Teacher: Stults, Tony Shane
Course Standards
Safety
1) Accurately read, interpret, and demonstrate adherence to safety rules, including rules published
by the (1) National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), (2) rules pertaining to electrical safety,
(3) Internet safety, (4) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, and (5)
state and national code requirements. Be able to distinguish between rules and explain why
certain rules apply.
2) Throughout the course, practice safe habits and procedures when sharing and sending files,
navigating websites, and connecting to servers and networks. As a class, work collaboratively to
develop a professionalism policy that outlines rules regarding responsible technology use in the
classroom. The policy must adhere to all school and district technology policies.
3) Determine how companies, organizations, and individuals keep their data secure from theft and
identity fraud. Summarize and produce a list of best practices from industry magazines and
professional organizations such as the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Identify steps for
safe use and transfer of data that can applied in the Web Design classroom.
Career Exploration
4) Investigate opportunities for personal and professional growth in the web design and computer
science fields, including but not limited to opportunities to enter design contests, assist with the
maintenance or development of the school’s website, and participate in initiatives such as the
national Hour of Code. In addition, explore postsecondary programs in the computer sciences,
such as web design and development, animation and graphics, or website administration, and
document the search in the course portfolio.
The Design Process
5) Select a website whose content is appropriate and adheres to the course policy, as approved by
the instructor. Critically evaluate the site on the merits of its design features, applying
knowledge and skills related to webpage composition (learned in Web Design Foundations) to
critique the following:
a. Navigational hierarchy
b. Balance
c. Color unity
d. Typography, formatting, and other aspects of text layout and style
e. Compatibility across multiple browsers and devices
f. Flow and arrangement of content
Develop a presentation, written paper, or blog post analyzing these elements, supported by
screen shots of the website and other specific evidence drawn from the site. Be able to answer
the question, “What makes this website compelling, attractive, and functional?”
6) Synthesize the steps of the web design process learned in previous courses with research into
emerging or alternative design models. In groups, produce a sophisticated flowchart, diagram,
or other logic model that will serve as a template to guide the development of all projects and
activities undertaken in this course. Annotate the model with the inputs, constraints, activities,
and target outcomes involved in a given project; demonstrate where inputs flow from one stage
of a project to the next.
Project Management
7) Research how web development teams use project management tools to divide roles and
responsibilities among team members, track progress toward goals, and satisfy client
specifications. Explore a variety of such tools and develop systems for applying selected tools to
projects and assignments in this course. For example, download a Gantt chart template for a
spreadsheet software application and use it to assign tasks and monitor deliverables working
toward a given deadline.
Coding Skills
8) Demonstrate technical fluency in a variety of programming and markup languages, including but
not limited to HTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, PHP, and/or SQL. Describe the particular
functions and environments in which each language operates, detailing the benefits, limitations,
and unique features of each. Justify when one programming language would be ideal for a given
project or design solution, developing the recommendation with specific evidence and
reasoning.
9) Correctly apply tags, embed links, manipulate space, customize attributes, and incorporate style
elements related to typography, margins, and spanning and padding. Demonstrate the ability to
code web page elements such as tables and forms according to the specifications of the client.
10) Distinguish between different units and measurement systems used in website development. Be
able to accurately define terms such as size, aspect ratio, percentage units, and pixels as they
relate to specific style commands (i.e., in a cascading style sheet). Given a set of design
constraints or client specifications, accurately apply and modify the appropriate units when
writing and editing code for objects/text in a programming environment.
11) Throughout the course, apply, edit, and continually revise code using software approved by the
instructor, ranging from proprietary software such as Dreamweaver to simple applications like
Microsoft Notepad. Practice teamwork and revision skills by: 1) critiquing the work of peers; and
2) furnishing recommendations for resolving errors in syntax and improving elements of design.
Annotate recommendations in the programming environment to facilitate peer review.
12) Create and edit graphics and other multimedia for web pages, evaluating and customizing their
attributes according to client/instructor specifications. For example, write code for a scalable
vector graphic (SVG) with a predetermined height, width, shape, and color, using appropriate
units in order to maximize visibility and continuity of design.
13) Summarize the functions of plug-ins for content management systems as well as static websites.
Describe a range of plug-ins and justify when they are needed for a specific application.
Demonstrate the ability to download and install plug-ins for selected assignments in support of
a specified design goal.
Basic Troubleshooting and Validation
14) Apply basic troubleshooting strategies to resolve errors in syntax, fix broken links, edit distorted
images, and align website content for seamless navigation. As part of a course assignment or
project, practice troubleshooting techniques to meet the vision or specifications of a mock
client. For example, pretend a client complains that the alpha version of his/her website has
rendered the dimensions of an interactive form too small for customers to read. Accurately
diagnose the problem, then make adjustments to the code to resolve the issue to the client’s
satisfaction.
15) Research methods of performing code validation on a completed or in-progress web page.
Validate code for compatibility across browsers and devices. Explain the results of the validation
test to the class in the form of a brief presentation as would a team of developers.
Content Development and Analysis
16) Conduct a preliminary investigation of various branding strategies (i.e., social media marketing,
web advertising, etc.) used by companies that sell their products and services online. Evaluate
selected companies’ websites to determine how such strategies are deployed throughout the
sites. Describe how one or more of these strategies could be incorporated into a future website
for this or another course.
17) Define web analytics, and discuss the increasingly sophisticated role that analytics play in the
marketing and management of content for websites. Interpret simple analytics in the dashboard
interface of a content management system such as WordPress. Use quantitative reasoning and
appropriate terminology to describe trends, analyze performance, and explain to peers how a
website’s “reach” can be determined with analytics.
18) Build on the work of previous Web Design courses and practice writing original web content for
a particular audience. Adhere to client specifications regarding tone, length, and style of
language, writing in a manner appropriate for the target audience. Regularly edit writing and
solicit peer feedback for continuity of message and language. Collaboratively work to refine
writing to be suitable for web publication.
Web Hosting and Publishing
19) Model the process for setting up a website. Investigate domain name availability, register with a
hosting service, and download a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) program. As part of a course
assignment or project, demonstrate the ability to upload and organize files onto a server and
arrange content to map out a simple multi-page website. Maintain accurate and navigable
directories for retrieving and storing files. Incorporate original writing content onto the site, and
publish content online for the instructor or class to see on a standard Internet browser.
Trends in Web Design and Development
20) Explore a range of new and emerging trends in web design and development. A trend could be a
new software, strategy, programming language, or phenomenon that has seen rising or
widespread usage on the Internet in recent years. Examples include the movement toward
responsive design to expand website compatibility; the increasing use of HTML5; or the
embedding of social media within websites for the purposes of sharing content or
crowdsourcing a product idea. Research one or more of these trends in depth, and compile a
presentation or a paper explaining both the technical aspects involved (i.e., how it works on a
web page) and the practical applications it has for customers, webmasters, businesses, or other
users.
Safety
1) Accurately read, interpret, and demonstrate adherence to safety rules, including rules published
by the (1) National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), (2) rules pertaining to electrical safety,
(3) Internet safety, (4) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, and (5)
state and national code requirements. Be able to distinguish between rules and explain why
certain rules apply.
2) Throughout the course, practice safe habits and procedures when sharing and sending files,
navigating websites, and connecting to servers and networks. As a class, work collaboratively to
develop a professionalism policy that outlines rules regarding responsible technology use in the
classroom. The policy must adhere to all school and district technology policies.
3) Determine how companies, organizations, and individuals keep their data secure from theft and
identity fraud. Summarize and produce a list of best practices from industry magazines and
professional organizations such as the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Identify steps for
safe use and transfer of data that can applied in the Web Design classroom.
Career Exploration
4) Investigate opportunities for personal and professional growth in the web design and computer
science fields, including but not limited to opportunities to enter design contests, assist with the
maintenance or development of the school’s website, and participate in initiatives such as the
national Hour of Code. In addition, explore postsecondary programs in the computer sciences,
such as web design and development, animation and graphics, or website administration, and
document the search in the course portfolio.
The Design Process
5) Select a website whose content is appropriate and adheres to the course policy, as approved by
the instructor. Critically evaluate the site on the merits of its design features, applying
knowledge and skills related to webpage composition (learned in Web Design Foundations) to
critique the following:
a. Navigational hierarchy
b. Balance
c. Color unity
d. Typography, formatting, and other aspects of text layout and style
e. Compatibility across multiple browsers and devices
f. Flow and arrangement of content
Develop a presentation, written paper, or blog post analyzing these elements, supported by
screen shots of the website and other specific evidence drawn from the site. Be able to answer
the question, “What makes this website compelling, attractive, and functional?”
6) Synthesize the steps of the web design process learned in previous courses with research into
emerging or alternative design models. In groups, produce a sophisticated flowchart, diagram,
or other logic model that will serve as a template to guide the development of all projects and
activities undertaken in this course. Annotate the model with the inputs, constraints, activities,
and target outcomes involved in a given project; demonstrate where inputs flow from one stage
of a project to the next.
Project Management
7) Research how web development teams use project management tools to divide roles and
responsibilities among team members, track progress toward goals, and satisfy client
specifications. Explore a variety of such tools and develop systems for applying selected tools to
projects and assignments in this course. For example, download a Gantt chart template for a
spreadsheet software application and use it to assign tasks and monitor deliverables working
toward a given deadline.
Coding Skills
8) Demonstrate technical fluency in a variety of programming and markup languages, including but
not limited to HTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, PHP, and/or SQL. Describe the particular
functions and environments in which each language operates, detailing the benefits, limitations,
and unique features of each. Justify when one programming language would be ideal for a given
project or design solution, developing the recommendation with specific evidence and
reasoning.
9) Correctly apply tags, embed links, manipulate space, customize attributes, and incorporate style
elements related to typography, margins, and spanning and padding. Demonstrate the ability to
code web page elements such as tables and forms according to the specifications of the client.
10) Distinguish between different units and measurement systems used in website development. Be
able to accurately define terms such as size, aspect ratio, percentage units, and pixels as they
relate to specific style commands (i.e., in a cascading style sheet). Given a set of design
constraints or client specifications, accurately apply and modify the appropriate units when
writing and editing code for objects/text in a programming environment.
11) Throughout the course, apply, edit, and continually revise code using software approved by the
instructor, ranging from proprietary software such as Dreamweaver to simple applications like
Microsoft Notepad. Practice teamwork and revision skills by: 1) critiquing the work of peers; and
2) furnishing recommendations for resolving errors in syntax and improving elements of design.
Annotate recommendations in the programming environment to facilitate peer review.
12) Create and edit graphics and other multimedia for web pages, evaluating and customizing their
attributes according to client/instructor specifications. For example, write code for a scalable
vector graphic (SVG) with a predetermined height, width, shape, and color, using appropriate
units in order to maximize visibility and continuity of design.
13) Summarize the functions of plug-ins for content management systems as well as static websites.
Describe a range of plug-ins and justify when they are needed for a specific application.
Demonstrate the ability to download and install plug-ins for selected assignments in support of
a specified design goal.
Basic Troubleshooting and Validation
14) Apply basic troubleshooting strategies to resolve errors in syntax, fix broken links, edit distorted
images, and align website content for seamless navigation. As part of a course assignment or
project, practice troubleshooting techniques to meet the vision or specifications of a mock
client. For example, pretend a client complains that the alpha version of his/her website has
rendered the dimensions of an interactive form too small for customers to read. Accurately
diagnose the problem, then make adjustments to the code to resolve the issue to the client’s
satisfaction.
15) Research methods of performing code validation on a completed or in-progress web page.
Validate code for compatibility across browsers and devices. Explain the results of the validation
test to the class in the form of a brief presentation as would a team of developers.
Content Development and Analysis
16) Conduct a preliminary investigation of various branding strategies (i.e., social media marketing,
web advertising, etc.) used by companies that sell their products and services online. Evaluate
selected companies’ websites to determine how such strategies are deployed throughout the
sites. Describe how one or more of these strategies could be incorporated into a future website
for this or another course.
17) Define web analytics, and discuss the increasingly sophisticated role that analytics play in the
marketing and management of content for websites. Interpret simple analytics in the dashboard
interface of a content management system such as WordPress. Use quantitative reasoning and
appropriate terminology to describe trends, analyze performance, and explain to peers how a
website’s “reach” can be determined with analytics.
18) Build on the work of previous Web Design courses and practice writing original web content for
a particular audience. Adhere to client specifications regarding tone, length, and style of
language, writing in a manner appropriate for the target audience. Regularly edit writing and
solicit peer feedback for continuity of message and language. Collaboratively work to refine
writing to be suitable for web publication.
Web Hosting and Publishing
19) Model the process for setting up a website. Investigate domain name availability, register with a
hosting service, and download a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) program. As part of a course
assignment or project, demonstrate the ability to upload and organize files onto a server and
arrange content to map out a simple multi-page website. Maintain accurate and navigable
directories for retrieving and storing files. Incorporate original writing content onto the site, and
publish content online for the instructor or class to see on a standard Internet browser.
Trends in Web Design and Development
20) Explore a range of new and emerging trends in web design and development. A trend could be a
new software, strategy, programming language, or phenomenon that has seen rising or
widespread usage on the Internet in recent years. Examples include the movement toward
responsive design to expand website compatibility; the increasing use of HTML5; or the
embedding of social media within websites for the purposes of sharing content or
crowdsourcing a product idea. Research one or more of these trends in depth, and compile a
presentation or a paper explaining both the technical aspects involved (i.e., how it works on a
web page) and the practical applications it has for customers, webmasters, businesses, or other
users.