Module Details

Module Code: COMP7040
Title: Technical Writing using XML
Long Title: Technical Writing using XML
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2018/19 ( September 2018 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4811 - Computer Science
Module Delivered in: 5 programme(s)
Module Description: eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is the markup language that defines rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human and machine readable. XML is used by a range of applications which include technical communications, web publishing and e-business. XML and its related technologies (i.e. DTD, XSD, XSLT and xPath) will be explored in detail in this module applied to domain of technical communications, using an appropriate language based on XML such as DITA. On completion of this module the student will be able to author a technical document using XML applying best practices and principles in the field of technical communications.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Discuss the principles and role of structured generic markup such as XML applied to the field of technical communications.
LO2 Create an XML schema that defines and validates the elements, attributes and other markup that can appear in document marked up using XML.
LO3 Create a technical document using an XML language such as DITA.
LO4 Conditionally process data in an technical document by binding elements to specific conditions enabling the filtering and flagging of XML elements.
LO5 Create custom stylesheets converting the XML document into a range of outputs which include PDF and HTML.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
XML
Introduction to XML. Advantages and applications of XML. Comparison of XML to HTML. Well-formed and valid XML documents. XML in technical communications. XML and single source publishing.
XML Schema
XML Schema Languages and its role. XML schema language in technical communications i.e. Document Type Definition (DTD) and XML Schema Definition (XSD). DTD - statements and declarations. DTD elements - declarations, sequences, frequency and content specification. DTD attributes - declarations, default values and attribute sets.
Technical Documentation using XML
XML technologies used in technical communications - DITA and DocBook. Authoring a technical document using DITA. DITA topics - task, concept and reference topics. DITA Maps. Nagivation using topicheads. Relationship tables. Collection types. Linking - hierarchical links, breadcrumbs, inline links, glossary, linking to non-dita resources. Late bound indirect addressing using KeyRef. Content reuse using Conref.
Conditional Processing
Overview of conditional processing. Filtering and Flagging. DITA conditional processing attributes. Creation of a conditional processing scheme. Ditaval Document for conditional processing.
Customise XML documents using stylesheets
XSLT and XPath. Transformation process of XML into output formats which include HTML and PDF. HTML customisation process. Parameter setting for custom HTML. CSS. DITA-OT HTML Plugin.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
In class exam examining the theoretical aspects of XML and related technologies as applied to the field of technical communications.
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 2,5
Assessment Description
Open book lab exam where the student will be expected to create an XML schema, using an appropriate language, defining the elements and attributes that can appear in an XML document. In addition, the student will be expected to transform the XML into HTML using XSLT and XPath.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 3,4,5
Assessment Description
Create a technical document using an XML language such as DITA applying best practices in authoring technical documentation. The student will be expected to create and apply a conditional processing scheme to demonstrate filtering and flagging of XML elements in a document. The XML document should be transformed into various output formats such as HMTL or PDF.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Computer based lab to support learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture delivering theory underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Lab Contact Computer based lab to support learning outcomes. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study. Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Charles Cowan. (2010), Xml in Technical Communication, The Institute of Scientific&Technical Communicators, [ISBN: 9780950645988].
  • Eliot Kimber. (2013), DITA for Practitioners Volume 1 - Architecture and Technology, XML Press, [ISBN: 9781937434083].
  • Danny Ayers, Joe Fawcett, Liam Quin. (2012), Beginning XML, 5th. Wrox, [ISBN: 9781118162132].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Michelle Carey, Jenifer Schlotfeldt, Laura Bellamy. (2011), DITA Best Practices, Pearson Education, [ISBN: 9780132480529].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KSDEV_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development 5 Elective
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 5 Elective
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 7 Elective
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 7 Elective
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 5 Elective