Overview 

Students in the WordPress practicum course explore the WordPress content management system and learn to develop an optimized website/blog. They will learn how to install a self-hosted WordPress site, customize the site using templates and plugins, track and analyze traffic using Google Analytics, and launch an integrated eCommerce solution.

This first block course is designed for students with no previous knowledge of WordPress or HTML/CSS. Students need a basic knowledge of word processors and web browsers. If students need help with either of these they can learn these skills on their own or through the Student Technology Center.

Notice

This course requires you to use a specific WordPress theme, use prescribed plugins, and give administrative rights to your instructor.

This class will also require you to create a eCommerce Store and hook it up to WooCommerce Payments. The U.S. Government requires all financial institutions to confirm the identity of those they are working with. This is going to require you to provide WooCommerce with your Social Security number (Or a Taxpayer Identification Number, but getting one of these takes about seven weeks). Feel free to read more about WooCommerces "Know Your Customer" process here: https://woocommerce.com/document/woopayments/our-policies/know-your-customer/

Course Outcome

Provide students with instruction in a specific software program, task, skill set, or interest area. For example, a section might be devoted to a particular desktop software program such as PowerPoint, Flash, Photoshop, DVD Studio Pro, Macromedia Direct, Final Cut Pro, Maya, etc. Other sections might introduce students to CAR (computer-assisted reporting), SPSS (basic statistical analysis), or Preparing Your Portfolio (either traditional or e-portfolio).

Required Materials

Hosting Domain Name

The course materials are available in the Course Materials List.

Hosting can be purchased through the BYU-Idaho University Store. This is listed as a recommended material and can be purchased from the Bookstore.

You will need to purchase hosting for this class. The suggested hosting can be found available for purchase from the bookstore. It is not required that you use this hosting, but if you choose to go with a different hosting company you will not be able to buy it through the bookstore, and you will need to do some additional research on your own.

Students who already have a host don’t need to purchase additional hosting. However, the WordPress website we will be installing needs to be located on the main domain and not a sub-domain. You can purchase another domain name for $10–$15 that can be added to your current hosting. Talk with your instructor if you need to purchase another domain for this class and need some assistance.

Learning Model

Students are expected to follow the Learning Model by taking an active role as a learner and teacher in the class. Points are awarded for being actively engaged in the course discussions, teaching peers, and demonstrating skills.

Course Pattern

This course has been set up with a clear weekly pattern to help you be successful. The weekly pattern is as follows:

1. Class Discussion: You will share and learn from your peers and instructor. This is broken into two parts, and you will be graded on your active participation each week.
1. Initial Post: You will post an initial thought, question, or comment before the first of the week due date listed in I-Learn.
2. Peer Comments: You will be graded on your active participation on this discussion board. You will need to respond to the outlined number of comments on this discussion board before the lock date listed in I-Learn.
2. Website Setup: Each week you will complete the assigned tutorials that can be found linked inside the course. These tutorials will walk you through setting up and customizing your website.
3. Checklist Submission: You will install a checklist on your website that will track your progress as you complete the tutorials. Each week, you will take a screenshot of the associated portion of the checklist that will be turned in to I-Learn.

The schedule for the first and last week of the semester varies from this pattern slightly. During the first week, you will be completing some initial website setup, reviewing the syllabus, and getting to know those in the class. During the last week, you will be making a screencast video that will be shared with your peers.

Late Work and Deadlines

Late work will not be accepted. It is encouraged that you finish your coursework well before the deadline to avoid unforeseeable complications.

This online course is based in Rexburg, Idaho, so due dates and times have been set to mountain time. Due dates in I-Learn should adjust to your time zone. Be sure to check your I-Learn calendar for your local due date and time. Know that due dates and times will not be convenient for everyone. If you are having trouble with the course deadlines, you might look into setting up earlier personal deadlines that work for your schedule.

The Courtesy Policy

Courteous and professional interaction about coursework and grades is expected and rewarded. Instructors may award students up to five bonus points for the following:

• Exceptional courtesy and professional interaction.
• Respectful participation and prompt communication.
• Outstanding and prompt participation.
• Respect for grading procedures. Concerns about grades are emailed to your instructor, with the intent to improve on future assignments.

Rationale: To foster more professional communication, students are expected to follow the Courtesy Policy used in all Visual Communications courses. Employers tell us that many interns and recent graduates lose their chance for successful employment because they complain about insignificant issues. This behavior also shows up when students complain about grades. Some fight unsuccessfully for a few points, then end up losing opportunities and other unrealized benefits. These bonus “courtesy points” can compensate for minor discrepancies and subjectivity. Visual Communications instructors work together in a teaching group and use the same rubrics and grading approaches, so grading is consistent across all sections of a course.

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course may require synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

• Student Honor
  • Academic Honesty
  • Student Conduct
    • Sexual Harassment
• Student with Disabilities
• Complaints and Grievances
• Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.