Principles of Information Architecture
Frequently Asked Questions

Rich Julius and Freda Salatino


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What's the difference 
between this site and  the Projects site?
This site(http://www.movingfinger.net/pia1999)is a clearinghouse for all class-related issues, including class assignments, copies of class materials, email to class members and instructors, and access to the Projects site (through the "Projects" tab on each page of the site). 

The project site (http://www.movingfinger.net/pia1999/)is the staging area for the class group projects. If desired, the groups can structure their staging area to enable them to share project materials. (See "How do we post materials to the Projects site?")
 

How do we submit individual assignments? As printed hardcopy, on labeled diskette, or as email to the instructors (attachment or text embedded directly in the email message). 

We can accept attachments as HTML, text, Office95/Office97 applications on PC, and ClarisWorks on the Mac. 
 

How do we submit group assignments (project plan, prototype)? As printed hardcopy, on labeled diskette, or as email to the instructors -- in other words, exactly the same way you'd submit an individual assignment. 

We grade the project plans and prototypes the same way we'd grade individual assignments. If you submit a single copy of a group assignment, but want comments to go to everyone in the group, let us know. 
 

How do we post materials to the Projects site?  Send Freda the web pages for the project as your group prepares them, or bring them to class on diskette. If you need to have your materials posted by a particular time (because your group is going to get together to discuss them), let Freda know enough in advance to make that possible. 

If you want to use the Projects site to share information with your group, we recommend you create a separate planning directory (with its own web page, separate from the project) within your web site. 

If you need help with any of this, feel free to ask Rich and Freda. 
 

How can I get copies of last week's handouts? Check the Class Calendar and look for a link in that week's listing. Handouts are generally posted by the Friday after the day class was held; in other words, the handouts for the 3/9 class would be posed no later than 3/12. 
How do I find out what the next class is going to be about? Click the title of that class, in the Class Calendar. You'll link to the syllabus description of that class' content. 
How will I know when something changes on the web site? Freda will send out a "what's new" message whenever she adds anything to the web site, or updates anything in the site's user interface. If your email is not working, please be sure to check this site frequently for changes. 
Why can't I see the latest changes to the web site? Our site is updated at least once a week. This means that if you've been there recently you may not pull down the latest and greatest version of the site -- just the latest version cached in your browser's memory. 

If you go to the web site and can't see the changes we've made for the week (as detailed in a "new to the class site..." message), reload the page. If that doesn't work, you'll need to flush your browser cache. 

If you're using Netscape Communicator, select Edit -> Preferences. Communicator displays the Preferences dialog box. In the Category list, click Advanced. Then click the Cache tab. Clear both your memory cache and your disk cache. Click OK. 

If you're using Netscape 3.x or earlier, select Options -> Network Preferences. Netscape displays a dialog box with multiple tabs. Click the Cache tab and clear both your memory cache and your disk cache. Click OK. 

If all else fails, contact the webmaster. 
 

PIA home
Syllabus
Calendar
FAQ
Resources
Projects
Email