Paul's Home Page Paul Dempsey
Projects and Presentations

This page contains links to various projects that I've been engaged in over the past few years. These include Web sites and services that I have developed, presentations I've given, papers I've written, and various other professional activities.

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Web Sites

Since the fall of 1999, practically all of my web work has been the development and supervision of the Dickinson College web site.

I've been involved in the development of web sites for almost 10 years, which is an eternity in this rapidly changing technology. Here's a few of my activities in this area:

  • Shippensburg University [1999]
    The main Shippensburg University web site. I designed all the main sections and created services such as inquiry forms, an online application, and a guestbook for alumni.
  • InfoShip - Shippensburg University Internal Server [1998]
    This server provided information for students, faculty, and staff. Contents included the academic catalogs, student and faculty/staff directories, schedule of classes, and academic calendars.
  • MSACROA Home Page [1999]
    This is the web site of a regional professional association. Services include a member directory, guestbook, application form, and information on our annual meeting.
  • Borough of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania [2001]
    I created the initial design for this web site, although it is now being maintained by others.
  • Cumberland Valley Networking Services [2002]
    I designed the web site for this local ISP, including forms for new customers.

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WWW, HTML, and CWIS

Before the Web there was Gopher, and way back in 1994, I was involved in developing a Gopher server for Shippensburg University. I also explored issues related to the development of Campus-Wide Information Systems (CWIS) and began doing presentations on the topic. This led to more professional activities related to information services and effective use of the web.

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JavaScript and CGI

I've programmed in a number of different languages over the years, including BASIC, COBOL and Turbo Pascal. When I started web development in the late 1990s, I also began been working with Perl. Initially I developed programs to process simple CGI forms, and then went on to more complex forms (like a multi-part admissions application), search programs, data lookup, etc. I also wrote programs which take data downloaded from our mainframe and generate HTML code to automatically update web pages with class schedules.

I have worked with JavaScript for many years, creating interactive menus and other dynamic web pages. When I was still at Shippensburg, I gave some presentations on both JavaScript and CGI.

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Microcomputers and Educational Technology

Before the Internet there were microcomputers. For four years (1986-1990) I was director of microcomputer services at Shippensburg University. Perhaps because I am self-taught in this area, I have always been interested in technology as a means and not an end.

  • Using a Microcomputer to Supplement Your Mainframe
    I did this presentation at the Middle States Association of Collegiate Registrars and Officers of Admissions meeting in 1992. The focus was on using PC software to work with data extracted from a mainframe.
  • Writing About Microcomputers for a Nontechnical Audience
    This was my thesis (written in 1991) for my Master of Arts degree in English. I tried to suggest approaches to the problem of writing about technology for a growing audience that did not have a technical background.
  • Whiplash on the Information Superhighways
    This article appeared in The Edutech Report, November 1993, vol. 9 no. 8. I wanted to comment on the use of technology, particularly the rush to try new technologies before the most has been made out of existing ones.
  • MicroShip Menu Program
    This is a menu program I wrote in Turbo Pascal to be used on microcomputers at Shippensburg University.

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