The purpose of this project is to enable students to actively engage in creating meaningful web content that addresses real-world community needs. By learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, students will develop websites that not only enhance their technical skills but also foster a deeper understanding of how digital tools can support and reflect community missions. Through collaboration with community partners and university mentors, students will cultivate problem-solving abilities and creativity, ultimately producing a user-friendly and impactful web presence for local organizations.
Learning goals
Students will develop core web development skills using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create functional websites that address community needs. By collaborating with community partners and university mentors, they will learn to incorporate user-centric design principles, enhancing both usability and visual appeal. Students will also enhance their problem-solving abilities through coding challenges and peer feedback sessions, reflecting on how digital tools can meaningfully contribute to community goals.
Products
Students will create a fully functional, community-focused website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Throughout the project, students will develop and refine website prototypes that address specific community issues identified in collaboration with non-profit partners. The final product will be a polished, user-friendly website that integrates feedback from university mentors, demonstrating both creative design elements and effective coding techniques.
Launch
To kick off this learning experience, students will dive into the 'Website Wizards Workshop,' where community partners guide them through interactive stations. Here, they brainstorm community issues and experiment with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in building a mini website mock-up. Following this, the 'Digital Design Derby' challenges students with engaging coding tasks under real-world scenarios, supported by feedback from university mentors, stimulating their creativity and drive for functionality.
Exhibition
Students will showcase their completed websites at a dynamic 'Website Launch Showcase' event, engaging with community partners, family members, and local university mentors. Attendees will explore each website and talk with students about their design choices and problem-solving processes, discussing how the sites address specific community needs. This exhibition allows students to demonstrate their coding skills, creativity, and community engagement.
