The web development course was my first introduction into coding and web design, and has set the foundations for the rest of my new media journey. While I previously had zero grasp on coding, this course really helped cement my skills and build my confidence in web development. I feel that I’ve really been able to grow and develop through this course.
Our first project using html helped me to develop my skills in CSS and design. I implemented google fonts and button navigation to create a cohesive design throughout my different pages.
For our third project, I learned the ins and outs of WordPress and was able to create an online store for vintage sunglasses. This assignment helped me build my skills in WordPress customization, and I now have the confidence to build and personalize online stores for myself and others.
While the JukeBox assignment was frustrating at times, I was ultimately proud of what I was able to accomplish through Javascript. Javascript is probably the most challenging of the three web development tools we learned throughout the semester, but this project helped get more of a grasp on it in a fun and interesting way.
For my final project, I decided to try and conquer WordPress and learn its ins and outs. While I struggled quite a bit in navigating and customizing its layouts, I ultimately created a website that I’m proud to show off and is reflective of my own style and creativity. I became very acquainted with the WordPress posts and pages, crafting buttons and creating pathways to go between different pages– and I even made my first blog post! I took skills learned through the java jukebox project and embedded audio m4a clips into my music post! There’s a website called archive.org that I took a lot of inspiration from, and decided I wanted my website to act as an archival space or alternatively a glimpse into the past for its users. I became a master at installing and backing up my WordPress site, something I had previously struggled with, and I became much more acquainted with the WordPress interface.
Before this project, I had preferred Bootstrap and its theme customization, and WordPress certainly wasn’t my favorite of the mediums we had learned this semester. However, after working and learning more in depth about its functionality and the different plugins/methods of user interactivity, it became one of my favorite website building platforms. I used different plugins that served my website very well, and allowed me to more easily rework/adjust my page design layout. One that I particularly liked was Elementor. It did give me heartache at first because it broke my site a few times, but luckily it was early on in the design process so it didn’t erase too much work. I feel that the plugin made navigating the theme easier and laid it out in more comprehensible to use ways, with cool features like image carousel that made my design pop.
While I certainly wasn’t a coder coming into this class, I’ve learned so much through the projects and free code camp, and I will definitely be able to use these skills in future careers and courses (especially since I’m taking advanced Web Development next semester!) Overall, I love design and web design and feel that I gained the skills to execute my creative visions and express myself in new and interesting ways. Whether it be professionally, making a website for a friend, or just as a hobby, I feel that I’ve walked away from this class with new skills and a thorough understanding of HTML, Bootstrap, and WordPress. I hope to get more familiar and further develop my skills in java next semester!
