Are you ready to develop your understanding of computers from the inside out? In this course, you will discover hardware and software options for a computer, how computers work together to create networks, and how the internet works. You will explore the major types of software categories you will need to know in most professional spaces including word processing, spreadsheets, and database information. You will also develop skills like programming and app building before putting everything together in a final project where you’ll build an e-book. Let’s get started!

Unit 1: The Basics: Understanding Computer Hardware

We interact with dozens of computers every day, whether we realize it or not. From smartphones and ovens to grocery store kiosks, computers are all around us. Their purpose is to process information in a meaningful way, and it takes quite a lot of hardware to get the job done! We will explore the basics of computer hardware, peripherals, maintenance, and troubleshooting. At the end, get ready to apply your knowledge to a common hardware problem and solve it!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Compare and contrast types of computers and their purposes

• Identify and define the components of the von Neumann architecture model

• Describe on-board and add-on components of a computer

• Describe the purpose of peripherals and how to connect them to a computer

• Apply a common troubleshooting methodology for hardware problems

Unit 2: Data and Storage

Data is not just a technical computing term anymore—it affects almost everyone in one way or another. From the phones we use to the groceries we buy, data is being generated at unprecedented levels. All of that data needs to have a home, which is where secondary storage comes in. Get ready to learn about hot topics involving data and storage devices—and how they affect you!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the difference between data and information

• Discuss how data mining and data analysts are connected

• Convert between decimal and binary values

• Distinguish which data type should be used to store particular pieces of data

• Compare and contrast different methods of storage

Unit 3: Systems and Software 101

If hardware is the body of the computer, then software is its mind. Software does the thinking for the computer in a variety of ways. It allows users to interact with the hardware and provides tools for maintaining it. Application software enables users to be productive and entertain themselves. The future of software development is exciting, futuristic, and just brimming with cool opportunities for new programmers. Software is a broad topic, so get ready to learn!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the main operating systems in use today

• Explain the features of an operating system

• Give examples for why files and file management systems help with organization

• Use various application software programs to accomplish tasks

• Configure your Chrome browser and Gmail account

• Contrast the types of software delivery models and licensing options

Unit 4: Networking Fundamentals

The networking world is fast-paced and innovative. The internet can seem mysterious, but behind it are wires, cables, and satellites that carry data to and from computers. Different kinds of network hardware and software are used to enable this communication, and certain rules must be followed. Get ready to dive into the exciting world of the internet and learn just how simple yet complex it can be.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Analyze the benefits and risks of using a network

• Identify various types of networks and explain their purposes

• Describe the four major network topologies and name the types of internet service providers

• Explain the packet switching process

• Define and explain the functions of different pieces of network hardware

• Discuss network security issues and how to troubleshoot them

Unit 5: Word Processing

The business and academic worlds make heavy use of word processing software. Over 25 million people worldwide[1] use Google Docs, making it one of the most popular word processing applications. Not only does Google Docs provide basic functionality for creating and editing documents, it also has some cool collaboration features. Get ready to learn the ins and outs of Google Docs and how you can use it to enhance your writing.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the basic terminology of word processing software

• Use word processing features for sharing and collaborating on documents

• Create and format documents using Google Docs

• Create professional documents using Google Docs

Unit 6: Spreadsheets and Databases

All of the data being generated daily in the world needs a place to live. Enter spreadsheets and databases. These kinds of software can help organize, retrieve, manipulate, backup, and export data in various ways. From the simplest spreadsheet to the most complex database, data storage technology is vital to the proper functioning of many societies. So get ready to learn what spreadsheets and databases are capable of by following along in Google Sheets and Airtable.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Create and format a spreadsheet

• Apply spreadsheet formulas and functions

• Analyze data through filters, sorting, and conditional formatting

• Demonstrate data visually by creating and modifying charts

• Describe database concepts and types

• Create a basic database and input data using a form

Unit 7: The World of IT Apps

From business communication applications and accounting software to educational learning management systems and personal smartphone apps, the world of IT apps seemingly knows no bounds! We will discover the uses of various applications, extend our file management skills, explore the browser, improve our online search strategies, and learn where to find tech help if we need it.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe and use software for personal and business tasks

• Develop file management techniques

• Demonstrate proficiency using a browser

• Configure a web browser using advanced settings

• Assess the validity of online sources

• Use search engines and search tools effectively

Unit 8: Programming Pro Tips

Programming is currently one of the hottest industries. Even careers that are not traditionally thought of as technical now require a basic level of programming knowledge. In this unit, you will walk through the basics of coding, beginning with the software development life cycle, and then move on to understanding how various programming languages help to solve problems. You will explore the world of algorithms, get exposure to the basic constructs of most programming languages, and even develop your own mobile app. Get ready for a jam-packed, fun-filled unit!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Compare and contrast programming language categories

• Define and recognize programming control constructs

• Describe basic programming building blocks and concepts

• Create a basic mobile app

Now that you know the basic workings of a computer, it’s time to put the computer to work! In this course, you will explore some of the basics of graphic design, web development languages, and coding. You will also learn about team building, communication and presentation software, and becoming a digital citizen, giving perspective on how to collaborate with others as you transition from school to the workplace. Lastly, you will uncover potential cyber threats and how to protect your own devices through features and behavior change before putting everything together in a culminating project: designing a website in Weebly. Let’s get to work!

Unit 1: Web Design

Websites are very important in our society. Businesses rely on them to market, advertise, share information, sell products, and communicate. But not all websites are created equal—some are attractive and professional while others are dull and unappealing. To make a visually appealing website or graphic, you’ll need some very important design skills. Let’s explore the basics of web design, web development, and graphic design.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify and use basic principles of image design

• Create a professional-looking graphic using Google Docs

• Identify and describe web programming languages

• Use storyboards to plan a website design

• Use HTML and CSS to create web pages

• Build and publish an interactive website

Unit 2: Code Like a Pro!

What do stoplights, coffee makers, and video games all have in common? They are all controlled by code! In our modern world, code is the basis for all of the technology that we use. One of the most popular programming languages is Python, and we’ll learn how to use it to create a fun text-based adventure game. We’ll also make sure our game is good to go by testing and debugging it. Get ready for a Python adventure!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Solve problems and think critically

• Differentiate among Python data types and describe their uses

• Employ mathematical operators in programs

• Create a text-based adventure game in Python

• Use random numbers in a game

• Fix errors in a game by applying debugging strategies

Unit 3: Digitally Speaking

From messenger pigeons and papyrus to paper and emails, communication sure has come a long way! We now have a range of tools at our disposal for workplace and personal communication. Let’s learn how to speak digitally by exploring some of these tools. We will set up and use a Gmail account to investigate the world of email. And along the way, you’ll learn how to mind your netiquette!

What will you learn in this unit?

• Explain the use of various kinds of collaboration software

• Use basic email functions to send messages

• Apply advanced email settings to collaborate with others

• Employ effective nonverbal and verbal communication skills

Unit 4: The Good and the Bad: Trends and Threats

With new innovations such as augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and smart devices, the future of tech has never looked so bright! But in this fast-paced, ever-changing industry, threats are equally fast-paced and evolve just as quickly. Cybercrime is rampant, and many individuals and organizations are falling prey to cyberattacks. We’ll discuss the specific threats that are out there, how to recognize them, and how to prevent them. Also, you’ll learn some best practice tips along the way to keep yourself safe.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Discuss how technology trends affect society

• Identify and describe security threats

• Explain how different types of malware work

• Describe issues relating to internet safety

• Explain how to maintain digital privacy and security

Unit 5: Building Bridges

Relationships among different groups of people are important to a well-functioning business, whether it involves peer, employer–employee, or mentor–mentee relationships. Communicating, collaborating, and resolving conflict well are vital elements of working in a business environment. IT tools can help these relationships function smoothly by meeting a variety of needs within the company.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the importance of various types of relationships within the business world

• Learn and apply strategies for resolving conflict in the workplace

• Demonstrate awareness of workplace safety

• Recognize the importance of leadership skills and teamwork

Unit 6: Become a Pro at Presentations

Presentation software is useful as a visual aid accompanying a speech or lecture. Google Slides is one of the most popular types of presentation software. It offers a variety of options to add multimedia content and collaborate with other people. We will learn basic features as well as more advanced aspects of Slides that can be used in a business context. Get ready to start creating your very own presentations!What will you learn in this unit?

After studying this unit, you will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of presentation software

• Put together basic presentations and add multimedia content

• Create and incorporate business-related elements in a presentation

• Apply appropriate slide transitions and animations to a presentation

• Demonstrate planning and time management skills

Unit 7: The Legal and Ethical Side of IT

With all the data we interact with online, there is a great need for privacy and security. But sometimes it’s unclear what we can and cannot do with data, and legal or ethical issues may surface. In this unit, we’ll look at intellectual property and how to protect it. We’ll also examine the issues of confidentiality, integrity, and availability with the goal of understanding how to behave securely, legally, and ethically.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Summarize confidentiality, integrity, and availability concerns relating to data

• Describe potential threats to a company’s data, hardware, and software

• Discuss ethical and legal issues related to IT

• Investigate online sources to help you avoid plagiarism

• Summarize behavioral security concepts

Unit 8: Pathways to Expanding Your Involvement in IT

As you reach the end of this IT course, it is really only the beginning of your journey! Begin preparing for your future today by exploring your options for joining professional organizations, becoming involved in a computing club, giving back to your community, taking part in competitive programming, and becoming a lifelong learner. Being an IT professional is not simply about having the right skill set, as important as that is. You also need to be a good digital citizen and be conscious of how your actions affect the wider community.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify potential IT clubs and organizations to be involved in

• Discuss the benefits of competitive programming

• Read and understand technical material from magazines, journals, and books

• Be a responsible digital citizen who promotes security and advocates for fairness online

• Develop employability skills and knowledge

Discover your talent for building digital media applications using text, graphics, animations, sounds, videos, and more! Learn about the elements that make impressive media, such as typography, color theory, design, and manipulation. Explore careers to apply your digital media skills and find your place in this fast-paced and exciting field!

Unit 1: Digital Media: Current Issues & Careers

Digital media is a 21st-century form of human communication. Although it is now part of everyday life through our use of cell phones and the internet, the technology needed for digital media to succeed wasn’t developed until the early 2000s. Since then, the field has grown exponentially, continually developing new and better ways to create and share ideas. Digital media professionals create in multiple formats (sound, images, animation, video, video games, web pages) and also assist in engineering and facilitating the networks where the media is disbursed to people around the world.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define digital media and understand key terms in the digital media field

• Describe the evolution of media and the transition to digital

• Describe the importance of the digital revolution

• Explain the various challenges associated with creating and distributing digital

• Identify and analyze digital media career opportunities

Unit 2: A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words: Introduction to Digital Images

When snapping a selfie or taking pics of friends while out for a night on the town, we might quickly think about whether or not there’s enough light for the photo—but we don’t usually think about things like design and layout. However, as a professional media creator, you’ll start to pay a lot more attention to layout, design, perspective, and proportion, not only when you take photos, but anytime you create an image. It’s also important to understand the file types associated with different image files, why there are so many different kinds, and which software works best with each type.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Distinguish file types and software associated with various digital image types

• Determine the software programs best suited for creating and editing digital images

• Identify and evaluate effective use of typography in digital images

• Articulate an effective use of color theory in digital images

• Outline basic principles of design and layout in digital images

Unit 3: Creating Digital Images: Photographs and Graphic Images

Many steps go into the process of creating a digital image. When you create digital photos, you plan the location of the photo shoot, design the layout, make decisions about lighting, models, costumes and props, and make sure you have all the right equipment. When you create graphic images, you’ll plan the design, locate and capture or download the graphic elements you’ll need to create it, know what software you want to use, and plan the layout, color, and typography to effectively meet the purpose for the image.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Prepare for a photo shoot by determining purpose and considering specifics concerning location and light

• Articulate specific concerns about design and layout to plan prior to shooting

• Describe ways to execute a safe and successful photo shoot

• Plan a graphic image

Unit 4: Editing and Distributing Digital Images

Creating a digital image is an important step, but it doesn’t usually complete the process—in most cases, you’ll need to enhance the image through editing, then decide how to package it for distribution. In order to gain expertise in editing digital images, you need to understand a few key terms and gain a deeper understanding of what a digital image is: a collection of data that tells your screen or printer how to simulate an image. It’s necessary to have a foundational knowledge of how digital images work in order to effectively use the editing tools for digital images. Next, you’ll choose image editing software and learn how to use the many enhancement tools that are available. You’ll have to know what type of image you’re creating and how it will be distributed in order to decide what type of software to use: a raster-based software for photos and photorealistic images or a vector-based software for images that are primarily text, layout, and graphic elements.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define and compare different uses for raster, vector, 2D, and 3D graphics

• Identify basic photographic enhancement techniques and apply them to raster-based images

• Design and enhance vector-based images

• Differentiate and apply appropriate file types, resolution, and compression for editing, storage, and distribution of digital image files

Unit 5: Creating Animations

The first animation was created a little over 100 years ago. For the first 80 years of animation history, creating an animation was a very slow and painstaking process. When computers entered the animation scene in the 1990s, the process became easier and faster. Not only that, computers have allowed artists to create new tools and formats that keep improving the quality of animation and how we use it to communicate. In this unit, you’ll learn about the history of animation, explore the different animation formats, and get to know some of the software platforms used to create them. You’ll also create a few simple animations, including presentation slide animations, an animated GIF, and a short animated video.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define animation and describe its historical development

• Explore professional tools for creating animations

• Differentiate animation formats and how to effectively use them in digital media

• Create animations for use in web sites and multimedia presentations

Unit 6: Digital Video—Pre-Production

Creating a professional digital video is not something you can do quickly or without planning. Before the shoot, you must consider the purpose of the video—its message— and how you will create images, sound, and other elements within the video to meet that purpose. This includes understanding the language of film (how your video will communicate through images) and how viewers interpret visual communication. In this unit, you’ll learn about the tools professional film and video makers use during the pre-production phase: storyboards to plan each shot, Gantt-type charts for production schedules, and equipment lists to make sure that when the shoot begins everyone has what they need to make it successful.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Demonstrate understanding of film and video terminology

• Understand how to effectively use framing, camera angles, and camera movement in a digital video

• Describe the benefits of storyboards and create a storyboard for a digital video

• Prepare for a video shoot by making a production plan and equipment list

Unit 7: Digital Video: Production and Post-Production

Once the pre-production phase is complete and you have a storyboard, you’re ready to start the process of principal photography—the production phase of film and video creation when you, your actors, and your crew go to each location and shoot footage. In the thick of the shoot when everything happens really fast, the time you spent in pre-planning will definitely pay off. When principal photography has ended, you’re ready for synching, editing, adding effects, and preparing for distribution—this is called post-production. The production phase of Hollywood films usually takes about two months and post-production takes anywhere from four months to three years. In this unit, you’ll experience a much simpler (and shorter) production and post-production process.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the elements of an industry standard video production

• Conduct a video shoot

• Edit a video

• Export and distribute your video files

Unit 8: Putting it All Together: Multimedia Presentations

If you search the internet with this question—‘how many PowerPoints are delivered each day?’—you’ll get some pretty staggering results: about 35 million presentations are given every day to around 500 million people. In terms of time and productivity, that equals about $250 million per day. The technology for PowerPoint and other digital presentations has only been around for about 30 years, but in that time, it has taken root in our culture. It’s a good bet that you’ve seen your share of PowerPoints already because digital presentations are everywhere in education. As a digital media professional, you’ll learn how to avoid the boring “death by PowerPoint” and instead create presentations that effectively accompany and help to deliver your message.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Determine the software programs best suited for creating and editing digital presentations

• Create effective design and layout of text and images in a digital presentation

• Create effective transitions and add multimedia elements to a digital presentation

• Incorporate multiple elements into a digital presentation that uses good design principles and communicates its message effectively

Let’s polish your digital media skills and help you learn all about web design. Incorporate your creative ideas into websites and discover the basics of marketing to understand how your work can be used effectively. You’ll also explore the world of podcasts and audio editing to construct a solid foundation from which you can pursue a career in this exciting field.

Unit 1: The Net and the Web

No matter what area of digital media you specialize in, you’ll need some expertise on the basics of the internet (the net) and the World Wide Web (the web). Although some people think the net and the web are the same thing, the two terms describe different aspects of the online world. The symbolism in both names hints at how they’re related: both a net and a web are composed of many connected elements. The net is a connection of hardware—computers and transmission networks—while the web is a connection of information on web pages and websites. This unit offers an overview of net and web basics, including how information is transmitted over the internet, which protocols are used by computers to host, send, and receive data, how browsers and search engines work, and what you need to design, create, host, and maintain web pages and websites.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the internet, how it works, and how we use it

• Identify and describe elements of the WWW: URLs, browsers, web pages, and website creation

• Distinguish the different ways multimedia is used on web pages

• Employ effective tactics for searching the internet

Unit 2: Connecting with Your Web Audience

There are about 2 billion websites out there—so if you want to get an audience to visit your site and see your digital media creations, you will have to plan carefully. This will entail first knowing who you want to attract. Although it will take time to research and analyze who is in your audience and why they’d be reading or viewing what you’ve created, it will be worth it. Attention spans are fast on the web and if you don’t capture their attention right away, you will probably lose them. In this unit, you’ll learn about some best practices in marketing for getting to know your web audience and how to reach them.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the various audiences on the web, and identify common marketing strategies for reaching them, including search engine optimization

• Identify and create effective written text for a web audience

• Explain why multimedia elements increase the appeal of web pages and describe how to use them effectively

• Analyze and evaluate web pages with effective use of design and branding

Unit 3: Digital Rights, Ethics, and Security

Digital rights apply to anyone who is creating or using digital media—so it’s important to understand what they are and how they’re related to several other legal and ethical issues. Digital rights protect both creators and users of digital media; related topics include accessibility, copyright, trademark, piracy, plagiarism, and permissions for use such as open-source, fair use, and Creative Commons. Digital ethics is about how we conduct ourselves online and how we interact with each other. Digital security is understanding that the web is not always a safe place and knowing what steps to take in order to protect yourself online.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define digital rights and explain why they are important

• Identify ethical and non-ethical online practices and apply them to your work in digital media

• Apply ethics and values to web design and social media

• Observe best practices for personal and business security online

Unit 4: Creating and Editing Digital Audio

One specialization you can choose as a digital media professional is audio. Sound experts are important members of any digital media team producing music, podcasts, video, films, radio, or TV. Audio engineers oversee production (recording), editing, and exporting for distribution (post-production). In this unit, we’ll analyze the science of how sound works and then review the file types, formats, and tools used to produce effective digital audio.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe how sound is created, how it travels, and how it is received

• Identify genres, characteristics, formats, and file types for digital audio files

• Evaluate and select appropriate software for recording and editing audio files

• Export digital audio files in appropriate formats and file types according to purpose

Unit 5: Digital Media Equipment: Best Practices

Digital recording equipment like cameras, lights, and microphones are sensitive and expensive devices. If you care for your equipment before, during, and after each use, it will work efficiently when you need it and will also have a longer life. If you decide to become a specialist in production—that is, in shooting digital photographs, video, or audio—you’ll no doubt begin to collect some very expensive equipment of your own, so it’s important to learn how to use it effectively and safely.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify and practice efficient and safe use of digital media equipment during the pre-production stage.

• Identify and practice efficient and safe use of digital media equipment during the production stage.

• Identify and practice efficient and safe use of digital media equipment during the post-production stage

Unit 6: Creating and Editing a Podcast

Within the last decade, a specific type of audio recording—the podcast—has become increasingly popular, owing in large part to the convenience of being able to listen to them anytime, anywhere with a smartphone. A growing number of digital media professionals now specialize as sound engineers or audio editors in podcasting, and the fast growth of podcasts ensures that the need for these professionals will continue. Because podcasts are relatively easy to plan for and then produce, they’re a good genre to practice with as you’re learning the basics of digital audio recording and editing.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand and apply conventions of the podcast genre to the planning phase of a digital audio recording session

• Complete the production phase of digital audio recording for a podcast, including in-studio and on-location sets

• Edit podcast audio files for presentation on a website

Unit 7: Planning and Designing a Website

There are currently about 1.5 billion websites in the world, and this number is constantly growing. As a result, web design is an important field within digital media, and one that will no doubt continue to grow at a rapid pace. If you want to become a web designer or programmer, you should begin that journey now by learning about the best practices of web designers and the principles of good web design and layout. Another way to start becoming more skilled at web design now is to evaluate all the websites you visit for their design principles: rate them for usability and intuitiveness of design.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand the phases of website design and construct a project development plan to meet customer expectations

• Define and apply best practices and principles of website design and layout

• Identify and evaluate website design effectiveness for usability and visual communication

Unit 8: Putting It into Practice: Create a Microsite

In this unit, we’ll review the knowledge and skills you’ve been gaining in previous units. In this course, we’ve explored the history of the internet and the WWW, as well as the history of digital media including images, photography, animation, video, and audio. Along the way, we’ve created several different digital media products—and now we’ll put it all together in a final project: a website that incorporates text, images, video, animation, and a podcast.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Follow a website project plan along a timeline until completion of project

• Create a website that incorporates video, audio, text, graphics, and an interactive animation

• Close a website project and reflect on lessons learned

Did you know that you are consuming digital media every time you open an app or use your computer or tablet? Digital media may be a webpage, video, image, podcast, form, or more. Explore how you can develop webpages that embed different media and interactivity for excellent user experience through programming languages such as HTML and CSS. Examine trends and opportunities, education requirements, student organizations, and industry certification options. It’s your turn to start designing websites and experiences for digital media consumers.

Unit 1: Getting Ready for a Career in Digital Media

In this unit, you’ll learn about the digital media workplace with a focus on careers in web design and development. It’s important to start thinking about careers now because there are things you can do—like working toward certifications or joining student organizations—that will be a huge benefit when you’re applying for college or a job. If you approach your study of digital media with an eye to the future, you’ll be more engaged and motivated, and when you graduate, you’ll have a sense of direction and some ideas of what steps to take to begin your career.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe emerging trends in the digital media workplace

• Identify the educational requirements, skills, and certifications needed for digital media careers

• Explore the opportunities provided by membership in professional organizations like the Future

• Business Leaders of America

Unit 2: Web Development Basics

Before you can begin the process of creating a website, you need to know a few basics, which is what we’ll cover in this unit. We begin with a description of the devices and networks that make up the internet and an explanation of how data travels from one place to the next. We’ll also cover the web development languages and tools you’ll need to know about in order to effectively plan, create, publish, and host a website.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the basic elements and networks that make up the internet

• Explain how data is transferred from one device to another via the internet

• Identify the most often used programming languages for creating websites and how they are used

• List and evaluate the tools necessary for web publishing and hosting

Unit 3: Introduction to HTML

Our goal is to eventually create an engaging website. To accomplish this, we’ll begin the process of learning how to write code in HTML. We’ll start with learning about the required HTML elements that must appear at the top and bottom of every HTML document, and then we’ll analyze how to format text and data on the page using tags for headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, breaks, links, and images. We’ll also briefly cover the layout tags for headers, navigation, sections, asides, and footers. By the end of the unit, you’ll write your first page of HTML and preview it with a browser.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe what HTML does and how it has evolved into different versions

• Identify the most often used HTML elements for formatting text and data on a web page

• Identify the most often used HTML elements to format the layout and structure of a web page

• Use HTML elements to create a basic web page and then preview it in a browser

Unit 4: Introduction to CSS

It’s important to understand the basics of how to use CSS in conjunction with HTML to create stylish web pages. We’ll begin with a brief history of CSS and the reasons it needed to be created as a partner to HTML and then learn some of the most often used CSS rules for styling web page elements, including how to style font, how to handle the positioning of text elements, how to style a table, and how to create a simple web page layout.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe how CSS allows for the separation of concerns in programming and briefly summarize its history

• Articulate the basics of CSS, particularly how to manipulate fonts and colors

• Format the style and flow of text with CSS

• Format the style of tables and web page layout with CSS

Unit 5: Multimedia and Interactivity

Once you understand the basics of how HTML and CSS work together to create a web page, the next step is learning how to make the pages more dynamic. As a web developer, you want to create pages that appeal to your users, and the contemporary web audience expects an interactive multimedia experience. Let’s take some time to walk through how to write the code to create web pages that include images, audio, video, and interactive forms.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify image formats used in website development and when to use each type

• Add images to a web page using HTML and CSS

• Embed audio and video in a web page using HTML and CSS

• Create an interactive form using HTML and CSS

Unit 6: Designing a Website

Knowing how to write the code to create elements in a website is the first step to becoming a web developer, but before you can create stunning sites, you also need to learn some basic principles of website layout and design. Without knowing the rules of web design—like simplicity, usability, intuitiveness, and interactivity—it’s difficult to put together a site that is appealing to your users. Web design is not a static concept. Because the web is always evolving, web design evolves too. As a digital media professional, it’s part of your job to stay on top of how the rules evolve.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify and apply basic design and layout principles for website development

• Describe important trends in website design

• Use principles of website design to create an engaging and intuitive user experience

• Plan the design of a website using a site map and flow chart

Unit 7: The Web Development Process

You may have heard the saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” It’s a reference to the fact that if you’re building something big and complex, you can’t do it quickly. That is the case with developing a website: it takes some time, and you need to follow a process. It’s best to break the web development process into three stages: pre-production (planning), production (creating the site), and post-production (testing and maintaining the site).

What will you learn in this unit?

• Plan and design a website, including the creation, collection, and conversion of a variety of media files

• Choose the optimal development tool for your skill level and circumstances and use it to create a website

• Validate code, proofread, test, publish, and maintain a website

Unit 8: Presenting Your Work

Presentations are a part of every digital media professional’s life. It’s a common occurrence in the business world for designers, developers, and project managers to present their work (or the work of the team) to other stakeholders in the company or to clients. Even if you curl up in a ball in terror at the thought of standing up in front of people, you can create and deliver an effective presentation. Just follow the best practices of the professionals who came before you.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Define and use best practices for designing digital slide presentations

• Choose appropriate software and create a presentation deck

• Articulate and use best practices for giving an oral presentation

• Identify appropriate formats for print materials and estimate printing costs

Think of the best online stores you’ve visited. What do you think makes them unique? How do they keep buyers engaged and purchasing? Before you can design a great eCommerce store, it’s essential to understand how one works. Learn the trends, design principles, and security strategies. Explore what it means to adhere to ethical and legal requirements and complying with industry standards and accessibility. It’s time to start designing the next best eCommerce site!

Unit 1: Project Management

Effective websites aren’t created in a day—they require planning and process. The bigger the site, the more important the process becomes. Website development teams usually include project managers who keep track of the development process and make sure everyone on the team knows their responsibilities, deadlines, and budgets. Even if you’re working on a small website and you’re the only team member, it’s still advisable to follow the phases of project management throughout the development process.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify steps in the web site development process

• Identify components of project management and explain various project management techniques

• Apply project management cycle to a project and begin planning an eCommerce website

Unit 2: Web Development Tools

Popular eCommerce sites make use of all the newest web development trends to attract viewers and persuade them to stay long enough to put items in their shopping carts. That’s why creating an enterprise eCommerce website has often been a complicated undertaking that requires an experienced team with knowledge and skills in programming languages. However, the rise of easy-to-use GUI-based web development platforms have made it possible for anyone—even someone with very little experience in web development—to create a stunning eCommerce site that can do all the same tricks as the leading eCommerce sites that were built with a big team and a massive budget.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify the languages, software platforms, and applications used to build enterprise-level websites at each phase of the development process

• Describe the basic functions of the most popular GUI-based platforms for building an eCommerce website

• Choose the best web building software for your purposes based on a review of features

Unit 3: Website Standards and Accessibility

As you’re planning and designing your eCommerce site, there are many important things to think about, including the ethical and legal issues involved in web development. As someone hosting a business online, an eCommerce store, you’ll want to follow laws like the Copyright Act and the Americans with Disability Act. It’s also important to follow the industry standards set by the W3C for issues involving privacy, property ownership, usability, and accessibility.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe the ethical and legal issues that must be considered when developing an eCommerce website.

• Consider intellectual property issues when creating web pages.

• Design web pages to W3C industry standards.

• Follow best practices for creating accessible websites.

Unit 4: Understanding eCommerce

Before you can design an effective online storefront, it’s important to understand how eCommerce works, and to do that, you must be able to define some important industry terms and phrases. If you want to attract customers and encourage multiple visits, it’s important to stay on top of the trends in digital media and eCommerce. It’s a fast-moving industry, and customers expect you to stay up to date with new technology. The market space is crowded with competition, so it’s quite easy for customers to find other stores offering similar products. The most important means of attracting and keeping customers is to develop a clear brand identity for your company that is communicated through the design and style of your site and the digital media you feature on it.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Describe emerging trends in eCommerce and the importance of eCommerce to business and industry

• Explain the importance of branding for an eCommerce website

• Identify the basic components of an eCommerce site

Unit 5: Designing Your eCommerce Site

Once you’ve determined what your eCommerce brand stands for and how you’ll communicate it with a brand statement, color palette, and a logo, it’s time to design the layout of each page on your site. Each page is an opportunity to teach your customers about your brand and to make it appealing to them. You can do that with some basic knowledge of the principles of visual design for websites, including layout, flow, proximity, alignment, white space, and repetition. As you design, it’s of utmost importance to keep your customers in mind—design for them and make sure your site is intuitive and easy to use.

What will you learn in this course?

• Identify and use online tools to design an eCommerce site and add digital media

• Describe and use principles of web design to meet customer expectations

• Design an eCommerce storefront with effective navigation, usability, and accessibility

Unit 6: Create an eCommerce Website

Now that the planning phase is over, it’s time to start building the pages of your eCommerce website. Keep your customer at the center of everything you do, from last minute design decisions to how you write the text that describes your products. If you want your online store to be a success, you must commit to creating pages that are both engaging and interactive for your target market.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Choose effective design trends to add to an eCommerce website

• Enhance an eCommerce website with images and multimedia

• Add interactivity and safety features to an eCommerce website

Unit 7: Securing, Testing, and Launching an eCommerce Site

Because you’re expecting to exchange products and services for money on your site, security and testing are critical parts of your web development process. Security is important for your customer, to keep their financial information safe, and for you, to keep the site and the information it collects safe from hackers. Testing is important in both the pre- and post-launch phases of web development to ensure that users will encounter a site that works and is easy to use. Once your site is launched and receiving customers, it’s important to analyze how the site is performing and to update and maintain it in top form to make sure customers want to keep coming back.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Understand security risks and best practices for securing an eCommerce website

• Practice quality assurance of an eCommerce website by proofreading and testing for functionality, usability, load time, compatibility, and accessibility

• Launch, maintain, and back up an eCommerce website

Unit 8: Marketing Your Site

Now that you’ve planned, designed, created, and launched your eCommerce site, you need to drive traffic to it. The best way to promote an online store is through online communication—that’s where your customers are. But how can you find them? If you commit time to marketing your site, you don’t even have to pay for advertising. There are plenty of free things you can do to promote your products. Put together a solid marketing strategy that includes best practices, social media marketing, and search engine optimization.

What will you learn in this unit?

• Identify opportunities and issues related to developing your customer audience.

• Use best practices for marketing an eCommerce store

• Close an eCommerce website project with a final presentation