I’m very excited this year for our web design class!

This is a hands-on, project-based class. You won’t be writing papers or taking tests. My goal is to have every student learn the basics of web design so when you leave this class you’re prepared to work on a site or start one of your own.

This year you will learn HTML, CSS, Javascript, JQuery, and even some Ruby on Rails. You will develop mobile applications. You will also learn how to use some Adobe products, including Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and possibly others. You will also learn how to create a website from scratch and how to use popular content managers such as WordPress.

Also, this class will include curriculum on digital citizenship. Mr. Tuden, the new course registrar, will be teaching part of this class. We will explore social media ethics and how to build a successful online identity.

This class will be challenging but it will also be FUN! Mr. Tuden and I have worked hard to create a really interesting course and we really want you to get a lot out of it. This is your chance to be creative and learn some new things! You will get out of this course exactly what you put into it. Good effort will yield great results.

Two very important things to understand from the beginning:

– Every student will have his/her own laptop. You’re responsible for taking good care of this machine while in class. I had no issues with anyone last year and I expect the same this year. A computer is necessary to participate in this class and I don’t want to have to take away anyone’s computer privileges due to inappropriate use. You’re expected to complete your assignments using appropriate resources- Notepad, Adobe applications, and relevant websites.

– You will use our class website everyday. Our class site will have important information and instructions for whatever we’re working on for the day. Please be in the habit of opening the class site as soon as you get your laptop fired up.

Also, for the first time this year, follow MHS web design on Twitter and check us out on GitHub!

Once we have all of our student laptops ready everyone will be assigned one.  In the first couple of days you will just use whatever laptop is given to you.

Information and grading details will be available for each assignment. Your grade will depend upon how well you follow instructions, class participation, and the effort you put into your work.

I’m looking forward to meeting you and working with you this year. I want each of you to be successful in this class and to get out of it solid skills you can take with you anywhere.

– Ms. Goldsberry