Midterm project

The midterm projects do not have to be complete finished projects. Rather, they should be thought of as beginning attempts to add new and useful material to the EUODS website. Once these components have been added to the site, additional material can be added later. Your job is to create the basic framework to begin this process.

The midterm project may be created a Word document, PowerPoint slide presentation, PDF file, HTML file, etc. and
should be emailed to me (brobin@uh.edu) by midnight on April 5, 2009.

How can visitors to the EUODS website submit links to other DS resources?
-Introduction to Google Forms and demonstration

• Introduction

There are numerous methods for web designers to create a web page for visitors to submit information or comment nowadays, such as using asp or php with data base supported web server. It has never been a easy task to develop a online survey or feedback form by asp or php language. However, with the advent of new technology, it is much more easier to create these interactive functions for personal website or blog by using web2.0 applications. The purpose of this project is trying to provide a solution for visitors to submit links or other comments by creating a web2.0-based form.

• Web2.0 applications
  

Web2.0 applications allow users to run software, which was traditionally installed and run independently on PCs, entirely on the internet. The concept of "net-book" or "mini-notebook" is getting more and more popular these days. Unlike tradition notebook computer, net-book provides basic operation system, either linux or windows XP and combine web 2.0 applications to extend the functionality of this little gadget. As an individual in the world of Web2.0, we are surrounded by numerous web-based applications to connect with our friends and the world. Here is an interesting map of web2.0 universe.

enlarge

If Netscape was the standard bearer for Web 1.0, Google is most certainly the standard bearer for Web 2.0. Netscape belonged to the same software world as Lotus, Microsoft, Oracle, SAP, while Google's fellows are other internet applications like eBay, Amazon, Napster, and yes, DoubleClick and Akamai. (O'Reilly, 2005) Take Microsoft Word for example, without installing anything on your PCs, you can now have similar functions on Google Documents totally online. Google Document has four applications which include Document, Presentation, Spreadsheet and Form.

• Google Form

Google Form can help users to collect data, survey or provide a convenient interface for visitors to submit information to web designer. You can find this web 2.0 application here. URL:http://docs.google.com/
To open a new form of Google Documents, click on the New lable and then select Form in the sub-menu.

In the main screen of Google Form, input the title and descriptions of this form. It will come with a text question at the very beginning.

Main screen shot of Google Form.

There are six different types of questions in Google Form so far. They are text, paragraph text, multiple choice, checkboxes, choose from a list and scale. You can either select a type of question by adding a new question or select a type when editing the question.

Select type from add question menu.

Select question type when editing question.

• type of questions

1. Text
   Type in your question for users to response in text format such as name, email address, phone number and etc. Check "make this a required question" if this question is indispensable then click "done."
   
2. Paragraph text
   This form can provide a large space for text input for users to send feedback or comments. Basically it's the same with text question but more words are accepted.
   
3. Multiple choice
   Only one choice or correct answer is allowed in multiple choice question. It can be used as gender, yes-or-no question, votes and etc. Simply click next blank space, input your answers and the next option will appear automatically.
4. Checkboxes
   This type provides users a question with plural answers, such as habits, interests and so on.
   
5. Choose from a list
   It provides a pull down menu for users to pick up a response. Just like multiple choice question type, only one option is allowed.
   
6. Scale
   It's a useful question type if survey is needed. Scale measurement allow users to show their preference concerning to the question.
   

• Tutorial of Google Form from Youtube

• The demonstration of using Google Form in EUODS website.

This demonstration contains all six types of questions. It can be shared by email, by url (http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cGlIRDY1LURTSlNIYzJhQ0M3TzhNWlE6MA..) or embed in a web page directly.

Embed in web page:

• Conclusion

Web 2.0 application has became a trend for many software companies. With the advancement of high speed internet, the possibility and development of Web 2.0 application will be unprecedented. Google Document makes the submitting of information easier than ever. I cannot image how much time will it take to create the same form by editing html and I think it's a pretty good solution for EUODS web site to provide the service by Google Document.



Reference
Tim, O. (2005), What Is Web 2.0,Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software, retrieve from http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html