Coding for Designers, Managers, & Entrepreneurs II from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Making Stuff Happen with Javascript

This week, we’re going to dive into Javascript with a focus on user interfaces. We’ll do this with a Javascript library called JQuery that provides pre-built functions we can use to control web page. As with Course 1, I’ve got a layered set of resources for you to use in getting a handle on the basics. As before, try to find a minimum that gives you comfort with the fundamentals where you can work your way through the specifics of the case.

Debugging Javascript

You’ve probably heard this from me before, but to debug is to code. Rather than seeing this week as a kind of exception or necessary nuisance, I hope you’ll immerse yourself in the process and mentality of analytical debugging. Personally, I’ve found that the process of analytical debugging has helped me think generally in a more disciplined and systematic way about what I’m trying to do and how I’m going to do it.

Creating Your Web Application II

Now it’s time to take the prototype you created with HTML & CSS in Course 1 of the specialization and bring it to life with Javascript. How do you do that? Well, I think that once you figure out exactly what you want to have happen, you’ll find it’s relatively easy- so start there. Based on the user stories you selected and/or drafted, the UI comparables you reviewed, and your approach to the current prototype, what would make the interface better? More functional? Nothing will help you through your coding like a nice clear idea of what you’re trying to have happen. Note 1: If you started here in the specialization, you’ll want to work from the options in the brief to build a prototype on JS Fiddle in HTML and CSS, and then layer in some Javascript. Note 2: If you’d like to start with a new concept from the brief for this course, that’s fine.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for collaborative designers, managers, and entrepreneurs aiming to enhance their UI understanding in digital projects

Emphasizes on creating interactive user interfaces (UIs), building practical confidence and competence in JS

Taught by highly-rated faculty from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia

Prior experience with HTML and CSS in Course 1 is recommended for optimal learning

Requires participants to have access to JavaScript libraries and development tools

The course focuses on practical application and user experience design with JavaScript, making it less suitable for those seeking a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the language

Reviews summary

Well-received intro to coding

According to students, Coding for Designers, Managers, & Entrepreneurs II is a great intro to coding course. Learners say the instruction is clear and easy to understand with engaging assignments and projects. Students love the instructor, and most feel that they learned a lot while taking this course.

Engaging assignments

"I started loving coding. Great course - Great Instructor!"

"it was very great to learn"

"I really would say I haven't learned anything from this course or the first one"

Great intro to coding

"This is the perfect course i have done during this lockdown"

"The only thing good about it is the title"

"I really would say I haven't learned anything from this course or the first one"

Clear instruction

"Very informative and easy to understand"

"I started loving coding. Great course - Great Instructor!"

"this was very great to learn"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Coding for Designers, Managers, & Entrepreneurs II with these activities:

Refresher on JavaScript

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Review the basics of JavaScript syntax, data types, operators, and control structures to ensure a strong foundation.

Browse courses on JavaScript Fundamentals

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Review course materials and online resources on JavaScript basics.
Complete practice exercises to strengthen understanding.
Discuss concepts with peers or a tutor to clarify any doubts.
Attend office hours or workshops for additional support.

Read 'Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition' by Marijn Haverbeke

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Gain a deep understanding of JavaScript concepts and principles through a comprehensive and well-written book.

View Eloquent JavaScript, 3rd Edition: A Modern... on Amazon

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Read through the book thoroughly, paying attention to key concepts.
Work through the exercises and examples provided in the book.
Summarize and explain the main ideas and techniques presented.
Discuss the concepts with peers or the course instructor for clarification.

Volunteer at a local tech organization or hackathon

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the tech community by volunteering at events or organizations related to web development.

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Identify local tech organizations or hackathons that align with your interests.
Reach out to the organizers and express your interest in volunteering.
Attend the event and actively participate in activities.
Network with other participants and learn from their experiences.

Five other activities

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Form a study group with fellow students

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Discuss course materials, work on assignments together, quiz each other, and provide support to improve comprehension and retention.

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Reach out to classmates through discussion forums or social media.
Schedule regular meetings, either in person or online.
Establish clear roles and responsibilities within the group.
Prepare questions and discussion topics before each meeting.
Take turns presenting concepts and leading discussions.

Complete JavaScript coding exercises on platforms like Codewars or LeetCode

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Sharpen your JavaScript coding skills through structured exercises that challenge problem-solving abilities.

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Identify specific areas of JavaScript you need to improve.
Choose a coding exercise platform that provides relevant exercises.
Solve coding exercises, starting with easier ones and gradually progressing to more challenging ones.
Review your solutions and analyze areas for improvement.
Seek support from online communities or the course instructor if needed.

Explore online tutorials on JavaScript DOM manipulation

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Enhance your understanding of how to control and interact with web page elements using JavaScript DOM methods.

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Identify specific DOM manipulation techniques you need to improve.
Search for reputable tutorials on websites like W3Schools or MDN.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, experimenting with code snippets.
Apply the techniques in your own JavaScript projects.
Seek feedback and assistance from the course instructor or online communities.

Build a responsive website prototype using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

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Combine your knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create a fully responsive and interactive website prototype.

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Define the purpose and target audience of your website.
Design the website layout and structure using HTML and CSS.
Implement JavaScript to enhance interactivity and responsiveness.
Test your website on different devices and browsers.
Get feedback and iterate on your design based on user testing.

Develop a custom web application using JavaScript and JQuery

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Apply your knowledge of JavaScript and JQuery to build a fully functional web application that meets specific user needs.

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Define the purpose, functionality, and target audience of your application.
Design the user interface and create a wireframe.
Implement the JavaScript and JQuery code to bring the user interface to life.
Test and debug your application for errors and improve performance.
Deploy your application and gather feedback from users for further improvements.

Career center

Learners who complete Coding for Designers, Managers, & Entrepreneurs II will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Developer

Web Developers create and maintain websites. Since websites consist of coding - both on the front end, and the back end - this course provides a foundational understanding of the tools used to build and operate a website. Specifically, this course's focus on Javascript - or more specifically, using JQuery to build a Javascript framework - is indispensable for modern web development. Additionally, the course's focus on creating real world usable interactive user interfaces (UIs) provides hands on experience that may be difficult to get elsewhere.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

User Experience (UX) Designer

User Experience Designers create interactive user interfaces that provide seamless navigation and functionality. Course materials will teach the foundational principles of interacting, designing, and building these UIs. Specifically, the course's focus on JQuery will allow UX Designers to better understand and interact with developers on the technical aspects of their designs. In modern web design, especially for the mobile web, it is indispensable for UX Designers to have a strong grasp of web development best-practices without being developers themselves. This course helps build a foundation in this area.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer

Product Manager

Product Managers define and lead the process of product development. These professionals possess a deep understanding of both technical and management processes. This course provides a strong foundation for the technical side of product development, and will help to streamline the management side by providing a better vantage point from which to collaborate with developers. Specifically, the course focus on Javascript and building interactive UIs will be directly applicable to many web based products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Front-End Developer

Front End Developers are responsible for the design and development of a product's user interface. This course provides a foundation in Javascript and building interactive UIs. These skills are indispensable for Front End Developers. This course may also aid in design decisions, as it will increase a designer's understanding of implementation constraints and best practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. This course provides a foundation in Javascript, which is a very common language for developing data science web applications and interactive data visualizations. Thus, the course may be helpful for professionals working in data science, especially for those working on interactive data visualizations or dashboards.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software. This course provides a foundational understanding of Javascript, which is a very common language for developing web applications and interactive UIs. Thus, the course may be helpful for professionals working in web development, or data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

QA (Quality Assurance) Analyst

QA Analysts ensure that software and systems are of high quality. This course provides a foundational understanding of Javascript, which is used to build a variety of user interfaces and web applications. Additionally, the course focus on debugging will provide valuable skills for identifying and resolving software defects.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. This course provides a foundation in Javascript, which is a very common language for developing web applications and interactive UIs that allow users to explore and visualize data stored in databases. Thus, the course may be helpful for professionals working in database related fields.

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IT Project Manager

IT Project Managers plan, execute, and close IT projects. This course provides a foundation in Javascript, which is essential for understanding modern web development best practices. Additionally, the course's focus on project delivery - such as building an application from prototype to deployment - will be directly applicable to managing IT projects.

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UX Researcher

UX Researchers study how users interact with products and services to improve the user experience. This course provides a foundation in Javascript, which is a very common language for developing web applications and interactive UIs. Thus, the course may be helpful for professionals working in UX Research, especially for those working on web based products.

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Interaction Designer

Interaction Designers create user interfaces for software and devices. This course provides a foundation in Javascript, which is indispensable for understanding modern web development, and which can be used to create interactive user interfaces. Additionally, the course's focus on design thinking and problem solving for user experience will be directly applicable to the work of an Interaction Designer.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts analyze and design business systems. This course provides a foundation in Javascript, which is a very common language for developing web applications and interactive UIs. Additionally, the course focus on problem solving and logical thinking will be directly applicable to work as a Systems Analyst.

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Information Architect

Information Architects design and organize the structure and content of websites and other digital products. This course provides a foundation in Javascript, which is a very common language for developing web applications and interactive UIs. Thus, the course may be helpful for professionals working in Information Architecture, especially for those working on web based products.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business needs and recommend solutions to improve business operations. This course provides a foundation in Javascript, which is becoming a popular language for developing internal, web based business solutions. Additionally, the course focus on problem solving and logical thinking will be directly applicable to work as a Business Analyst.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software and other products. This course provides a foundation in Javascript, which is a very common language for developing web applications and interactive UIs. Thus, the course may be helpful for professionals working as Technical Writers in the fields of software development, web design, or data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer