A real web design curriculum
There’s constant discussion in our industry about the merits of education vs self-teaching. The general concensus seems to be from those that studied at University and further education that although it was great experience, it seldom had little impact or relevance to their roles within new media and web design.
In such a fast evolving, and still relatively new industry, standard curricula simply can’t keep up. Web designers teaching in educational institutions begin to loose touch with the latest trends and technologies, and by the time a curriculum has been created, amended and passed it’s already well out of date, and often innacurate. This leads to many students and those starting their web design education setting off in the wrong direction because ‘the breadth and depth of our medium can be daunting’.
However, WaSP (The Web Standards Project) have been working collaboratively with designers, developers and standardistas in the industry to craft a concise corriculum that delves into all the aspects of the minefield that is web design. WaSP Interact is a fantastic new community-driven initiative that provides a essential, up-to-date framework of reference materials including books, online reading, podcasts, videos and resources to stimulate and educate. To support this great selection of resources are guides as to how work should be assigned, monitored and tested in a school environment.
In their own words:
“WaSP InterAct is a living, open curriculum based upon web standards and best practices, designed to teach students the skills of the web professional. Adapt and reuse our resources. Contribute your own content and ideas.”
The breadth of the framework covers 6 core topics including Foundations, Front-End Development, Design, User Science, Server-side Development and Professional Practice. Within each of these areas it delves into sub-topics that really pad out almost every aspect, not just of basic web design, but every facet of what’s required to work in this fast-paced, demanding industry. But what really sets is apart is how open it is. Industry experts, ‘veterans’ and anyone with an knowledge to share on the matter can contribute resources, suggest new modules and how to improve and update what’s already there. This will ensure that the curriculum remains up-to-date, fresh, accurate and versatile.
This is a dynamic, real-time curriculum. This is exactly what our industry needs. This is important.
The potential of Interact is not just important to those in education, but to anyone working in web design and development. The resource database will only grow, will only get better. There is something here for everyone. So I strongly suggest you check it out.
- Share:
-
Alisa Rogers said:
A good collection. I would say that just use the one that you need, I think the author not really want you to use everything here, we all know that we have our own style, we use different tools to design those tools we are comfortable using. This is just a variety of tools that maybe one of these are your must-have-tools.
Speedy Cash Advance said:
This is a dynamic, real-time curriculum. This is exactly what our industry needs. This is important. Say it again
ava said:
The activities of Web Standards Project are really helpful that provide an open curriculum of web standards and best web practices
burlesque performer said:
This is a dynamic, real-time curriculum. This is exactly what our industry needs. This is important. Say it again
h1brd said:
I just discovered it and I was like: “wow” ..this is it. Great for self-study resources and keeping updated and on track, what an awesome learning place.
Abid said:
Wow. This is very impressive. In my opinion, it’s exactly the kind of thing they need to adopt in Universities, in order to create the next generation of web professionals. Learning Dreamweaver and how to use emboss effects in Photoshop just don’t cut it anymore, something like this is long overdue.
I’ll definitely be recommending it to my Uni lecturer and suggesting he consider taking something away from it, if not integrating some aspects into the course.
Thanks for sharing.
website laten maken said:
This sounds pretty good! A learning way like this, or self teaching, will be the only way to keep up with latest trends and technologies. Common educations are mostly far behind.