgets communicate with each other,

sending orders along a chain By deleting a widget, you deleted a link in the chain of command.

If an essential piece of code is missing, for example, from adeleted widget, the command chain between templates andwidgets is halted in its tracks.




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This action might produce error messages.

If you delete a widget and you receive an error message, contactthe instructor.

The course instructor must rebuild your widget sets.

Restoring the widgets is a time-consuming task.


The course instructor has two options:

Select the notorious [Refresh Templates] option

Rebuild each of the deleted widgets


Why do students delete widgets?

Websites come with a number of widgets installed.

The widgets are common default types:o Show any images that youve uploaded to the websiteo Show recent entries and comments and serve a number of

functions that are useful for visitors.

Not universally admired or desired.

While customizing the appearance of your website, you mightdecide that you dont want a number of the installed default

widgets. Deleting a widget is the first option that you will encounter on

the widgets page.

No clear instructions on the main widget page direct a user tothe page for removing widgets.

For Discussion

Deleting a widget will hinder your ability to develop yourwebsite.

It most likely wont affect the appearance.

Because after deleting the widget:o Movable Type is not able to update your websiteo Changes will not be incorporated.

This sums up the issue: no more changes due to error messageblock

Any more questions?

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CRAP PREVENTION 31

SLIDE 8 OF 22 UNINSTALLING A WIDGET REMOVES IT FROM THESIDEBAR.

Key Points

Uninstalling a widget removes it from the sidebar.

If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of a default widget,dont delete it.

The best practice is to uninstall the widget.

Widgets should never be deleted; they should be uninstalled.

This is a simple drag-and-drop operation.

Sidebar: used to locate a number of widgets, which act as small

engines that display information.

1. Open Design/Widgets/ Select a Widget Set

Open your dashboard and select Design/Widgets, and choose one ofyour two installed widget sets to edit: Activity or Archives.


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Dashboard: is an interface that allows users access to publishing

tools.

Interface: a point of interaction or communication

2. Drag and drop widget(s) from the Installed Widgetscolumn to the Available Widgets column

This is a simple operation.

Remove widgets from of your Installed column

Install widgets from your Available Widgets column.

Customize your sidebar.

2. Save

If you forget to [Save]:

Widgets will return to their original placement

Repeat the drag and drop operation.4. Refresh or update the website.

Update your website every time you change the configuration of yourtemplates and widgets.


If I change my mind, can I install the widgets again later?

You can install them and uninstall them countless times.

Make sure to [Save] after every change and [Refresh theWebsite]




For Discussion

It is not always easy to identify which widgets to uninstallsince Movable Type provides groupings of widgets.

Your best bet is to do the following:

Uninstall all of the widgets

Install individual widgets, one at a time.

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CRAP PREVENTION 33

Any more questions?


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SLIDE 9 OF 22 WIDGETS ADD FUNCTIONALITY TO YOUR WEBSITE.

Key Points

Widgets allow you to add functionality to your website in theform of professional tools.

For example, the portfolio above includes the following widgets:

A Twitter Feed widget, which serves the purpose of sharing theauthors social media character.

A social sharing widget, which allows web visitors to share theportfolio through a number of social media avenues.

A links widget of pages on the portfolio, which provides easynavigation to the portfolios contents.


In class, we have been able to create personalized widget sets.Is it okay to delete a widget set that we created?

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CRAP PREVENTION 35

It depends:

If you have created a stand alone widget, or one that does notcommunicate with other Templates or Widgets, you may deleteit.

Be aware that there are risks.

Example or case scenario: If you have a widget that puts GoogleAnalytics code into your footer and your [Footer Template] has a lineof code directing it to that widget or template, removing the [GoogleAnalytics] widget will create a serious error message when youattempt to refresh the website.

For Discussion

Widgets are best left as they are.

Install and Uninstall Drag and drop Always be aware that deleting a widget can cause problems.

Any more questions?


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UNIT THREE

SLIDE 10 OF 22 CHANGING THE [PROFESSIONAL STYLE] COLORPRODUCES CRAP

Key Points

Changing the [Professional Style] color of your websiteproduces crap.

The default rooster banner is crap:

Its weird.

Its a placeholder.

It sends an unprofessional message.

Professional Style: refers to color style themes available for Movable

Type professional websites and blogs.

Banner: a graphic or image displayed on the Movable Type homepage

that creates a visual identity.

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CRAP PREVENTION 37

Dont think that you shouldnt change the color of your website.

The problem is that the change might cause your customizedbanner to disappear (Movable Type bug).

It wont reappear on its own.

The next slide will explain how to restore the customized banner.

Anticipated Question

So are you saying that you dont mind if we change the color ofour website?

I dont mind at all.

Know that when you change the color, your customized banner

might disappear.

If your banner disappears, and the rooster shows up, you shouldknow how to restore it.

Its a simple procedure

You wont need to contact me.

For Discussion

Changing the color style of your website.

Make sure that when you do, select a [Professional Style]designed for professional websites.

Style templates for the other Movable Type blogs are notcompatible with Movable Types [Professional Website Theme].

Any more questions?


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SLIDE 11 OF 22 CHANGING THE COLOR STYLE, REMOVES CODE FROMTHE STYLESHEET.

Key Points

When you change the style color, an essential piece of code isremoved from the Stylesheet Template.

Open the Stylesheet and replace the missing code.

The missing code is essential The code tells your website to look for an alternative banner to

the default banner, one that is tagged @banner in your Assets.

Summary: Changing the color of the professional website, alters the[Stylesheet Template] code, which removes the customized banner.

Stylesheet Template: includes CSS or Cascading Style Sheet markup

language, which allows the user to predetermine the form and look of

web pages.

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CRAP PREVENTION 39

Banner: a graphic image displayed on the homepage that creates a

visual identity.

Note: The banner is still in Assets and labeled @banner.

Add the banner code back to the Stylesheet in order for the templateto search and replace the default banner with your customized banner.


What if I dont have a customized banner?

You will still need to have the code restored to your Stylesheet.

This way, you will be able to customize your banner in the future.

For Discussion

Any more questions?


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SLIDE 12 OF 22 RESTORING THE MISSING CODE WILL RESTORE YOURCUSTOMIZED BANNER.

Key Points

Restoring the lost code will restore your customized banner.

Restoring your customized banner is a simple procedure. Follow the steps listed on this slide.

Students can practice this activity. First ask them to change the colorstyle of their websites: Design/Style/Professional Style/ Select color. Ifyou prefer not to interrupt the presentation, a learning activity follows.

To restore your customized banner, copy and paste thefollowing code to your Stylesheet Template:

Note: that sometimes the code remains on the Stylesheet and you willstill have a customized banner after changing your color style. Its amystery, and most likely, the result of a bug in the Movable Type

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CRAP PREVENTION 41

software.

This is the code:

#homepage-image { background-image: url() !important;}}

Copy and paste it to your Stylesheet Template.

Dont forget to [Save and Publish] after this operation.

In the future, find this code posted to the Crap Happens entryon the Portfolio-Remix Help website blog.


What if the customized banner doesnt show up?

Refresh the web page. If that doesnt work:

Open your banner in your assets and re-save.

Refresh your website. Refresh the web page.

For Discussion

Any more questions?


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SLIDE 13 OF 22 A CUSTOMIZED BANNER DEFINES YOUR E-PORTFOLIO.

Key Points

A customized banner defines your e-portfolio.

Make the effort to design and customize a banner for your e-portfolio.

Relying on a default banner illustrates that you do not payattention to details.

E-portfolio: is an electronic collection of a selection of a students

best work.


How do I add a customized banner to my website?(Three students have not customized their banners.)

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CRAP PREVENTION 43

First choice answer:Refer students to the instruction set provided on the Portfolio-RemixHelp blog website:Changing the Banner Image: http://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/09/changing-the-

banner-image.html .

Second choice answer:

You will need an image of your making or one with Creativecommons licensing, sized 905 pixel width, 170 pixel height.

Upload the image: Assets/New/Browse image on your computer.

After you upload the image, you open the image and write in theTag Entry field: @banner.

[Save].

Refresh your website.

Note: the banner is the only image that must be sized before youupload it to your Assets.

Third choice answer:

Offer to help after class or during office hours.

For Discussion

Customize your website by choosing a color style and changingthe banner.

If you need help, there are a number of online tutorials. Changing the color style of your website will enhance your

portfolios theme.

Any more questions?
http://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/09/changing-the-banner-image.htmlhttp://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/09/changing-the-banner-image.htmlhttp://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/09/changing-the-banner-image.htmlhttp://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/09/changing-the-banner-image.htmlhttp://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/09/changing-the-banner-image.htmlhttp://www.portfolio-remix.com/instructions/portfolio_remix_help/2011/09/changing-the-banner-image.html


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UNIT FOUR

SLIDE 14 OF 22 COPYING AND PASTING FROM WORDPRODUCES

CRAP.

Key Points

Pasting Word into an entry field using the default Rich Texteditor produces crap

The default text editor [Rich Text] produces invisible code when you

paste text from Word

Invisible code looks like crap Invisible code will be visible on widgets and some browserpages



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CRAP PREVENTION 45


How do I know if I have invisible code?

To see the invisible code, select the [] button at the end of

your toolbar. The code looks like the code on the image on the slide.

If the code is invisible, why does it matter?

Certain browsers, most likely Explorer, will publish your invisiblecode.

Pages will look unprofessional and unreadable.

Most widgets, like the one on the slide will publish the invisiblecode.

Code looks crappy.

Worst-case scenario script: Another problem encountered with invisiblecode is that when you are updating a page or entry, a small edit mightlead to invisible code over-riding your style choices, altering theappearance to such an extent that your only option will be to deletethe page or entry and start from scratch.

For Discussion

Any more questions?


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SLIDE 15 OF 22 SELECT [CONVERT LINE BREAKS].

Key Points

Select [Convert Line Breaks].

Before pasting text from Word documents, select [Convert LineBreaks].

The [Convert Line Breaks] editor option eliminates invisible code

o Using Convert Line Breaks is a Movable Type webstandards best practice

o Using Convert Line Breaks will create browser uniformity

Convert Line Breaks: converts plain text to html code creating

uniform coding and appearance.

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CRAP PREVENTION 47


If this is the best practice option, why isnt it the default

option?

This option scares most users, because it shows both code andtext.

The invisible code is visible and many users are uncomfortablewhen they see code on a page.

If you feel uncomfortable when you see code, after pasting yourtext from Word, switch back to the [Rich Text] editor.

If you arent copying and pasting from Word, it doesnt make adifference.

What is code?

Consists of directions that tell text how to look

For example, code tells text to appear bold, larger or smaller.

Provides color and shape to text.

Do I have to know code to work with Movable Type?

Not if you stick to the basics of online publishing.

If you want to do fancy things to your pages, you need to have a

basic understanding of code. Until you are ready, paste using [Convert Line Breaks] and switch

back to the [Rich Text] to edit.

For Discussion

Any more questions?


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SLIDE 16 OF 22 SELECTING [CONVERT LINE BREAKS] ELIMINATESINVISIBLE CODE.

Key Points

Selecting [Convert Line Breaks] eliminates invisible code.

Using this option will create clean text that is read uniformlyacross all browsers.

Your portfolio will appear uniformly on all browsers.


When I use this option, there seems to be coding on the pageand I cant read code and this makes me nervous about usingit.

Reading or understanding code is not essential.

After you have completed the pasting operation from Word,switch back to the [Rich Text] editor and keep working.

For Discussion

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CRAP PREVENTION 49

Any more questions?


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UNIT FIVE

SLIDE 17 OF 22 ADDING CODE USING THE DEFAULT [A] TOOLPRODUCES CRAP.

Key Points

Adding code an entry field using the default [A] tool producescrap.Using the default A setting means that the embed code will be readas text.


How do you solve this crap?

Copy and delete the embed code.

Select the [] button on the end of your toolbar, paste andupdate

If you are unsure:o Before you [Update] the page or entryo Select the [Preview] button

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CRAP PREVENTION 51

For Discussion:Any more questions?

SLIDE 18 OF 22 SELECT THE [] BUTTON ON YOUR TOOLBAR

BEFORE YOU ADD CODE.

Key Points

Select the [] button on your toolbar before you add code.

When making your portfolio, host documents on third-partyservers, such as Scribd, Slideshares and Sliderocket.

Copy the embed code provided by host Select or the page or entry before pasting code


What if I dont want to use third-party hosts?

Movable Type will only provide a link to the documents


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Clicking on and downloading documents for viewing is not acommon web practice

Website will not have a broad appeal.

If you still prefer the upload option:o Take an attractive screenshot of the document

o Write a brief summary of its contentso Provide a link to the full document

For Discussion

Any more questions?

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CRAP PREVENTION 53

SLIDE 19 OF 22 SELECTING [] WILL EMBED OBJECTS.

Key Points

Select the [] button on your toolbar before you add code.

Selecting the before the operation means that it will be read ascode and not as text.


What is the difference between code and text?

Code is a markup language for creating web pages

Text is the basic words or content seen on the web page

Code will dictate the look and performance of the text.


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Why dont you just upload the video to the website?

Uploading a video eats up server space

Requires a player

Difficult to embed a universal player for all user-end machines

YouTube will host your video free

No worry about the end user

For Discussion

Any more questions?

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CRAP PREVENTION 55

CLOSE-OUT SLIDESHOW

SLIDE 20 OF 22 CONSULTING ONLINE SUPPORT PREVENTS CRAP.

Key Points

Consulting online support prevents crap.

Consult links found on the Portfolio Remix Help website to findadditional online support for maintaining and designing your website.

The Portfolio-Remix Help website provides instruction sets.

Find a number of links and instruction sets on this website

Help you complete a number of simple operations:o Changing your bannero Adding a banner to every page

Portfolio-Remix Help [Blog] provides tips.

Find guides to reading the Stylesheet, copyright laws, links to a


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CRAP PREVENTION 57

SLIDE 21 OF 22 AVOID CRAP!

Production Instructions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sJq04q2-lY

Sixty-second video clip from Kosturicas 1998 film, Black Cat, WhiteCat.For the class, the instructor will play the embedded video onSliderocket.com.

Key Points

Avoid crap!

Crap doesnt have to happen!

Next, complete a learning activity.

Anticipated QuestionsNone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sJq04q2-lYhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sJq04q2-lY


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SLIDE 22 OF 22 REFERENCES


Any questions?

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CRAP PREVENTION 59

LEARNING ACTIVITY

SETUP INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE LEARNING ACTIVITY

Have students complete the following tasks:

1. Open the tab to his or her Dashboard.2. Open the link to the Learning Activity posted to the Crap

Happens entry on the Portfolio-Remix Help Blog.

This will open a Word doc that includes the following activity:

Administrivia: The purpose of this activity is for learners, workingindependently, to demonstrate an understanding of the objectives

presented in the PPT Presentation. The bottom-line objective is toensure that students select the appropriate buttons on their dashboardto avoid producing crap. If a students work is professional and thestudent doesnt produce any crap, the student has mastered theobjectives of this lesson.

INSTRUCTIONS

Now that you have experienced the Crap Prevention: Troubleshooting

Movable Type: presentation section of the lesson, you are ready topractice crap prevention, intervention and troubleshooting. For thispart of the lesson, you will be completing the following activities:

Create a new entry for your website

Remove widgets from your main sidebar

Change the color of your website

Restore the customized banner.

Your goal is to follow the Tips provided in the presentation and avoidproducing crap. Directions for each step are provided.

1. Create a new entry for your website entitled: Crap Happens

2. In the entry field, add the following text:

Text:

Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by


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Cicero in 45 BC

"Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatemaccusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaqueipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae

vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quiavoluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequunturmagni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Nequeporro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet,consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius moditempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaeratvoluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrumexercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquidex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iurereprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiaeconsequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla

pariatur?"

Administrivia: If a student fails to select the [Convert LineBreaks] option, invisible code, will appear on the parent websiterecent entry feed. After students have completed this task,check the recent entry feed on the parent website: Portfolio-Remix. If you can see visible code, the student entry was notcompleted correctly.

3. In the same entry field, add the following video, using the codebelow:

Video code:

Administrivia: If a student fails to select the button on thetoolbar, the video will not appear. Check the recent feed entry

on the parent website, to verify student work.

4. Change the [Professional Style] color.

5. Check the homepage to see if your banner has returned to thedefault status.

6. If it has returned to a default banner, add the following code to yourStylesheet Template:

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CRAP PREVENTION 61

#homepage-image { background-image:url() !important;}}

7. Select [Save and Publish].

8. Refresh your website.

Administrivia: Students should have a new color theme for theirwebsite with their customized banner in place.

9. Next, remove any installed widgets from your main sidebar.

Administrivia: If a student misunderstands how to complete thisoperation, they will delete rather than uninstall widgets. This is notlikely to occur.

10. Select [Save].

11.Refresh your website.

Administrivia: If a student fails to either save the new entry beforerefreshing his or her website or forgets to refresh their website, the

entry will not appear on any of the blog feeds. Furthermore, if thestudent selects the [Refresh Templates] option, he or she willproduce crap.

After completing this activity, your website should have a new colortheme, a customized banner, no installed widgets, and a new entry,Crap Happens, that includes an embedded video. You should also beable to check your entry on the Portfolio-Remix homepage to check forerrors in terms of there being any visible code in the [Recent Entries]feed. Congratulations if your website is crap free!

Administrivia: Review the results. When they have completed theactivity, student work can be checked by observing the appearance oftheir portfolios and the appearance of entries on the [Recent Entries]feed on the parent website: Portfolio-Remix.

Administrivia: Debriefing questions. Ask students to evaluate thelearning activity in terms of its results.

Where did you go right and where did you go wrong?


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CLOSEOUT ACTIVITIES

Summary of Key Points of the Content:

Never select [Refresh Templates]

Never delete a [Widget]

Changing the color style of your website might remove your

banner

When adding text from Word, select [Convert Line Breaks]

When adding HTML code, select [] on your toolbar

When in doubt, consult online help support

Administrivia: After completing the hands-on learning activity, studentswill complete an evaluation activity and an online course assessment.At the end of class, inform students that you will be going over theentries that they produced for the learning activity and the evaluation

activity and that feedback will be sent in the form of comments postedto the entries on their websites.

After students leave:

Logout of computer

Turn off projector

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CRAP PREVENTION 63

EVALUATION

1. Create a new entry for your website entitled: Avoid Crap

2. In the entry field, copy and paste the following text:

Text: 1914 translation of Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum etMalorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC translated by H. Rackham

"But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea ofdenouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I willgive you a complete account of the system, and expound theactual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoidspleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those whodo not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounterconsequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is thereanyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain ofitself, because it is pain, but because occasionallycircumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure himsome great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of usever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtainsome advantage from it? But who has any right to find faultwith a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has noannoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain thatproduces no resultant pleasure?"

3. Add the following video to the entry:

4. Next, install at least two widgets of your choice into the mainsidebar.

5. Change the color theme of your website.

5. Restore your customized banner.

Review the results: After students have completed the activity, studentwork can be checked by observing the appearance of their portfoliosand the appearance of the blog feed on the parent website: Portfolio-Remix, because this is where crap will show up.


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SAMPLE SATISFACTION SURVEY (KIRKPATRICK LEVEL 1)

(Adapted from Carliner, 2003)

Please provide feedback to the following questions:

1. How would you rate this program on a scale of 1 - 5 with 5 being the

highest rating?

1 2 3 4 5

2. How much did you know about online publishing software before doing

this training course?

Nothing Very littleLittle Some A lot

3. How much do you know after completing the program?

Nothing Very little Little Some A lot

4. How likely are you to use the skills taught in this program on your own

outside of class without supervision?

Not at all Very unlikelyUnlikely Likely Very Likely

5. What was the most valuable part of this program in terms of skill sets

taught?

_____________________________________________________________________

6. What was the most effective part of this program?

_____________________________________________________________________

7. What is one aspect of the training that could improve this program most?

_____________________________________________________________________

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CRAP PREVENTION 65


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CRAP PREVENTION 67

APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY

Banner: a graphic image displayed on websites that creates a visual

identity.

Content Management System: is a software or tool that creates andpublishes digital media.

Convert Line Breaks: converts plain text to html code creating

uniform coding and appearance.



Dashboard: is an interface that allows users access to publishingtools.

Default: is a setting that a program automatically uses if analternative setting is not selected.

E-portfolios: is an electronic collection of a selection of a studentsbest work.

HTML code: (Hyper Text Markup Language) web language used to

build web pages.

Interface: a point of interaction or communication

Movable Type 5.10 software: content management systemsoftware that creates media websites that include a blogging function.

Professional Style: refers to color style themes available for MovableType professional websites and blogs.

Professional Theme: refers to a Movable Type website that providespredesigned templates to create a professional website and blog,comprised of a set of templates and styles.








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Sidebar: used to locate a number of widgets, which act as small

engines that display information.

Stylesheet Template: includes CSS or Cascading Style Sheet markup

language, which allows the user to predetermine the form and look of

web pages.

Web Template: is a file, which contains MTML (Movable Type Markup

Language) that includes a diverse number of languages (javascript,

CSS, HTML, for example) that allows servers to read how a browser

should display the web page.



WYSIWYG editor: translates to What you see is what you get. An

interface editor that allows the user to have a close impression of what

content will look like on the web (Rich Text Editor).

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CRAP PREVENTION 69

APPENDIX B: ONLINE HELP RESOURCES FOR MOVABLE TYPE

Portfolio-Remix Help: http://www.portfolio-remix.com/

Portfolio-Remix Help Blog: http://www.portfolio-remix.com/blogs/

Movable Type Guides: http://www.movabletype.org/documentation/

Movable Type Forum: http://forums.movabletype.org/

The Composing Stick: http://thecomposingstick.com/

Learning Movable Type Tutorials:http://www.learningmovabletype.com/

Contact your course instructor:

Jeanette Novakovich

[email protected]
http://www.portfolio-remix.com/http://www.portfolio-remix.com/blogs/http://www.movabletype.org/documentation/http://forums.movabletype.org/http://thecomposingstick.com/http://www.learningmovabletype.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.portfolio-remix.com/http://www.portfolio-remix.com/blogs/http://www.movabletype.org/documentation/http://forums.movabletype.org/http://thecomposingstick.com/http://www.learningmovabletype.com/mailto:[email protected]


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APPENDIX C: RELATED COURSES

Publishing EntriesSeptember 2011

Publishing PagesOctober 2011

Customizing the StylesheetOctober 2011

Customizing the BannerNovember 2011

Customizing the Sidebar WidgetsNovember 2011

Integrating Social MediaDecember 2011

Troubleshooting Movable Typecurrent

Designing Widgets coming January 2012

Modifying Templatescoming February 2012

Creating Drop-Down Menuscoming March 2012

Organizing Portfolio Contentcoming in April 2012

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CRAP PREVENTION 71

APPENDIX D: OUTLINE OF TROUBLESHOOTING MATERIAL

I. Introduction to the course

a. Attention getter video

b. Learning objectives

II. Selecting the Refresh Templates option produces crap

a. The [Refresh Templates] or [ ] option will restore

default templates

b. The user should never make this selection

c. If the [ ] button is selected, one must contact thecourse instructor

i. Contact the course instructor

ii. Course instructor rebuilds templates

1. The parent website, Portfolio-Remix, in the default

state, wants the children to dress and look like the

parent. In effect, the parent dictates information

about the look of the childrens websites or, in this

case, student e-portfolios

2. Customized templates transform childrens

websites into independent websites by removing

shared templates with the parent website

a. Your e-portfolio has a customized [Blog

Index] template or independent blog page

b. Your e-portfolio has a customized [Header]

template or website title

c. Your e-portfolio has a customized[Navigation] template or menu bar

d. Your e-portfolio has a customized

[Stylesheet] template or appearance

3. The relationship that remains between the parent

and children websites is through children website

entry feeds and a website roll


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a. The childrens websites feed entries to

parent site [Blog Index]

b. The childrens websites feed URLs into the

parent website link roll on the parent website

sidebar

d. Differentiate between the [ ] refresh templates

button or option and [ ] refresh website icon or option

i. Once again, the [Refresh Templates] or [ ]

option will restore default templates

ii. The [ ] refresh website icon or option refreshes your

website to publish any changes that have been made to

your customized templates

III. Deleting a default Widget creates crap

a. Deleting a default widget creates crap by making your

dashboard inoperable

i. If you delete a default widget and your dashboard

becomes inoperable contact the Professor

ii. The professor must rebuild your widget sets

b. Widgets are uninstalled through a drag-and-drop operation on

your widget dashboard

i. Open Design/Widgets/ Select a Widget Set

ii. Drag and drop widget(s) from the Installed Widgets

column to the Available Widgets column

iii. Save

iv. [ ] Refresh website

IV. Changing the color style of your website, removes essential code from

your Stylesheet

a. The missing code removes your customized banner

b. Restore the code in order to restore your customized banner

i. Copy and paste the missing code into the Stylesheet

Template

ii. Save and Publish

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CRAP PREVENTION 73

c. A customized banner is a key component of your personal brand

V. Copying and pasting text directly from Word into the default Rich

Text editor produces crap

a. The default text editor Rich text produces invisible code when

you paste text from Word

i. Invisible code looks like crap

ii. Invisible code will be visible on widgets and some browser

pages

b. The [Convert Line Breaks] option eliminates invisible code

i. Using [Convert Line Breaks] is a Movable Type web

standards best practice

ii. Using [Convert Line Breaks] will create browser uniformity

c. Follow the Movable Type web standards best practice for

copying and pasting code directly from Word

i. Open Pages/New

ii. Select [Convert Line Breaks] text editor

iii. Copy and paste text from Word

iv. Save page

VI. Pasting embed code directly to a page or entry produces crap

a. Using the default A selection on the toolbar means that the

embed code will be read as text

b. Selecting the before the operation means that it will be

read as embed code

VII. Consult online help resources for using Movable Type

i. Consult Portfolio-Remix Help Instruction Sets

ii. Consult Portfolio-Remix Help Blog

iii. Consult official Movable Type online help

iv. Consult Movable Type Forum Help

v. Consult The Composing Stick

vi. Consult Learning Movable Type Tutorials


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APPENDIX E: FORMATIVE EVALUATION

A formative evaluation plan for Crap Happens: Troubleshooting Movable Type

5.10 will take place in a series of stages to determine the effectiveness of thecourse in terms of its being accurate, understandable, and functional asdescribed by Carliner (2003):

Technical review

Pilot test

Editorial review

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CRAP PREVENTION 75

TECHNICAL REVIEW

Technical Review Participants:

EL Instructional design expert with a specialization implementing

Movable Type MK Movable Type expert

SK Educational technology expert at the university level

Procedure:

Date Action Materials

First Contact September 17, 2011 Email

Affirm participation September 24, 2011 Email

Reminder November 17, 2011 Email

Delivery November 28, 2011 Email withattachment

Draft 1:Instructionalmaterials, PPT,and blankfeedback form.

Return date November 29, 2011 Email withattachment


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DRAFT EMAIL #1

To: EL, MK, or BK

From: Jeanette Novakovich

Date: 17 September 2011

Subject: Technical review for Crap Happens: Troubleshooting MovableType

Hello,

[Congratulations on your recent nuptials. I hope that you had anenjoyable honeymoon. I would like to thank you again for the work thatyou managed to complete for me during your exciting summer.] (Varywith recipient)

This winter, I am completing a troubleshooting training module forstudents using Movable Type software. I am writing to request a reviewof the training materials for the program: Crap Happens:Troubleshooting Movable Type. Coming from one of the few MovableType experts, your feedback will provide an invaluable insight into theaccuracy of the project.

The review will take two forms:

An evaluation of the effectiveness and accuracy of the technicalcontent

A walk-through of the training material

The review materials will be sent out electronically in eight weeks,during the first week of January 2012. The review shouldnt take morethan a few hours to complete. The scheduled review will take placebetween the following dates:

November 28- Reviewer receives review materialselectronically

November 29- Reviewer returns reviews electronically

Thank you for your consideration.

Kindest regards,

Jeanette NovakovichAssistant Professor, English DepartmentConcordia University, Montreal QC

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DRAFT EMAIL #3

To: EL, MK, BK

From: Jeanette NovakovichDate: 17 November 2011


Hello,

Thank you for agreeing to review the training materials for CrapHappens: Troubleshooting Movable Type

.The review materials will be sent out electronically in five days, duringthe first week of January 2012:

November 28- Reviewer receives review materialselectronically

November 29- Reviewer returns feedback electronically

I look forward to receiving your feedback.

Kindest regards,


2011 Novakovich


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CRAP PREVENTION 79

DRAFT #4

To: EL, MK, BK


Date: 28 November 2011


Hello,

Thank you for agreeing to review the training materials for CrapHappens: Troubleshooting Movable Type.

Please find the following items attached for the technical review:

Instructors Manual Crap Happens Slideshow

Feedback Form

The overall objective of this review is to note any inaccuracies ofcontent in terms of correctness, currency and completeness. Inaddition, the material can be reviews for accessibility issues forlearners. The learners can be assumed to have no more than basictraining using Movable Type software. And finally, please note anyaspects of the materials that are not currently functional.

Please feel free to make comments and corrections on the electronicdrafts and be sure to complete the feedback form. I look forward toreceiving your feedback on Tuesday, November 29th.

Kindest regards,

Jeanette Novakovich

Assistant Professor, English DepartmentConcordia University, Montreal QC


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BLANK FEEDBACK FORM

In addition to making comments directly on course material, please completethe following feedback form.

PPT slideshow

When providingfeedback, noteslide #.

Instructorsmanual

When providingfeedback, notesection and page#.

Learners Material

When providingfeedback, notesection and page#.

Informationcomplete? If not,note missinginformation.

Is the informationAccurate? Noteinaccuracies.

Is informationcurrent? Notemissing updates.

Is InformationUnderstandableto a layaudience? Noteany issues orconfusion.

Is informationfunctional? Noteany places wherethe material didnot link oroperateaccording tobasic webstandards.

Any additionalcomments.

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CRAP PREVENTION 81

PILOT TEST

To: English 395 Technical Writing Students


Date: 1 December 2011

Subject: Pilot test for Crap Happens: Troubleshooting Movable Type

Hello,

As mentioned in class earlier today, you are invited to pilot a test ofCrap Happens, a Movable Type troubleshooting training session onTuesday December 6, 2011. The test will take place at the start ofclass in Hall Room 923. Students who participate are eligible to take

part in an I-Tunes gift card drawing at the close of the pilot test.I look forward to receiving your invaluable feedback. See you in classnext week!

Kindest regards,



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CRAP PREVENTION 83

ONLINE ASSESSMENT FORM PILOT TEST


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CRAP PREVENTION 85

What was the most

effective part of

the PPT?

What was the

most valuable

part of the PPT?

How could the PPT be improved?

The most effective

part was how to

change the colour of

your banner.

The most valuable

part was how to

change the colour of

your banner and

how to uninstall your

widgets; I think

those were the tasksI had the most

trouble with.

The screenshots with

digital annotations.

But any more of them

would be confusing.

Using the Movable

type

that everything is

reversible

to embed More examples

Clearly laid out Step by step on howto fix specific

problems

Instructions on

preventing problems.

Links to help sites

and warnings about

reset templates so

we can self-help and

prevent.

Define rich text for the technologically

challenged.

Concrete problems Picture/video posting

Discuss more problems we are likely

to encounter

The videos were

entertaining so that it

kept me interested. It

lightened the mood

on a somewhat droll

subject.

The five most

commonly made

mistakes, the

second or third slide

I think it was. Gave

the most

information.

Probably just change the color of the

PPT honestly, besides that it was fine.

It was simple and

easy to understand. Itgot right to the point.

It taught me the

most common errorson movable type,

but more

importantly, it

taught me how to

prevent these errors.

I think that the PPT could continually

evolve as more problems arose withmovable type. Eventually, it would be

a very valuable resource for students

learning how to navigate the website.

They could solve any problem.

I would say that it

was straight to the

point. No crap.

Refreshing template

was the most

effective for me only

because I messed up

my site minutesbefore the ppt aired.

I would probably avoid the Youtube

movie and come up with something

else.


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HYPOTHETICAL FEEDBACK FROM EARLY PILOT TEST OF PPT

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CRAP PREVENTION 87

REVISION OF PPT BASED ON PILOT TEST

Category A: Showstopper

Revise wording

Add examples

Provide definitions

Category B: Must change

Color scheme

Animated text

Category C: Nice to change

Videorejected since the majority of the students found itentertaining and helpful in terms of setting the mood andillustrating serious crap.

More tipsrejected, providing additional tips because it wouldmake the PPT overwhelming (final pilot test).

Final revisions consisted of the following items:

Revised wording for concision

Eliminated animated text

Restructured PPT to include 3-part presentation:

o Crap

o Tips

o Best practices

Added additional portfolio and dashboard examples

Revised color theme to basic black-and-white with red spot color

Provided additional definitions and narrative examples to visualannotation


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EDITORIAL REVIEW

DRAFT #1

To:


Date: 1 October 2011

Subject: Editorial review for Crap Happens: Troubleshooting MovableType

Hello,

Congratulations on your recent and well-deserved promotion. As wediscussed last week, I am writing to formally request an editorialreview of the training materials for Crap Happens: TroubleshootingMovable Type. I appreciate your having expressed your willingness toparticipate in the final review process.

The review materials and style sheet will be sent out electronically inten weeks, during the second week of December 2011. The reviewshouldnt take more than a few hours to complete and will take placebetween the following dates:

December 12- Reviewer receives review materials electronically

December 13- Reviewer returns reviews electronically

I look forward to receiving your keen feedback. Please identify anyerrors in grammar, style, spelling and layout. As we agreed, you will besending me the materials to review your latest in-the-works project.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kindest regards,


2011 Novakovich


89/92

CRAP PREVENTION 89

DRAFT #2

To:




Hello,


The review materials will be sent out electronically in five days, duringthe second week of December:

December 12- Reviewer receives review materials electronically

December 13- Reviewer returns feedback electronically

I look forward to receiving your feedback.

Kindest regards,



90/92

DRAFT #3

To:




Hello,


Please find the following items attached for the editorial review:

Instructors Manual Crap Happens Slideshow

Style sheet

The overall objective of this review is to note any grammar, style,spelling or layout errors. Please feel free to make comments andcorrections on the electronic drafts. I look forward to receiving yourfeedback on Tuesday, December 13th.

Kindest regards,


2011 Novakovich


91/92

CRAP PREVENTION 91

CRAP HAPPENS STYLESHEET

Canadian English

Style Guides:

The Canadian Style: A Guide to Writing and Editing (1997).Dundurn Press, Public Works, Government Services Canada.

Canadian Oxford Dictionary. Online reference:http://www.oupcanada.com/reference_trade/canadian_oxford_dictionaries/dictionary_online.html

Preferred Slide Layout:

Introductory and close-out slides standard PPT heading andbullet list summary.

Content or unit slides: Assertion-evidence style that includes anassertion in the header followed by visual evidence. Furthermore,each unit includes an introduction to the troubleshooting area,provides a tip to solve or prevent the problem, and concludes byexplaining the best practice.

Clean crisp slide layout.

Warm beige background, crisp modern black font, and whitebackground for text.

Nina compressed font for heading: size 28pt

Nina compressed font for text: size 16.5pt

Red spot color in visuals

Course Materials:

Calibri font for headings: size 14 pt +

Calibri font for text: size 12 pt

Maroon red spot color

Preferred active voice

Technical jargon defined in text boxes
http://www.oupcanada.com/reference_trade/canadian_oxford_dictionaries/dictionary_online.htmlhttp://www.oupcanada.com/reference_trade/canadian_oxford_dictionaries/dictionary_online.htmlhttp://www.oupcanada.com/reference_trade/canadian_oxford_dictionaries/dictionary_online.htmlhttp://www.oupcanada.com/reference_trade/canadian_oxford_dictionaries/dictionary_online.html


92/92

REFERENCES

The Canadian Style: A Guide to Writing and Editing (1997). Dundurn

Press,Public Works, Government Services Canada.

Canadian Oxford Dictionary. Online reference:

http://www.oupcanada.com/reference_trade/canadian_oxford_dictionari

es/dictionary_online.html

Carliner S. (2003). Training Design Basics, Baltimore, MD: ASTD Press.

Cicero ( 45 BC) Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum.

Rackham, H. (1914) translation of Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus

Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC .

Kusturica, E. (Director) (1998). Black Cat, White Cat[Motion picture on

DVD]. Yugoslavia: Barclay.

Morgan A. J., Christine Duncan, and Avalon Moore granted permission

for use of screenshots of their student portfolios in the slideshow and

instructors materials.

Screenshot images of Movable Type Dashboard (2011). Movable Type

Org. December 8, 2011.

Note: Some text adapted from Carliner, 2003.

Film clips fall under Canadian copyright laws category of insubstantial

use, being less than 1-2% of a video.
http://www.oupcanada.com/reference_trade/canadian_oxford_dictionaries/dictionary_online.htmlhttp://www.oupcanada.com/reference_trade/canadian_oxford_dictionaries/dictionary_online.htmlhttp://www.oupcanada.com/reference_trade/canadian_oxford_dictionaries/dictionary_online.htmlhttp://www.oupcanada.com/reference_trade/canadian_oxford_dictionaries/dictionary_online.html

Novakovich December 8-2011 -2

Documents

Transcript of Novakovich December 8-2011 -2