Web Development - Syllabus

Course Overview

This course teaches you how to build and publish content on the World Wide Web using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You'll learn responsive design, accessibility, and modern development practices. More importantly, you'll publish your work and become someone who actively shapes the web rather than just consuming it.

All of your development work happens in class with teacher support available. You'll have regular homework to prepare you for each class session, but the actual building happens during class time.

Our Essential Question

"Whose web is it?"

Throughout this course, we'll explore who controls, builds, and benefits from the web — and how you can become an active participant in shaping it.

What You'll Learn

Web Foundations

You'll begin your web development journey by setting up your development environment and creating your first web pages. Through the development of a personal landing page and initial article, you'll learn fundamental HTML structure and CSS styling while exploring the societal impact of web technologies. This learning provides the foundation for creating, editing, and publishing websites.

Responsive Design and Accessibility

Building on your foundational knowledge, next you'll learn to create websites that work well across all devices and for all users. You'll convert fixed layouts to responsive designs, implement accessibility features, and develop an understanding of inclusive web development practices. This learning emphasizes the importance of universal design principles and testing across different contexts.

JavaScript and Interactivity

You'll take your first steps into coding for the web by adding interactive features to your article page. Starting with basic DOM manipulation and event handling, you'll progress to implementing practical features like collapsible sections, dynamic content updates, and user interface enhancements. This learning focuses on understanding JavaScript fundamentals through hands-on feature implementation.

Design Thinking and UX

Moving beyond technical implementation, you'll explore the principles of user-centered design by creating a new, marketing-focused web page. Through wire-framing, user testing, and iterative refinement, you'll learn to create more thoughtful and effective web experiences. This learning emphasizes the importance of the design process in web development.

What You'll Build

By the end of this semester, you'll have created and published several web pages and a full multi-page website:

An Article Page You'll start by building a basic article using HTML and CSS. Then you'll enhance it to work across all devices and be accessible to all users. Finally, you'll add interactive features using JavaScript. Same article, progressively better.

A Landing Page Using a modern UI framework, you'll create a polished landing page from scratch — applying design principles and professional tools.

Your Showcase Project Your final project is entirely your design. You'll plan it, build it, and present it as a demonstration of everything you've learned.

Teacher Information

Your teacher for this course is Tom Gromak, the Academic Technology Coordinator at Watkinson School.

He can be reached by phone at (860) 236-5618 x169 or via email as provided in the faculty directory.

Schedule a Meeting

For our complete class schedule, including module dates, build due dates, and special schedule notes (Senior Mentorships, Spring Break, Senior Exhibitions), see the Schedule page.

How This Course is Graded

Your grade is based on four categories:

Homework Quizzes (12%)

• When: Start of first class each week, followed by discussion
• Format: Multiple-choice questions on paper
• Grading: Best 6 of 9 count (your lowest 3 scores are automatically dropped)
• Purpose: Verify you've done the homework and are prepared for class discussion

No makeup quizzes. If you miss a quiz, it's automatically one of your dropped scores. Excused absences (illness, school trips, etc.) won't hurt you — that's what the drop policy is for.

Builds (36%)

You'll complete four builds throughout the semester, each worth 9% of your final grade:

• Build 1: HTML/CSS Article
• Build 2: Responsive + Accessible
• Build 3: JavaScript Interactivity
• Build 4: UI Framework Landing Page

Each build receives two grades:

Technical Execution (70%) - Did you meet the technical requirements?

• Checklist-based assessment
• Covers module-specific skills
• Published and functional

Development Process (30%) - How did you engage with the work?

• Use of class work time
• Response to feedback and iteration
• Engagement with the work
• Contribution to class learning environment

Process & Reflection (27%)

This category values growth, engagement, and professional practices:

Showcase Project (25%)

Your final project is a 3+ week independent synthesis of everything you've learned. You design the project, choose the topic and approach, and demonstrate cumulative mastery of web development skills.

Includes:

• Project plan
• Technical implementation
• Documentation and presentation

Like the builds, the showcase receives two grades:

Technical Execution (70%):

• HTML/CSS fundamentals
• Responsive design & accessibility
• Interactive features (if applicable)
• Design quality and polish
• Project plan and documentation

Development Process (30%):

• Use of class work time
• Engagement with check-in process
• Response to feedback and iteration
• Sustained engagement throughout the project
• Professional working practices

Course Policies and Expectations

Expectations

In this class, students are expected to:

• Be ready and able to apply their best effort to each day's work
• Check and respond to Google Classroom assignments and class-related emails (see Communication below)
• Listen to the teacher and follow directions
• Contribute to a positive classroom environment
• Be productive and respectful collaborators
• Be kind and show respect (see Respect and Kindness below)

Attendance Policy

Excused absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals require adherence to Family Handbook policy. Unexcused absences, late arrivals, or early dismissals will result in consequences based upon the circumstances of each instance and the frequency at which they occur.

Communication

Most class communication is facilitated via Google Classroom, including announcements, assignments, and required class materials. Students will be asked to enroll during class and/or via email invitations. Note that all assignments and materials are on the Classwork tab, and don't appear in the announcement Stream tab.

Class communication also includes direct email from teacher to student. You are expected to check your Watkinson email between class meetings.

Respect and Kindness

It's vital that everyone feels safe to be themselves and that their personal space and possessions are treated with respect. To create this environment, please:

• Respect the personal space and possessions of others
• Assume good intentions—misunderstandings happen and are rarely intentional
• If you disagree with someone, find ways to maintain respect

AI Use Policy

Builds 1-4: AI use is not permitted except for troubleshooting with the teacher present.

• These builds assess whether you have learned the fundamentals

Showcase Project: AI coding assistance is available as a tool.

• You must document your AI usage in your methodology during check-ins
• This documentation is part of your showcase check-in grade

Electronic Device Policy

Phones: Phone use should be minimal and is only appropriate when it directly supports classwork in a way that cannot be accomplished on your laptop or computer lab machine. Phones should not be used for social communication during class except in special circumstances (being picked up, coordination with family, etc.) with teacher permission.

If a parent or guardian needs to reach you during class, they should call the main office at (860) 236-5618, and the office will route the call to the classroom.

Headphones: Students may use headphones during work time when appropriate. Use them responsibly to support your work, not distract from it.

Laptops/Computers: Use of computers is central to this class, but there may be times when you're asked to close devices and focus on discussion or other activities.

Food and Drink Policy

No food or drink should be consumed in class without teacher approval. However, closed-top beverage bottles and food stored inside personal items for later consumption are allowed. No open-top beverages are allowed next to devices due to the risk of spills and damage.

Classroom Presence

Students who need to use the restroom or step away from class for a moment (for example, to get a drink) should always notify the teacher before leaving the room.

Personal Needs

It's OK to do things that help you learn as long as they don't distract you or others. For example, some students like to stand or think best when they're moving. Just check with your teacher first to find the best way to set things up. Understand that not all requests can be fulfilled, though we'll always do our best.

If at any time you're not in a good place to learn (for example, feeling unwell, too tired, or upset), please tell your teacher. We all have bad days!