Looking for website ideas for a class for young people
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As I get older...and older...and older... :sigh: I'm very well aware of the gap with the younger generation. Only now, I have to teach a web development class targeted at younger people, and I'm having trouble coming up with ideas! While the geek in me would probably do something Star Trek/Star Wars/Doctor Who related, I don't think that would go over well with young people today. While I know that Britney Spears is a whiz at semiconductor physics[^], she's more the exception than the rule. With software development it seems easy...programs like Scratch, et. al., always target game development. But what to do with a web site? Do I have to re-write Facebook from scratch to keep them interested? Any young people out there on Code Project? What kind of topics would keep you interested in a web development class? :confused: Any ideas would be appreciated...it's my first experiment doing something like this...let's hope it's not a disaster!
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As I get older...and older...and older... :sigh: I'm very well aware of the gap with the younger generation. Only now, I have to teach a web development class targeted at younger people, and I'm having trouble coming up with ideas! While the geek in me would probably do something Star Trek/Star Wars/Doctor Who related, I don't think that would go over well with young people today. While I know that Britney Spears is a whiz at semiconductor physics[^], she's more the exception than the rule. With software development it seems easy...programs like Scratch, et. al., always target game development. But what to do with a web site? Do I have to re-write Facebook from scratch to keep them interested? Any young people out there on Code Project? What kind of topics would keep you interested in a web development class? :confused: Any ideas would be appreciated...it's my first experiment doing something like this...let's hope it's not a disaster!
Why not use the first week of the class for them to generate the ideas for what type of web page they want? You can teach technology basics for the first few classes while they get ideas for what they want to accomplish and generate content. That way they have already invested themselves into the idea. Perhaps you will get a better response from the students this way than ordering them to make something. All you have to do is guide them once they get started with their ideas.
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As I get older...and older...and older... :sigh: I'm very well aware of the gap with the younger generation. Only now, I have to teach a web development class targeted at younger people, and I'm having trouble coming up with ideas! While the geek in me would probably do something Star Trek/Star Wars/Doctor Who related, I don't think that would go over well with young people today. While I know that Britney Spears is a whiz at semiconductor physics[^], she's more the exception than the rule. With software development it seems easy...programs like Scratch, et. al., always target game development. But what to do with a web site? Do I have to re-write Facebook from scratch to keep them interested? Any young people out there on Code Project? What kind of topics would keep you interested in a web development class? :confused: Any ideas would be appreciated...it's my first experiment doing something like this...let's hope it's not a disaster!
I'm about 2 decades, is that young enough? I've found that most attempts to close the gap between the generations result in Epic Failure. So now I'll suggest something, and if it fails you can blame me ;) Maybe a torrent indexing site? Or a WikiLeaks-spinoff? Lolcats? That's what the cool kids these days are doing, isn't it?
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As I get older...and older...and older... :sigh: I'm very well aware of the gap with the younger generation. Only now, I have to teach a web development class targeted at younger people, and I'm having trouble coming up with ideas! While the geek in me would probably do something Star Trek/Star Wars/Doctor Who related, I don't think that would go over well with young people today. While I know that Britney Spears is a whiz at semiconductor physics[^], she's more the exception than the rule. With software development it seems easy...programs like Scratch, et. al., always target game development. But what to do with a web site? Do I have to re-write Facebook from scratch to keep them interested? Any young people out there on Code Project? What kind of topics would keep you interested in a web development class? :confused: Any ideas would be appreciated...it's my first experiment doing something like this...let's hope it's not a disaster!
How young are we talking here? I'm 25, young enough :rolleyes: I would definitely understand things better if I saw something being prototyped from ground up, like parts of popular websites etc (dumbed down versions of course)
I are n00b.
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I'm about 2 decades, is that young enough? I've found that most attempts to close the gap between the generations result in Epic Failure. So now I'll suggest something, and if it fails you can blame me ;) Maybe a torrent indexing site? Or a WikiLeaks-spinoff? Lolcats? That's what the cool kids these days are doing, isn't it?
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As I get older...and older...and older... :sigh: I'm very well aware of the gap with the younger generation. Only now, I have to teach a web development class targeted at younger people, and I'm having trouble coming up with ideas! While the geek in me would probably do something Star Trek/Star Wars/Doctor Who related, I don't think that would go over well with young people today. While I know that Britney Spears is a whiz at semiconductor physics[^], she's more the exception than the rule. With software development it seems easy...programs like Scratch, et. al., always target game development. But what to do with a web site? Do I have to re-write Facebook from scratch to keep them interested? Any young people out there on Code Project? What kind of topics would keep you interested in a web development class? :confused: Any ideas would be appreciated...it's my first experiment doing something like this...let's hope it's not a disaster!
Someone studying webdevelopment can't be unaware of geekdom. I say, free your inner Geek! Make a Star Wars themed Facebook.
"When did ignorance become a point of view" - Dilbert
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As I get older...and older...and older... :sigh: I'm very well aware of the gap with the younger generation. Only now, I have to teach a web development class targeted at younger people, and I'm having trouble coming up with ideas! While the geek in me would probably do something Star Trek/Star Wars/Doctor Who related, I don't think that would go over well with young people today. While I know that Britney Spears is a whiz at semiconductor physics[^], she's more the exception than the rule. With software development it seems easy...programs like Scratch, et. al., always target game development. But what to do with a web site? Do I have to re-write Facebook from scratch to keep them interested? Any young people out there on Code Project? What kind of topics would keep you interested in a web development class? :confused: Any ideas would be appreciated...it's my first experiment doing something like this...let's hope it's not a disaster!
How about an image/media sharing site? Are you hitting a teen audience or 20-30 something?
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Why not use the first week of the class for them to generate the ideas for what type of web page they want? You can teach technology basics for the first few classes while they get ideas for what they want to accomplish and generate content. That way they have already invested themselves into the idea. Perhaps you will get a better response from the students this way than ordering them to make something. All you have to do is guide them once they get started with their ideas.
My vote is to go with Pualee's suggestion. It's definately a sensible one. :thumbsup:
Steve Jowett ------------------------- Real Programmers don't need comments -- the code is obvious.
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As I get older...and older...and older... :sigh: I'm very well aware of the gap with the younger generation. Only now, I have to teach a web development class targeted at younger people, and I'm having trouble coming up with ideas! While the geek in me would probably do something Star Trek/Star Wars/Doctor Who related, I don't think that would go over well with young people today. While I know that Britney Spears is a whiz at semiconductor physics[^], she's more the exception than the rule. With software development it seems easy...programs like Scratch, et. al., always target game development. But what to do with a web site? Do I have to re-write Facebook from scratch to keep them interested? Any young people out there on Code Project? What kind of topics would keep you interested in a web development class? :confused: Any ideas would be appreciated...it's my first experiment doing something like this...let's hope it's not a disaster!
I second Pualee's suggestion to let them collectively come up with the idea of the site. Not only would it be a good real world exercise for the next generation of businesspeople, it will give you a great deal of insight into their thoughts and priorities. In American culture, the old are not valued for their years of experience and lessons learned, which is a shame. However, the reverse is also true. Younger people aren't respected for the idealism, innovation and fresh perspective they bring to the world. While I suspect that the scope of your class is by definition technical rather than brainstorming, if you want to connect with someone, the first step is to show sincere interest in their point of view. And isn't making a connection what teaching is all about? The technical stuff is the easy part.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help. -
How about an image/media sharing site? Are you hitting a teen audience or 20-30 something?
Slacker007 wrote:
Are you hitting a teen audience or 20-30 something?
It's more for a teen audience...
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Why not use the first week of the class for them to generate the ideas for what type of web page they want? You can teach technology basics for the first few classes while they get ideas for what they want to accomplish and generate content. That way they have already invested themselves into the idea. Perhaps you will get a better response from the students this way than ordering them to make something. All you have to do is guide them once they get started with their ideas.
Wow, the answers are coming fast! Thanks!
Pualee wrote:
Why not use the first week of the class for them to generate the ideas for what type of web page they want?
Yes, you are probably right. It may be the better approach. Originally, I was thinking more in terms of showing a hands-on, step by step process, and so I thought I would have the site already planned and finished ahead of time. Then, create the step-by-step lessons based on the finished product. But, going completely from scratch could be fun, too! Thanks!
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I'm about 2 decades, is that young enough? I've found that most attempts to close the gap between the generations result in Epic Failure. So now I'll suggest something, and if it fails you can blame me ;) Maybe a torrent indexing site? Or a WikiLeaks-spinoff? Lolcats? That's what the cool kids these days are doing, isn't it?
harold aptroot wrote:
a WikiLeaks-spinoff?
I'm in the U.S., wouldn't want the FBI breaking up the class...
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How young are we talking here? I'm 25, young enough :rolleyes: I would definitely understand things better if I saw something being prototyped from ground up, like parts of popular websites etc (dumbed down versions of course)
I are n00b.
SinghUlarity... wrote:
I would definitely understand things better if I saw something being prototyped from ground up, like parts of popular websites etc (dumbed down versions of course)
Actually, that's not a bad idea, either. Show them that the popular sites are not really 'magic' by breaking down into simple steps how some of those things are done...good idea. I'll have to keep that one in mind. Thanks!
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I second Pualee's suggestion to let them collectively come up with the idea of the site. Not only would it be a good real world exercise for the next generation of businesspeople, it will give you a great deal of insight into their thoughts and priorities. In American culture, the old are not valued for their years of experience and lessons learned, which is a shame. However, the reverse is also true. Younger people aren't respected for the idealism, innovation and fresh perspective they bring to the world. While I suspect that the scope of your class is by definition technical rather than brainstorming, if you want to connect with someone, the first step is to show sincere interest in their point of view. And isn't making a connection what teaching is all about? The technical stuff is the easy part.
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help.You bring up some good points. And, it actually fits behind the philosophy of the class as well. Part of the point of the class is to get young people excited about 'creating' and not just 'consuming' technology. Marketing is really pushing hard these days to turn young people into 'good consumers'. But, I hope to be able to show them that 'creating' is a lot more fun, and rewarding. Does that make sense? Too ambitious?! :)
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As I get older...and older...and older... :sigh: I'm very well aware of the gap with the younger generation. Only now, I have to teach a web development class targeted at younger people, and I'm having trouble coming up with ideas! While the geek in me would probably do something Star Trek/Star Wars/Doctor Who related, I don't think that would go over well with young people today. While I know that Britney Spears is a whiz at semiconductor physics[^], she's more the exception than the rule. With software development it seems easy...programs like Scratch, et. al., always target game development. But what to do with a web site? Do I have to re-write Facebook from scratch to keep them interested? Any young people out there on Code Project? What kind of topics would keep you interested in a web development class? :confused: Any ideas would be appreciated...it's my first experiment doing something like this...let's hope it's not a disaster!
The yougins love 4chan.org (NSFW). It's a pretty simple too... it's like a dumbed-down, anonymous version of Facebook.
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You bring up some good points. And, it actually fits behind the philosophy of the class as well. Part of the point of the class is to get young people excited about 'creating' and not just 'consuming' technology. Marketing is really pushing hard these days to turn young people into 'good consumers'. But, I hope to be able to show them that 'creating' is a lot more fun, and rewarding. Does that make sense? Too ambitious?! :)
Ambitious is good. :)
Christopher Duncan
www.PracticalUSA.com
Author of The Career Programmer
Writing apps? Developing sites? Hate marketing? We can help. -
'Tis indeed about that time again; I rewatch B5 about once a year, usually in the winter.
Software Zen:
delete this; -
As I get older...and older...and older... :sigh: I'm very well aware of the gap with the younger generation. Only now, I have to teach a web development class targeted at younger people, and I'm having trouble coming up with ideas! While the geek in me would probably do something Star Trek/Star Wars/Doctor Who related, I don't think that would go over well with young people today. While I know that Britney Spears is a whiz at semiconductor physics[^], she's more the exception than the rule. With software development it seems easy...programs like Scratch, et. al., always target game development. But what to do with a web site? Do I have to re-write Facebook from scratch to keep them interested? Any young people out there on Code Project? What kind of topics would keep you interested in a web development class? :confused: Any ideas would be appreciated...it's my first experiment doing something like this...let's hope it's not a disaster!
you can dedicate your class to helping a charity that is in need of a site. You can look locally for shelters, animal rescue and adoption centers, abuse or suicide help centers, etc. I'm sure some of these could benefit from elaborate sites with user logins, forums, databases. You can also go broader and look at larger problems: [^] If all else fails, kids love zombies. Make an urban dead knock off.[^] My gf is addicted to the thing and she's 25
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As I get older...and older...and older... :sigh: I'm very well aware of the gap with the younger generation. Only now, I have to teach a web development class targeted at younger people, and I'm having trouble coming up with ideas! While the geek in me would probably do something Star Trek/Star Wars/Doctor Who related, I don't think that would go over well with young people today. While I know that Britney Spears is a whiz at semiconductor physics[^], she's more the exception than the rule. With software development it seems easy...programs like Scratch, et. al., always target game development. But what to do with a web site? Do I have to re-write Facebook from scratch to keep them interested? Any young people out there on Code Project? What kind of topics would keep you interested in a web development class? :confused: Any ideas would be appreciated...it's my first experiment doing something like this...let's hope it's not a disaster!
A fine gardening project, learn them to be self sufficient and do something more meaningful with life rather than web scripting.
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A fine gardening project, learn them to be self sufficient and do something more meaningful with life rather than web scripting.
Norm .net wrote:
A fine gardening project, learn them to be self sufficient and do something more meaningful with life rather than web scripting.
...teach them to fish, and they survive for a lifetime...yes, yes, you are right. But, I have a feeling they would be a bit upset to sign up for a web development class only to find out after they get there that they will be learning gardening! (Especially from someone who doesn't know a whole lot about gardening!) ;)