Professional Development Plan

Larry Krieg, 2004-2005

2004-03-26

Trends in Internet Technology

Looking at the flow of development and technology in the Internet and Web fields, we see these trends:

• Increasing use of data-based sites
• Interactive rather than static pages
• Use of XML as the basis for exchanging information
• Vision of the "Semantic Web" transforming the "World Wide Web"

Topics for Development

In order to position the INP Department to move in this direction, it is important to emphasize XML as the basis of most Internet- and Web-based information interchange, making it the foundation on which we build all our coding instruction. This is already done to a large extent in our Web coding classes, as we transitioned from teaching HTML 4.01 to XHTML 1.0 in Fall Term, 2003. However, I believe a greater focus on the role of XML would be beneficial.

Also, we should work with the Computer Instruction Department to establish an advanced certificate in XML. For this, we should seek the advice of area XML experts and employers. We are fortunate that this area hosts Arbortext, one of the leading developers of SGML/XML based systems. Paul Grosso, Vice President for Research at ArborText, is co-chair of W3C's XML Core Working Group, the organization that sets the standards for XML. He and his organization are in a position to advise the INP Department on employer needs and areas of training focus for both entry-level students and returning professionals.

Professional Development Needs

My background in programming would suggest that coding is an area in which I could learn effectively. For me to be able to participate fully in moving INP in this direction, I would need additional training in these areas:

• XML: I have had basic XML training, and need more hands-on training and experience using XML for a variety of practical applications.
• Server-side programming: the data sent and received using XML coding is stored and manipulated using programs on the servers. Many languages and database systems are used for this, but PHP and MySQL are a combination used by many organizations in this area. I have taught myself basic PHP, but would like to learn it in more depth, along with MySQL or similar SQL-based database access system.

Goals

To incorporate this professional development into the curriculum, I would like to work toward the following goals:

• Using XML and PHP to develop on-line learning modules
• Preparing introductory XML learning modules
• Developing an advanced XML certificate with the Computer Instruction Department, using the advice and expertise of Paul Grosso, if he is willing to advise us.