Course Description:  Basic web design and HTML. Covers file transfer and UNIX/LINUX servers management. Develops an understanding of web graphics formats. Emphasizes user interface, navigation, and instructional design in building websites. 

 

Reflection:  As I think back, this was the first course I had officially opened in Canvas to begin my program.  I was incredibly nervous about learning to code using HTML and even speaking about the different parts of a computer and webpage; I had taken a computer science class for my undergraduate degree where we used Java, but that was 6 years ago.  However, once the class was in full swing, my nerves seemed to disappear.  Throughout most of my prior experience as a student, I learned that I was more of an auditory learner; I was never fond of "building" or "doing" to learn.  This class though was different.  I found myself actually having fun learning the code and then putting it to use--being able to actually see what I had learned being put to use right in front of my eyes was amazing.  This was also one of the first classes where I was put in charge of my learning as the solutions to some of the problems I found were not always in the textbook.

 

As I was going through the semester and thinking about the final project, I knew I wanted to create something I would actually use, not just something to "get a good grade and move on".  I finally decided on a website for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) seminar I volunteer for.  The organization itself is an international, but the particular seminar I work for is throughout the state of Illinois.  Many times throughout the semester I spoke with the guidance counselors within my building, as well as students who were attending the seminar, and their parents.  I wanted to make sure the site held all of the information that was needed and would be able to be accessed by all.  Being able to have my website be a point-place for hundreds of people across the state felt amazing; I was filled with pride.  While I know that I may not have that many opportunities to fully utilize my new found coding skills, this course really opened my eyes to all of the work and detail that goes into creating web pages and sites.  I am so grateful to have had the chance to take this course and definitely have a much larger respect for full-time coders and designers.

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