UMUC logo
Verizon Logo
   
Virtual Resource Site for Teaching with Technology
 
Module OneModule Two  HomeSearchIndexFeedback
  Teaching/Learning ActivitiesTechnologies
     
 
Technologies
 
Animated Graphics
Animations
Applets
Asynchronous Communication
Authoring Programs
Databases
Downloaded Media
Images
PowerPoint
Repositories
Scripts
Streaming Media
Synchronous Communication
Text (HTML, PDF)
Web Sites
 
Scripts

Moderate rating

A script is usually a series of sequential commands in a programming language aimed at executing some function. On the Web, the most common kinds of scripts are CGI (Common Gateway Interface) and Javascript, both derived from C++, a Unix programming language. Scripts added to Web sites enhance their features or give them added functionality.

Examples of Uses CGI: feedback forms, online surveys

Javascript: rollovers (highlighting of headings, such as those found at the top of this page), mouseovers (details appearing beside headings where the mouse has been pointed), pop-up windows
Requirements for Using it on a Computer Any Web site that uses scripts will require more speed and power from your computer, which should at least be a Pentium-class PC or a Macintosh PowerPC with a fast connection to the Internet (56K modem or better). The browser should be Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator 3.0+, and should be Java enabled (check the Preferences menu of your browser for more information).
Requirements for Using it to Create Materials Without knowledge and training in the C++ programming language, it will be impossible to create original scripts. There are, however, many online repositories where you can borrow other people's scripts, provided that you credit their work (see, for example, Webreview's JavaScript resources, JavaScript Made Easy, and The Official CGI Webring). In order to run borrowed scripts on a Web site, you must first make sure that your system provider is both willing to house the scripts on the server and has the system capacity to allow them to run successfully. In order to make use of scripts as instructional media, you will need to ask for help and cooperation from the technical stuff at your institution.
Examples in Module 1
• Authentic Inquiry: Sociology
• Case Studies: Nursing, Veterinary Science
• Collaborative Learning: Political Science
• Object and Document Analysis: Material Culture
• Virtual Labs and Field Trips: Biotechnology

 

This project is a joint initiative of the Center for the Virtual University and the Center for Teaching and Learning at UMUC.

© 1996-2005 University of Maryland University College
3501 University Blvd. East
Adelphi, Maryland 20783 USA