Each term, I receive messages with questions like these from several students. Because others of you might have similar questions I will answer here so all can benefit.

"I was looking into taking another online class next quarter that would build on yours. Would taking a class in XML or something else be worthwhile to someone who is mostly a graphics/interface designer who wants to have a better grasp of server side processes and dynamic web pages? Which one would make me more marketable? Any suggestions on what I should learn now to be more marketable as a web designer/developer? Thanks for any help you can offer."

What to take next really depends on each of you and your interests, but I will try to offer some suggestions.

Web Programming Options...

COIN 63, Advanced Web Technologies, is the suggested follow-up to COIN 61. It highlights more advanced web technologies such as Cascading Style Sheets, CGI and PHP, JavaScript, Dynamic HTML, Blogging and Podcasting and XML. COIN 63 is an exposure to advanced web technologies, not an in-depth coverage of them - we have advanced classes in all these subjects. The idea is to expose students to make them knowledgeable and conversant and also able to revise scripts found on the web for their own purposes.

COIN 78, XML might be another option. XML is used for structuring data. From the W3C XML page...

"Structured data includes things like spreadsheets, address books, configuration parameters, financial transactions, and technical drawings. XML is a set of rules (you may also think of them as guidelines or conventions) for designing text formats that let you structure your data. XML is not a programming language, and you don't have to be a programmer to use it or learn it. XML makes it easy for a computer to generate data, read data, and ensure that the data structure is unambiguous. "

COIN 70a, Introduction to Programming using JavaScript, is designed for students with NO programming background. It is a "gentle" introduction to programming using the JavaScript language as you complete projects related to web development. It is offered online this Spring term.

COIN 70b, Using JavaScript, is suggested for those WITH object-oriented programming backgrounds or experience in JavaScript. It moves very quickly and offers in-depth practice with JS.

If you are thinking about taking COIN 68, CGI/PERL, I STRONGLY suggest that you have some programming background. It will make your experience much easier.

AJAX Certificate and Classes

AJAX is a development methodology for creating highly interactive Web applications (sometimes called Web 2.0) such as Google Earth. Our AJAX certificate consists of classes in XHTML, XML, JavaScript, CSS, and a new class, COIN 71, which focuses strongly on AJAX application development. In COIN 71, JavaScript and XML are used to create highly interactive websites that function like desktop applications. You will learn to write advanced JavaScript programs that request XML data from the server "on the fly", and you will learn to use an existing framework to implement a complex design. Software engineering principles will be stressed, including separating the content from the presentation, programming style and documentation.
COIN 61, 78 and 70a/70b recommended.

Elaine Haight, who teaches the AJAX class strongly suggests that you take both COIN 70a and/or COIN 70B either this Spring or Fall before taking COIN 71 next Winter. She also suggests that, because often in industry, the same person writes both the server and client software, that you might also want to consider JAVA or PHP.

Multimedia and Layout

Macromedia Flash - If you are interested in Multimedia, the Flash classes (CAST 52 A, P and B) are very popular and useful - there is an Intro to Flash, Intermediate Flash Projects, and the Advanced Flash class. All of these courses are offered in the Spring quarter. All web developers need to have some basic understanding of Flash... the web is changing and Flash is a technology you should at least be familiar with. Besides, it is creative and a lot of fun!

COIN 65, Using Cascading Style Sheets for Design will be offered this Spring 07. Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) have changed the focus of web development from presentation to structure. This class will discuss separating web content from formatting so that the resulting markup will render more quickly and, through the use of CSS, be presented in a variety of user agents. The class is designed for students who intend to pursue a web development career or for those who want a more advanced understanding of web site creation to enhance their own work or career path. Basic concepts include XHTML markup, methods of styling a document, CSS syntax, fonts and text, positioning elements, basic and advanced page layout and interface components.
Note: COIN 61, 63 strongly advised.

Dreamweaver (COIN 74) is also a good option as is CAST 55A-01 Adobe Go Live. MANY companies use DW so it's a good app to have knowledge of to give you a broader understanding of the web environment. Images for the Web is (COIN 82) builds on graphics knowledge with specifics in maximizing images for the web environment. There are also classes in web marketing and e-commerce for students interested in those areas.

There is also a series of classes on web/database integration- COIN 91 Introduction to Database Driven Websites covers an introduction to the principles of database driven, dynamic websites. Emphasis on both the business and technical requirements and solutions for web-database integration. Introduces and compares the most popular tools currently used for constructing database driven web sites, from the simplest to the most powerful, including: Filemaker, MSAccess, Dreamweaver MX, ASP.NET, PHP, and JSP. Web services, and an overview of the industry and business drivers pushing Web database integration are covered.

Some of these classes may not be offered next term but most should be available. Try to register early since, due to the state budget problems, classes without enough students will be canceled.

Remember, there is online advising also available to you - here's the URL -

http://www.foothillglobalaccess.org/main/advising_center.htm

Here's another commonly asked question:

As a foreigner it is always hard for me to understand the education system here. I have a French Master in International trade but I am planning to work in Web publishing, creating sites... I am working on a Web Publishing certificate at Foothill but was wondering are certificates recognized on the job market, are there other kind of diplomas? Is experience (volunteer work) versus diploma better?Is it worth accomplishing my certificate or should I choose units I am more interested in (like some graphic units or e-commerce)?
Thanks for your comments

Good question! Usually, in a hiring situation, there are 2 factors at work:

The hiring authority who you interview with, is mainly interested in your skills and ability to do the job. In the "old" dot.com days, people were often hired with very little experience or education simply because the job market was so hot. But now, that isn't happening - however, the hiring authority will mainly be interested in your ability to do the job and be a team player (get along with your associates).

The Human Resources department will set your salary based on a variety of factors depending on the company. Often, the more education and experience you have, the higher your salary. Certificates do count here along with degrees. Volunteer work won't usually count for much other than to vouch for your character.

Many companies that used to hire any warm body now are being very selective because the job market is very tight. So anything you can do to set yourself apart from the other competition is an advantage.

Other Areas of Interest

Here is a brief review of other CTIS departments and a listing of degrees and certificates. You can also find each course description and the course outlines by starting at the Foothill Course Catalog page. Enter the course (or Department) you are interested in. A description and link to the course outline will be displayed.

Business Technology

BT offers courses that train students for employment in clerical through supervisory roles in the modern professional workplace environment. Coursework specializes in the following areas: Office Manager, Business Communication, Word Processing and Desktop Publishing, Database, Accounting and Spreadsheets, and Internet/E-commerce. Find out more...

Computer Information Systems

CIS offers courses that teach the principles and techniques of writing software in a variety of languages and operating systems. Examples include Intro and Intermediate JAVA Programming, Software Development in C++, Intro to UNIX, Advanced Shell Programming, Computer Graphics Programming and Intro to Programming in MS Windows. Find out more...

Computers and Software Training

CAST offers courses that help students gain mastery of applications as tools in a variety of disciplines. Examples include Introduction to PhotoShop, Advanced QuarkXPress, Multimedia Design and Authoring, Intro to Macromedia Director, Microsoft Excel and Word, FrameMaker, and Macromedia Dreamweaver. Find out more...

Computer Networking and Electronics

CNET offers courses devoted to a full range of computer networking expertise. The Department offers programs in Data Communications & Network Management, Network Installation & Maintenance, and Electromechanical Integrated Technology. Find out more...

Computers on the Internet (Internet Technologies)

COIN offers courses dealing with all aspects of the Internet. The Department offers programs in Electronic Commerce, Web Programming, Web Administration, and Web Publishing. Example courses include, Internet Fundamentals, Electronic Commerce, XHTML Publishing on the WWW, JavaScript, and Advanced Technologies in Web Development. Find out more...

Hope this helps!