Certified Internet Webmaster

Program Summary

This program introduces the student to a rapidly evolving world of applications, commonly called apps. Apple II was introduced in 1977, and the IBM PC and many compatible computers came along just four years later, creating consumer demand for many software programs. These programs (or apps as they are now called) were capable of composing and proofing text, formatting spreadsheets and supporting classroom instruction. Initially, computer programs were sold in retail outlets like college bookstores, specialty stores and by mail order.

The Internet has enjoyed explosive growth since around the turn of the 21st century; the introduction of the World Wide Web, high-speed networking and now affordable computing smartphones and web-capable tablet computers have all led to significant cultural and societal changes.

This program commences with the historical tour of the World Wide Web and the Internet, along with the applications and programs that have made it possible, and even easy, for users around the world to explore our world with a few clicks on their keyboards. It also leads students through a step-by-step introduction to the blogging platform WordPress; this gives the students the needed tools to create web pages and develop an online voice.

This program also teaches students how the web is now the foremost channel for distributing applications to increase the web’s functionality and support social networking and communication globally. An introduction to the transformation of networking and data-transfer abilities, beginning with early HTTP protocols, and continuing through smartphone introduction is also included in the program. Smartphones make it capable to connect to the World Wide Web sans browsers.

This program concludes with a summary of the overwhelming growth of new apps designed to direct one or more branded mobile devices (tablets, smartphones and netbooks). Students have the opportunity to track principle changes in this explosively growing industry. Development has changed from a model where one experienced programmer worked on the development of a single program for distribution, to a system where retailers, non-profits, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies contract with marketing firms to develop apps. These apps are created to raise public awareness of issues, products and institutions. Students have the chance to learn about career choices in app development, which have evolved from coding and programming, and now include public relations, marketing, creative arts, product and project management and sales. A growing number of careers in app development require very little programming experience.

New Applications is a survey program that traverses the course from first software programs designed to assist Internet communication to a new age of native and mobile apps that can access the Internet without the need of a browser. It is also a practical program that teaches students to build a presence on the Internet using WordPress and other web tools. The program goal is providing the student with insight into the ever-changing world of application development to help with well-informed career decisions.

Objectives

• Detail major advances in communications and network technology, beginning with the early Internet and through the intro of smartphones and other mobile devices.
• Create an Internet presence using simple apps.
• Assess and select from an assortment of development tools and applications those which are most suitable for the task at hand.
• Create a current tech generation app for use with a tablet or smartphone.
• Assess the training and education attributes and experiences needed for a position in the app industry which has growth potential.

This is an intro course in the development and history of new apps used on web-enabled devices like tablets, PCs, smartphones and ultrabooks. There are no specific requirements to take this course, but students would be wise to have basic knowledge of the Internet, browsers, file formats, the World Wide Web, software and hardware apps. Students with working knowledge of IP addresses, programming, wide-area and local networks and cloud-computing, and the current state of mobile devices should be successful in this course.