Instructions for Stanford classes
Introduction
Any Stanford class can put its pages on the Web. Classes that do not have
their own server can use the main Stanford web servers to host their pages.
These web pages can be accessed by the http://www.stanford.edu/class/someclass/
URL path.
There are two main ways to create web pages for your class. To do it yourself,
use the directions below. If you'd rather have everything done for you, and
also get a look at the many tools and options that make using the web truly
a boon when teaching your class, visit the Courses site at http://courses.stanford.edu.
You'll have to visit this site anyway when requesting a directory for your
class, so the two options are not mutually exclusive.
Your Stanford Unix class directory will hold your WWW directory, which holds your web pages. This WWW directory has been pre-configured to work with the www.stanford.edu web server. If you need to create a web directory from scratch we provide step-by-step instructions, but otherwise, all you have to do to get started on the web is:
- Request a class directory
- Create an HTML file
- Put the HTML file onto the web
- Check your web page
- Protect your pages?
- Enhance your pages
Request a class directory
To get web space for your class, you'll need a directory under /afs/ir.stanford.edu/class/. If you don't already have one, go to http://courses.stanford.edu to find out how to request a new directory (or get access to an existing one) by registering for Leland Course services.
Create an HTML file
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If you don't know HTML Go to the Learning HTML page. It will provide you with a variety of links to HTML tutorials, guides, classes, and pages both on and off campus that teach you how to make a web page. If you want someone else to make a course web page for you, go to the Courses site at http://courses.stanford.edu. If you just want to get a rudimentary page onto the web right away, use our quickie web template, then come back to this page.
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If you already know HTML Simply invoke your favorite text or HTML editor and get started. Here's a few basics to remember when coding your HTML:
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The class home page you create must be called index.html, and it must be placed in your WWW directory. You can place other documents in your WWW directory, but this is the only directory from which your pages can be served to the web.
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If you're interested in running scripts or programs, you'll need to use the CGI Service, since the web server won't execute user scripts placed in your class's WWW directory.
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Put the HTML file onto the web
After you've finished creating your HTML file you can transfer the files to your class's home directory using a variety of "web-friendly" Stanford programs. The File Transfer site provides step by step instructions for Macintosh, Windows, and Unix computers.
Check your web page
After putting your file into your class's home directory you'll want to check to make sure everything worked out okay. Go to your browser and open the following URL:
http://www.stanford.edu/class/someclass/Obviously replacing "someclass" with the actual name of your class. If, for example, your class's name was "Psych 101", you'd probably be able to see your home page at http://www.stanford.edu/class/psych101. If your home page does not show up, review these instructions closely. If you're still stuck, submit a HelpSU request.
Protect your pages?
Most people create web pages knowing they can be seen by anyone anywhere on the world wide web. This is usually a good thing. On the other hand, it's not uncommon to want only certain people to see certain pages, depending on the content. There are several ways to restrict access to your Web pages:
- WebAuth
- To allow only Stanford people (all Stanford people, or just particular Stanford people, etc.) to see your web pages, you'll need to use WebAuth. This is the easiest and most often used method for protecting your pages at Stanford.
- User Authentication
- If you want to allow only non-Stanford people (or some combination of Stanford and non-Stanford people) to see your pages, this is the method you'll employ.
Enhance your pages
The Stanford Web Service makes a variety of features available to people who want to make their web pages more useful or just plain fun. You can learn more about the CGI service for making forms, vanity names for making long or cumbersome URLs more readable, how to add a Google-based search function to your web pages, and other web options on the Web Service Features page.
