Welcome to MMP 350! This class builds on the skills and knowledge from your beginning web design class (MMP 240). My goal is to help you learn what you need to know and do to create a well-designed, dynamic, professional web site.
Contents
Projects
I believe that the best way to learn, and show others what you’ve learned, is to apply your learning to a hands-on project. We will create two projects in this class:
- Portfolio Project: this is an individual project where you make your portfolio site
- Final Project: this is a group project (2-3 people) where you will create a responsive, dynamic site.
Foundational Knowledge
This is the core knowledge (terms, definitions, facts, syntax etc.). This is information that you need to know to make everything else make sense. This is part of your grade and you will show your knowledge mostly through Kahoots.
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Design Principles
- Git
Spacing and Repetition
Learning research has shown that the best way to learn information like this is to repeatedly go over it and to space out the studying/learning. So, while we will use Kahoots, you will have multiple opportunities to learn and quiz these items throughout the semester.
Mental Models
Having a mental model in your head of how things work helps you to remember and apply the foundational knowledge. Working models give your brain a way to connect the things we will be learning together. They also help you to troubleshoot when things go wrong. Here are some of models we will work on:
- How the Web Works
- How a Web Page Works
- Web Page Layout
- Version Control
- Compiling, Building and Rendering
- Templates
- Jamstack site architecture
- Static Site Generator (in general and Eleventy specifically)
- APIs
I do not assign scores to mental models. We will work on these as a way to help you learn the foundational knowledge and apply that to complete the competencies.
Competencies
Competencies are showing that you have the ability to do something successfully. There are five graded competencies you will show in class:
- Create a Plan for a Web Site
- Create a Responsive Site
- Design a Site that is usable, understandable and engaging.
- Implement a web site using the Jamstack ( Eleventy)
- Add Dynamic Elements to a site
You will show competencies 1-4 as you work on your Portfolio site. The Dynamic Elements competency can either be a stand-alone site or an addition to your Portfolio site.
The Final Project will also required all five competencies but this time you will be working in a group and dividing duties.
There is a sixth competency
- Setup and use Web Development Tools
There is no separate score or grade for this competency. I don’t see a need to grade because being able to setup your development environment and use the tools is necessary to do all of the other competencies.
Syllabus
The syllabus covers the formal description of the class, meeting times and days, details of the grading policy, what technology you need for the class, contact information and more.
