Looking for website ideas for a class for young people
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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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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:
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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!
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!) ;)
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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!
This is actually something I've had to do myself for few years now, and will have to re-do next semester. I will be teaching a course that has previously mentioned web development "on the side", but that will be the main focus this time. The current plan is similar to yours: show them how to build a web site from scratch, starting with teaching them the basics of HTML, then CSS, then move to the server, teach them the basics of a programming language they will use (probably C#, could be Java or Python), teach them about design patterns, MVC etc., HTTP obviously, connecting to databases and/or files, then maybe back to the client to learn about Javascript/jQuery, then back to the server to learn about web services, and finally talk a little bit about HTML5. I still haven't decided what type of web application I will build during the course. It could be a web site where users would store their mp3 collection, and allow them to share their songs with their friends. Or possibly I could build an IDE online (perhaps that would be better suited for more advanced students). I.e. take something they are perhaps currently doing locally, and build a web application doing the same thing. Something Facebook-like would also be fun. I would also welcome any ideas! Regards, Daniel
Wenn ist das Nunstück git und Slotermeyer? Ja! Beierhund das oder die Flipperwaldt gersput!
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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!
Having been a teacher at the local college, I can appreciate the problem. :-D But I like a couple of ideas here, and would suggest an approach that combines things. Start out ( you didn't mention how long the class will be ) by building a skeleton site to demonstrate how it's done, and have the class participate in the process or duplicate it as homework. Then solicit their ideas for what the site should contain and do. Some of the kids will be artsy - let them do the graphic elements and style sheets. Some will like data and tables - give them the database. Others will just have ideas, so assign them to write content. A few - probably very few - will like the idea of programming, so have them write the scripts and functions to tie all the elements together. It will be a challenge for you, as you're going to have to wear many hats and change them on the fly as questions arise, but think of the fun they (and you) will have. :-D Kids need the structure of a presentation, but letting them shape the outcome involves them emotionally, granting them ownership of and responsibility for the product. I think this could have the makings of a very interesting class!
Will Rogers never met me.
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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 not young.) A term paper and test answer sharing site. A Turing Machine. A dating service. One big red button that makes a fart noise.
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(I'm not young.) A term paper and test answer sharing site. A Turing Machine. A dating service. One big red button that makes a fart noise.
PIEBALDconsult wrote:
One big red button that makes a fart noise.
Isn't that the app that one of the Apple execs wrote for the iPhone? Farting animals, or something like that? Somehow, Steve Jobs allowed that one...
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This is actually something I've had to do myself for few years now, and will have to re-do next semester. I will be teaching a course that has previously mentioned web development "on the side", but that will be the main focus this time. The current plan is similar to yours: show them how to build a web site from scratch, starting with teaching them the basics of HTML, then CSS, then move to the server, teach them the basics of a programming language they will use (probably C#, could be Java or Python), teach them about design patterns, MVC etc., HTTP obviously, connecting to databases and/or files, then maybe back to the client to learn about Javascript/jQuery, then back to the server to learn about web services, and finally talk a little bit about HTML5. I still haven't decided what type of web application I will build during the course. It could be a web site where users would store their mp3 collection, and allow them to share their songs with their friends. Or possibly I could build an IDE online (perhaps that would be better suited for more advanced students). I.e. take something they are perhaps currently doing locally, and build a web application doing the same thing. Something Facebook-like would also be fun. I would also welcome any ideas! Regards, Daniel
Wenn ist das Nunstück git und Slotermeyer? Ja! Beierhund das oder die Flipperwaldt gersput!
It's nice to hear from someone doing the same thing! Yes, your current plan sounds a lot like what I was thinking of (ASP.NET MVC was going to be the platform). I'm just deciding on MVC2 vs MVC3 (which is due to RTM mid-January). Some type of social app is what I will probably end up doing...just have to think of a theme. I also like the idea of letting them decide, but seeing that this is my first attempt at this, being a little more prepared up front may be the way to go. At least this time.
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Having been a teacher at the local college, I can appreciate the problem. :-D But I like a couple of ideas here, and would suggest an approach that combines things. Start out ( you didn't mention how long the class will be ) by building a skeleton site to demonstrate how it's done, and have the class participate in the process or duplicate it as homework. Then solicit their ideas for what the site should contain and do. Some of the kids will be artsy - let them do the graphic elements and style sheets. Some will like data and tables - give them the database. Others will just have ideas, so assign them to write content. A few - probably very few - will like the idea of programming, so have them write the scripts and functions to tie all the elements together. It will be a challenge for you, as you're going to have to wear many hats and change them on the fly as questions arise, but think of the fun they (and you) will have. :-D Kids need the structure of a presentation, but letting them shape the outcome involves them emotionally, granting them ownership of and responsibility for the product. I think this could have the makings of a very interesting class!
Will Rogers never met me.
Roger Wright wrote:
But I like a couple of ideas here, and would suggest an approach that combines things.
I'm probably going to do some sort of social app...but you are right, combining approaches is a good idea. Maybe showing a few basic tricks of how to recreate some Twitter and/or Facebook functionality to give them some idea? Than after, build out their app of choice? Maybe that is a good idea. Instead of building everything ahead of time, just limit it to a theme (i.e. a social app) and then let them decide. That way, I can already have some of the infrastructure in place ahead of time. I knew that asking on Code Project would be the way to go...lots of good responses. :-D Fortunately, I'm not on a strict time line. This class is being held at a local public library, so it can go on for many weeks or even months. I guess the main deadline would be the summer...I doubt most students would want to take a class over the summer, so I would want to end it around the same time as the school year lets out.
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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
Zombies...yes. Unfortunately, someone already took that idea[^].
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It's nice to hear from someone doing the same thing! Yes, your current plan sounds a lot like what I was thinking of (ASP.NET MVC was going to be the platform). I'm just deciding on MVC2 vs MVC3 (which is due to RTM mid-January). Some type of social app is what I will probably end up doing...just have to think of a theme. I also like the idea of letting them decide, but seeing that this is my first attempt at this, being a little more prepared up front may be the way to go. At least this time.
I don't think the exact version of ASP.NET MVC matters terribly much, I would prefer if there would be minimal hassle with installation and such. Assuming they all have VS2010, I'll probably go with the version of MVC that ships with it. It is probably a good idea to start with a site that can be built without too much worries about authentication/authorization, since that would only complicate matters at the beginning. So I would prefer if the site has some sort of a public content that anyone can view, their first tasks would then be to just work on the HTML/CSS for a couple of web pages, then move to server-side code which generates content, then to server-side code that processes HTTP PUT requests etc. Somewhere along the way I would introduce authorization/authentication. I do feel it is important that the focus of each week should be narrow, i.e. it is probably not a good idea to let the do too much at any given time. In my case, I will be teaching students that have already finished one semester of CS studies, but don't necessarily have any experience in building applications (web or client) at all. I'm even thinking it could be a good idea to introduce database connections rather late in the process, and they could start with working with pure text files. Yes, I'm aware it is not practical in the sense that nobody does this, however I do think it would be an excellent programming exercise. It would also make them appreciate all the work done for them by the database once they start using it. Regards, Daniel
Wenn ist das Nunstück git und Slotermeyer? Ja! Beierhund das oder die Flipperwaldt gersput!