Explore Programming Languages with Code Academy

Hello Students,
In this modern tech industry having a well rounded skill set in web design and programming languages is incredibly important to staying in demand. HTML and CSS are just the first components to creating websites that are compelling, interactive and intuitive. In this project you will explore other languages, complete 3 programming goals and complete one entire lesson in the language of your choice.

A gifted mathematician, Ada Lovelace is considered to have written instructions for the first computer program in the mid-1800s

Web Programming Language Exploration Project:

• Log into Code Academy and find the language skills section
• Complete the "Introduction to Javascript" and "Choose your own Adventure" modules
• Complete the "Introducing JQuery" module
• Complete the "Introduction to PHP" module
• Complete the "Python Syntax" and "Tip Calculator" modules
• Complete the "Introduction to Ruby" and "Putting the Form in Formatter" modules

When you have completed these modules, navigate to the GOALS section and complete these 3 modules:

• Animate Your Name
• About You
• Sun, Earth and Code

When you have completed the GOALS modules, you must choose on of the languages and complete its entire module, Javascript, JQuery, PHP, Python or Ruby.

Have fun! All progress should be complete by the 9th!

- Mr.W

Web Development Group Project Phase 3

Hello Students,
For our next phase we begin laying out the structure of our websites. Use the flowchart below as a rough guide for the layout and arrangement of our elements. Use place holder information and images for now until we have all the content available.

Flow Chart for Website Development:

- Mr.W

Web Development Group Project Part 2

Hello Students,
For the 2nd day of our group project, the teams must propose and agree upon a unified platform for the development of our websites. Each team must take a turn proposing a platform or approach and argue why. Teams must vote and choose a platform democratically. Other deliverables are to be achieved today as listed below.

Step 1 - Choose A Platform:
Each team should meet to discuss before proposing their platform of choice.

• Each team gets a turn proposing a platform for development, platform must be mobile ready, easy to use, stable and appropriate for our small scale web site, boostrap, foundation, w3c.css are to be considered
• Teams must vote, each team member gets 1 vote, tally votes on whiteboard
• Upon vote completion, teams focus on next phase

Step 2 - Choose A School:
We will develop sites for Santa Cruz HS, Harbor HS and Soquel HS. Teams may randomly assign schools to teams with numbers in a hat method. Alternatively, teams can nominate themselves for a school with approval from team members

Step 3 - Identify Key Resources:
Team leads should research templates for our sites, team members should identify the information and assets listed below. Focus on meeting deliverables listed:

• Team Leads:
• Identify a simple, straightforward and easily modifiable template for site development, propose and explore options
• Alternatively, explore development of an original layout/design 
• Decide on a path by end of day

• Team Members:
• Identify these resources and assets needed for your school website:
• School colors in Hexcode
• School colors in RGB values
• Find/Download School Logos in high resolution/good quality 

Web Development Group Project Part 1

Hello Students,
Today you will begin our first team based web development project. Follow the steps below to build your teams and complete all documentation requested. Teams should be assembled, well defined and ready to begin development on Monday morning. Follow the Steps below carefully...

Here is the hierarchy for our groups:

• Project Manager (your instructor)
• Team Leads
• Team Members with defined roles

Web Development Group Project Step 1: Choose Team Leaders

1. Each student should nominate 3 people to be team leads
2. Nominations should be based on not just proficiency but leadership and organizational skill
3. Take nominations by ballot, tally nominations and announce the top 3

Web Development Group Project: Building Teams

• To determine teams, have each remaining student identify their skill strengths in these following areas on a scale from 1-5:
• Coding HTML5/CSS
• Graphics, including Graphic Design
• Problem Solving, Researching, Testing and Debugging
• Compare scores and designate groups so each team has an evenly balanced set of skills in those 3 categories, or as close as possible
• Teams should assemble and choose 1 row in the computer lab to sit together. Please migrate files as needed with USB drives.

Deliverable - Write a Team Bio/Dossier:

Teams should agree on the team titles/names democratically. Follow Roberts Rules of Order to nominate, vote in case of dispute. The format of this dossier can be any type, word document, google doc, pdf file, html page, etc....

• Each team should write a short dossier with the following details:
• Team Name (this is a code name for classroom use only)
• Team Lead
• Name
• Codename
• Age
• List 3 skills you bring to the group related to web development
• Define your roll on the team and how you can support in best, in what areas?
• Describe your ideal donut in 12 words or less
• Team Members:
• Name
• Codename
• Age
• List 3 skills you bring to the group related to web development
• Define your roll on the team and how you can support in best, in what areas?
• Show an example of 1 dog that looks like a celebrity (no duplicates!)

Dossier's are due on monday,

Have fun!

- Mr.W

Career Research and Writing Assignment

Hello Students,

As part of your career development module, we will research 1 possible career you are interested in and write a short essay about the career, citing details, salary and pathway to this career. This writing assignment can then be included in your portfolio's career development section...

What interests you as a career? Pick one to research for this assignment

Job Research and Writing Assignment:
Search for a job title, something your would be interested in. Research 3 jobs and write about why you would be interested in that job. Be thorough!  Tell me information about the job such as:

1. Job Title
2. Job Description
3. Job Activities
4. Education Needed
5. Career Pathway
6. Salary Range

Assignment Specifications:

• Complete assignment in essay form
• 3-4 Paragraphs with details
• 150 Words minimum

Example Essay:

Career Research Essay By: Kel Varnson

Subject: Computer Programmers

General Description:
Computer programmers write instructions that tell computers to perform a variety of different tasks. They may write programs that will perform accounting or billing functions. Other programs may operate robots or computer-aided design (CAD) machine tool operations. Some programs allow people to create artwork or graphics, while others coordinate space flight operations.

Programmers speak with the individuals or groups that need programs in order to understand their needs. They then outline the steps the computer must go through to get the job done. It is the programmer's job to identify all of the steps the computer complete to produce the desired results.

Programmers use computer languages to write programs. Some languages operate the computers while others are used to write programs that perform tasks. Higher level languages require less technical understanding of how computers operate. They are said to be more friendly. They are easier to use and may accomplish a complicated task with a single command. A less friendly, more basic program will require more detailed instructions. Programmers determine the appropriate language to use, based on the advantages and limitations of each.

When programs are finished, the programmers must test or debug it to be sure that errors and problems have been found and corrected. Also, the programmers write two sets of instructions for individuals who will use the program. The first is for other programmers who will work on the program in the future. Another set of instructions is written for program users.

This is a Hot Occupation. Over the next 10 years, job openings in this occupation are projected to increase by at least 27%.

• Write programs that tell a computer what to do
• Usually know more than one programming language
• Spend working hours alone, but often work in teams
• May have flexible schedules, including telecommuting
• Often work long hours
• Have at least a bachelor's degree
• Earn $61,730 per year (national average)
• Stay up to date on new programming languages

Hours & Conditions:
Computer programmers usually work in well-lit, climate-controlled offices because computers do not function well in environments with extreme temperature or humidity fluctuations.

Work Locations:
Computer programmers work at universities, government agencies, and business firms.

Pros & Cons:
Programmers like working with computers and planning ways to solve problems. They find their jobs to be challenging. They like working indoors in clean, air-conditioned offices. Also, there are many opportunities for employment in this field.

How to Write a Good Great Resume

Hello Students,

Having a solid resume is the cornerstone to your job future. A well written and well designed resume is what sets you apart from other job applicants. A perfectly written job application, a quality resume and a list of positive references is the job seekers trifecta. In this class we will teach you these skills and more. Below is a list of writing tips, read over it before finalizing your resume.

Link, right click to download: ROP PORTFOLIO HANDBOOK

Resume Writing Tips:

Put your typography skills to work:

Never use comic sans! Also, refer back to our rules on typography in our introduction to typography and utilize those guidelines in your resume. Choose fonts that are complimentary to each other and assist in creating information hierarchy, this helps the reviewer find the information they need quickly. Choose a good sans serif font for your section titles and a complimentary serif font for the rest.

Have an objective:

Know the purpose of your resume and edit it for different job scenarios. Having a focused job objective listed on your resume will help you with attaining an interview and getting hired.

Back up your special skills with job experience:

List your skills but make sure your listed job experience, training or education reflects those skills. Are you really good at making websites? Let them know how and where you learned that skill.

Research and use the right keywords:

Every industry has its own language, research job offerings and pay attention to the keywords that are used. If you put your resume online with a job placement service they will often use certain keywords to search their database for potential hires.

Be descriptive with job experience:

A job title will communicate your role, but not the details of your work experience. List the duties, tasks, activities, skills and achievements that were part of your job.

Format your text:

Use bold text to start each section. Use bullets for lists. Make the document easy to quickly scan and read. Clarity of format is crucial, you have ten seconds before the employer will move on to another applicant.

List most recent job experience first:

This also goes for education, list the most recent first. If your still in High School you can say "future class of 2012", or "Currently attending HS".

List most important skills first:

When writing out your skill list make the most important skills the first ones on the list. If you are applying for a web design job, list your web skills first. Change and edit this for different industries/jobs.

Leave out the obvious:

It is not necessary to add "available for interview" or "references available upon request". References are standard and expected, and of course you are available for an interview. Thats the whole point!

Avoid negativity:

Don't trash talk past employers or state that you didn't like a past job. Simply state that you were looking for future opportunities.

Go with what you got:

If you haven't had work experience yet, just list any summer jobs, volunteer experience etc. If you have hobbies that are relevant to the job you can list those. If you don't have a diploma or degree then just list your estimated date for completion.

Proofread your resume:

Have your neighbor or classmate read your resume. Sometimes the spellchecker doesn't catch typos. The more eyeballs that see your resume before it gets in the hands of the employer the better.

Although these resumes contain similar information, styles do vary.

Resume Writing Assignment:

• Download the ROP Career Portfolio Handbook and follow the template to write your own resume from scratch
• Create a 1 page resume that meets the handbook requirements for all included information
• Use the program or online tools of your choice to write your resume
• Demonstrate good typography, spelling and accuracy, make sure your resume shows good information hierarchy so it is simple to read and each section is listed clearly
• Email or print and turn in your resume for credit - DO NOT POST YOUR RESUME ON YOUR BLOG
• Due Thursday!

- Mr.W

How to Write a Good GREAT Letter of Introduction

Hello Students,

Your next assignment is to create a "Letter of Introduction" that describes you! Your special traits, qualities, hobbies, and personal, educational and career goals. List your top 5 skills and abilities. It should consist of at least one page. Make sure to use correct spelling and grammar.

Letter of Introduction Assignment:

• This is an introduction letter, about you, written to people that may be viewing your portfolio
• Should be about 1 page long

You letter should include:

• Who you are
• Where you are currently attending school
• What courses you are currently enrolled in aside from standard courses (such as this ROP class your in right now)
• Your top 5 work related skills
• Special acknowledgments from employers/instructors
• Future education plans
• Hobbies or other activities you enjoy
• Discuss what is contained in your portfolio
• Discuss the type of work/projects/activities you enjoy the most in school

Sample Introduction Letter:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John Star

242 Crest St.

Capitola, CA 95010

(831) 553-2323

jostar@yahoo.com

Date

To Whom It May Concern:

I am currently attending Santa Cruz High School where I will be graduating this year in June. I have enrolled in ROP classes, which are business-oriented. ROP classes have given me a closer look at the business world and I have learned excellent work skills. 

My top five work skills are:

• Excellent communication skills with strong listening skills
• Responsible and reliable with attention to detail
• Strong team player who thrives in teamwork situations
• Good computer skills
• Excellent time management skills

I have received special acknowledgement from my employers for strong skills and work ethics.

I recently was accepted to CalPoly and plan to go there in the Fall and pursue a degree in Agribusiness. After receiving my degree, I plan to work in my family’s strawberry farming business. Eventually, I hope to be the president of the business. I have many hobbies including surfing, skiing and playing baseball but most of all, I enjoy riding my horse up in the hills. It gives me a sense of freedom and independence.

My portfolio shows some of the skills and abilities I have acquired in while attending Soquel High School and throughout my work experience. I have always enjoyed landscaping and have enrolled in the Horticulture class for my last semester of high school. From my past experience you will notice that I enjoy working especially when I leave the job better than it was when I first got there. I have been doing tree work for three years and have worked for commercial and residential customers. Thoroughness and safety are some of my favorite qualities.

Included in this portfolio, is my resume summarizing my schooling, work experience, and skills. In addition I have a list of references, letters of recommendation, and samples of my work. I hope you enjoy reviewing my portfolio.

Sincerely,

John Star

Due by Friday!

 - Mr.W