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Changes on the Web Site

NOTE: Even with extensive proofing of content and testing in different browsers, there will still be bugs to work out and features to add—which we will diligently pursue before the fall term begins on many campuses in just a few weeks. —July 25, 2008

See a list of Features still in development, plus Bug Reports and Fixes. If you spot problems or have questions or comments about the site, please use the Contact Us page.

Launch of new site (July 2008)

To go along with the new edition of the book, the web site has been completely redesigned.

New from the ground up

• The new look and organization of the site reflect a total reconstruction "under the hood" that utilizes some of the latest web technologies.
• All of the features of the old site are still here, but presented in a simpler, more intuitive organization.
• "Search-engine-safe" urls (page addresses) improve search engine indexing and provide you with urls that are more understandable.

Site Features

Main navigation tabs:

• The Book (for general users) or Instructors tab (for logged in instructors) is the "home page," with links to the Table of Contents, changes from the 6th edition, Em's bio, and information for instructors.
• Theory List shows those theories that are covered in the 7th edition, as well as archived chapters from previous editions of the book. The list shows the extent of coverage (full chapter, brief mention, or archive), with links to more detail in the Theory Resources section.
• Theory Resources contains detailed information on theories:
  • Theory Overview
  • Chapter Outline
  • Application Logs
  • Suggested Movie Clips
  • Links to other web sites
  • Primary Sources
  • Conversations with the Theorists (videos)
  • Question of the Week—new interactive feature
  • Compare Texts—comprehensive table showing theories covered in the leading comm theory texts
  • Sample Quizzes
  • Archive of theory chapters no longer in the current edition
    The following are available only to regsitered instructors:
  • Best Practices—new interactive feature
  • Principal Changes from the 6th edition
  • Suggestions for Disccusion
  • Exercises and Activities
• Question contains the new Question of the Week, available to all users. For registered instructors this will be the Best Practices tab, though access to the Question of the Week will also be available.

Other navigation links:

• The Quick Search drop-down menu lists all major pages, including those not directly accessible on the main and footer menus
• The footer contains additional links, with expanded options for registered instructors

Text sizing:

• A Text Size option is available at the right end of the header. It adjusts the size of most text on the site up or down in size. If you have cookies enabled in your browser, the setting will retained.

Additional features in development:

• Site Search will be more comprehensive that it was on the old site. This will be completed when the basic site structure is finalized.
• A print page icon will enable printing only the specific page content, without the surrounding navigation elements.
• An email icon will be added to enable you to send a personalized message along with a link to the site. Other sharing options are also being considered.

As features are refined or added, updates will added to this list.