Getting Started with Web Service: Stanford Classes
Introduction
Any official Stanford class can establish its web presence using the main Stanford web servers to host their pages. These sites are 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.
Your class’s AFS home directory includes a WWW directory, which holds your web pages the web pages (unless they are driven by a content management system such as Drupal, which requires using the CGI and MySQL services). 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 your HTML and styles (and content)
- Place your files on the server
- Confirm that your page/site is being served
- 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 its-course-support.stanford.edu to find out how to request a new directory (or get access to an existing one) by registering for IT Services Course Support.
Create your HTML and styles (and content)
The Stanford Self-help Web Design Resources page provides all you need to know (including Stanford templates for official department or group use) to make a web page or site that is standards-based and accessible.
Place your files on the server
After you've finished creating your HTML file you can transfer the files to your group'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.
Confirm that your page/site is being served
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 URLs 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.
