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Project Overview
In today's digital landscape, a personal website is essential for showcasing skills and enhancing employability. This project will empower you to build a fully functional personal website, addressing key industry challenges while equipping you with fundamental web development skills.
Project Sections
HTML Foundations
In this phase, you'll learn the basics of HTML, the backbone of web development. You'll create the structure of your personal website, ensuring it's well-organized and semantic. This foundational knowledge is crucial for any web project.
Tasks:
- ▸Research the basic structure of an HTML document and create a simple webpage.
- ▸Add headings, paragraphs, and lists to your webpage to organize content effectively.
- ▸Learn about semantic HTML and implement elements like <header>, <footer>, and <article>.
- ▸Create links and images to enhance your webpage's content.
- ▸Use HTML forms to gather user input on your website.
- ▸Validate your HTML code using online validators to ensure best practices.
Resources:
- 📚Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) - HTML Basics
- 📚W3Schools - HTML Tutorial
- 📚HTML Dog - HTML Beginner's Guide
Reflection
Reflect on how understanding HTML structure impacts website functionality and user experience.
Checkpoint
Submit a basic HTML webpage showcasing your content.
Styling with CSS
This section focuses on applying CSS to enhance the visual appeal of your website. You'll learn how to style elements, create layouts, and implement responsive design principles, making your site visually engaging.
Tasks:
- ▸Explore CSS syntax and selectors, then apply styles to your HTML elements.
- ▸Learn about the box model and how to manipulate margins, padding, and borders.
- ▸Implement color schemes and typography to create a cohesive design.
- ▸Use Flexbox and Grid to create responsive layouts for different screen sizes.
- ▸Incorporate CSS transitions and animations for interactive elements.
- ▸Create a stylesheet and link it to your HTML document for organized styling.
Resources:
- 📚CSS-Tricks - A Complete Guide to Flexbox
- 📚MDN - CSS Basics
- 📚W3Schools - CSS Tutorial
Reflection
Consider how CSS enhances the user experience and your site's overall aesthetic.
Checkpoint
Submit a styled webpage demonstrating CSS application.
JavaScript Basics
In this phase, you'll dive into JavaScript, adding interactivity to your website. You'll learn how to manipulate the DOM, handle events, and create a more dynamic user experience.
Tasks:
- ▸Learn about JavaScript syntax, variables, and data types.
- ▸Implement basic functions and control structures (if statements, loops).
- ▸Manipulate the DOM to change content and styles dynamically.
- ▸Add event listeners to buttons and forms for user interactions.
- ▸Create a simple JavaScript calculator or a to-do list application.
- ▸Debug your JavaScript code using browser developer tools.
Resources:
- 📚Eloquent JavaScript - A Modern Introduction to Programming
- 📚MDN - JavaScript Guide
- 📚W3Schools - JavaScript Tutorial
Reflection
Reflect on how JavaScript transforms static websites into interactive experiences.
Checkpoint
Submit a webpage with JavaScript functionality.
Responsive Design Principles
This section emphasizes the importance of responsive design. You'll learn how to make your website accessible on various devices, ensuring a seamless user experience across platforms.
Tasks:
- ▸Understand the principles of responsive design and why they matter.
- ▸Use media queries to apply different styles based on screen size.
- ▸Test your website on various devices and browsers to ensure compatibility.
- ▸Learn about mobile-first design and its benefits.
- ▸Implement responsive images and flexible grids for better layouts.
- ▸Optimize your website's performance for faster loading times.
Resources:
- 📚A List Apart - Responsive Web Design
- 📚MDN - Responsive Design Basics
- 📚Google Developers - Responsive Web Design Basics
Reflection
Think about how responsive design affects user engagement and accessibility.
Checkpoint
Submit a responsive version of your personal website.
Web Hosting and Deployment
In this final phase, you'll learn how to host and deploy your website online. This knowledge is essential for making your work accessible to others and showcasing your skills.
Tasks:
- ▸Research different web hosting options and their features.
- ▸Choose a hosting provider and set up an account.
- ▸Upload your website files using FTP or a hosting platform's file manager.
- ▸Configure domain settings and ensure your site is live.
- ▸Learn about website maintenance and updates post-launch.
- ▸Create a simple documentation for your website's features.
Resources:
- 📚GitHub Pages - Hosting Your Site
- 📚Netlify - Deploying Static Sites
- 📚MDN - Hosting a Website
Reflection
Reflect on the importance of deployment in making your work visible and accessible.
Checkpoint
Submit your live personal website with documentation.
Timeline
8-10 weeks, with flexibility for individual pacing and review.
Final Deliverable
Your final deliverable will be a fully functional personal website that showcases your skills, projects, and experiences, ready to impress potential employers and serve as a portfolio piece.
Evaluation Criteria
- ✓Demonstrated understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript fundamentals.
- ✓Quality and creativity of the personal website design.
- ✓Functionality and interactivity of JavaScript features.
- ✓Responsiveness and accessibility of the website across devices.
- ✓Clarity and organization of code and documentation.
- ✓Reflection on learning experiences and challenges faced.
Community Engagement
Engage with peers through online forums or local meetups to share your progress, seek feedback, and collaborate on projects.