Website Project
About
This course is your gateway to understanding the fundamental elements of creating stunning websites. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this course will walk you through the basics of design principles, coding, and user experience to help you craft visually appealing and user-friendly websites. This course does not include Programming. But you'll learn a lot of HTML and CSS to allow you to design and build a great website.
~~~ Big Ideas in Website Design ~~~
The discipline of Digital Technologies embodies whanaungatanga. Outcomes are made by people, for people, within cultural, social, and environmental contexts
In website design, the essence of whanaungatanga, or interconnectedness, is deeply embedded. Here, the focus is on creating outcomes that resonate with people. Websites are not collections of code and visuals. They are platforms crafted within cultural, social, and environmental contexts. Every design decision needs to consider the impact on people. The aim is to develop websites that not only function but also resonate with the users. This reflects a deeper connection and understanding of their needs and values.
Digital outcomes are created for a purpose by following established processes
Every website design follows established processes. Serving as the blueprint for the creation of websites. From the initial conceptualization to the final launch, a structured approach. It involves planning, designing, coding, and testing. This ensures that each website serves its intended purpose.
The discipline of Digital Technologies embodies auahatanga. Outcomes solve problems and enhance and expand human possibilities.
In the realm of website design, auahatanga, or innovation, is at the core of every outcome. Websites are not digital platforms; they are problem-solving tools that expand human possibilities. Designers strive to create innovative solutions that address challenges and enhance experiences. By pushing the boundaries of creativity and technology, websites offer new solutions. They make tasks easier and broadening the horizons of what users can achieve.
All digital technologies are underpinned by algorithms and computer science principles
In website design, the foundation of all digital technologies lies in algorithms and computer science principles. These concepts serve as the backbone of how websites function. Algorithms, like sets of instructions, say how data is processed and displayed. Computer science principles underpin the way websites are structured, coded, and operated. Understanding these principles is crucial for web designers. It allows them to create efficient, secure, and user-friendly websites.
~~~ OVERVIEW OF COURSE ~~~
Python is the worlds number one programming language and is used extensively by high school and University courses to teach programming. So it's a great place to start. This course will teach and assess Python against AS92004 worth 5 Credits in term 1.
The course then moves into full web development with the fundamentals of CSS and HTML.
After you have an idea of your own capabilities and the capabilities in website programming languages, you'll decide on what you'll make for your project and then design it. This will help you create your Design Portfolio that you must can use to help you answer the question in the Design DCAT, AS92007, that will be held at the end of the year.
After you finish the design you get to make the thing you designed. This will be around 8 weeks of work where you will plan and develop what you designed, testing and getting feedback along the way to make it better. This will be assessed by your teacher in AS92005 - Develop a digital technologies outcome, for 5 credits.
By the middle of term 3 you'll have your outcome finished and you will move on to study for your two DCAT Exams. As mentioned above, one of the DCATS will be AS92007- Design a digital technologies outcome and AS92006 - Demonstrate understanding of usability in human computer interfaces. The content and knowledge for this is all contained in the unit shown below. Each of the DCATs are worth 5 credits.
~~~ TIMELINE ~~~
~~~ COURSE MATERIAL ~~~
Unity 1: Learn Python
(approximately 8 weeks)
Learn the basics of Python. Sequence, Selection, Iteration and Storage through tutorials and challenges.
Unit 2: HTML and CSS (approximately 4 weeks)
You'll learn the basics of HTML and CSS to display content in the browser. This is the foundational knowledge you'll need for Unit 4 to make your own website after you have designed it in Unit 3.
Unit 3: Web Design (approximately 4 weeks)
In this unit, you'll research and find a purpose for a website and use the principles of manakitanga and kaitiakitanga to develop the design considering the target audience, the wider audience, Usability (HCI) and the purpose of the website. You'll develop refined wireframes, color palettes, fonts and mockups to clearly meet your requirements and the needs of others. This portfolio will be assessed in term 4 as an External DCAT.
Unit 4: Website Development (approximately 10 weeks)
You'll put your knowledge of HTML and CSS practice to make a website of your design. You'll need to use version control and github to host your page and help you refine your website over several weeks getting feedback from your teacher and others to continueously improve it as you go.
Unit 5: Human Computer Interaction (approximately 4 weeks)
External
You should have touched on HCI in Unit 2 Web Design. Now you'll go in to more depth and learn how to spot good and bad HCI in lots of different interfaces. This will help prepare you for the DCAT exam in term 4.