Introduction to Web Development

Summary

This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of the Internet and website development.  No prior experience or technical knowledge is necessary. We will explore the following questions:

  • How websites actually work?

  • How are websites built?

  • How do browsers, computers, and mobile devices interact with the web?

  • What skills are necessary to build a website?

This course will be largely project-based and very hands-on and will focus on individual mastery.  During this course, students will be build production quality websites to meet the real-world needs of churches or non-profit organizations.

By the end of this course students will be able to describe the structure and functionality of the world wide web, create dynamic web pages using a combination of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, apply essential programming language concepts when creating HTML forms, select an appropriate web hosting service, and publish your webpages for the world to see. Finally, student will be able to create your own personal or business websites in the future and be fully prepared to take the next step in a more advanced web development or design courses.

Course Outline

  • Weeks 1-2:
    • Course Overview and Website Structure and Hosting
    • Internship Project Introduction
  • Weeks 3-6:
    • Content Management Systems
  • Weeks 7-8:
    • Designing Your Own Website:
      • HTML Basics
    • Internship Project Requests & Team Requests Due
  • Weeks 9-10:
    • Introduction to Programming Using JavaScript
  • Weeks 11-12:
    • Websites with Style: CSS Properties, Colors and Fonts
    • Internship Project Requests Approved/Denied
    • Internship Teams Selected
  • Weeks 13-14:
    • Creating HTML Forms
  • Weeks 15-16:
    • Creating Web Applications
    • Internship Projects Selection Due
  • Weeks 17-32: Internship Projects Implemented

Course Requirements

  • Pre-algebra or Algebra I or strong logical/analytical abilities and have a solid understanding of math concepts such as variables.  

  • This class will be taught at a high school level, but will be accessible to advanced middle school students who have a strong interest in the subject.

  • Students will need to bring a laptop computer or chromebook with them to every class.

  • Regular Internet access.

Outside Resources

This course will take advantage of existing courseware such as Introduction to Web Development by University of California, Davis.  Students may optionally chose to pay for and receive a certificate for their course work.