How To Create a Website in a Weekend! (Project-Centered Course) from Coursera

What you’ll achieve:

In this project-centered course*, you’ll design, build, and publish a basic website that incorporates text, sound, images, hyperlinks, plug-ins, and social media interactivity. We’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions, exercises, tips, and tools that enable you to set up a domain name, create an attractive layout for your pages, organize your content properly, ensure that your site functions well across different operating systems and on mobile devices, keep your site safe, and finally, let people know your site is online. We’ll even show you how to track your visitors. Throughout the course, you'll engage in collaboration and discussion with other learners through course forums and peer review.

Once you complete your first website project using Wordpress, you can move on to our optional, extended module that covers more advanced techniques such as using a simple text editor, coding in HTML, CSS, and Javascript, and more.

What you’ll need to get started:

This project-centered course is designed for learners who have little or no prior experience developing a web site. You will need a computer with a stable Internet connection. We’ll use Wordpress to get you started, provide lots of downloadable examples, and guide you through the process of giving and receiving constructive peer-to-peer feedback.

*About Project-Centered Courses: Project-centered courses are designed to help you complete a personally meaningful real-world project, with your instructor and a community of learners with similar goals providing guidance and suggestions along the way. By actively applying new concepts as you learn, you’ll master the course content more efficiently; you’ll also get a head start on using the skills you gain to make positive changes in your life and career. When you complete the course, you’ll have a finished project that you’ll be proud to use and share.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Prepping Your Site

In Module 1 you will learn the mechanics of the internet, and start planning your own site. You'll articulate a purpose for your design and pick fonts and a color scheme to match. We won't use Wordpress yet; next module you will learn how to create your vision on the web.

Module 2: Starting to work with Wordpress

Module 2 contains the bulk of the work for this course. In this module you'll create an outline for your site, set up Wordpress, choose a theme and publish your first page. Then we'll show you how to add links to other pages on the internet.

Module 3: Add Media, Social Media and Launch

In Module 3 you'll add media such as images, videos and sound to your site. You'll also learn how to incorporate social media. Once you're happy with your site, you'll test it on mobile platforms and multiple browsers before you go public and start counting the visitors to your site.

Module 4: Go Deeper with Further Customization

Module 4 contains more resources for you to customize your site, with some information about backend programming such as CSS and HTML. We will be adding more resources as we (and some Coursera web developers) create them.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops core web development skills using WordPress, including adding content, incorporating media and social media, and ensuring cross-platform functionality

Offers a structured project-based approach to learning, with step-by-step guidance and peer feedback for real-world application

Instructors are experienced educators in web development and design, providing credibility and expertise

Provides a solid foundation for beginners with no prior web development experience

Insufficient information to validate the relevance of the skills taught to industry standards or practices

Reviews summary

Weekend website project

Learners say this course shows newbies how to create a website with a project-centered approach. The course is largely well received, with learners praising its engaging assignments and criticizing its difficult exams and deadlines. Reviewers often commented on the peer-grading component and the lack of video lectures. Students may wish to consider the course if they want to complete a website in a short amount of time.

The inclusion of peer grading provides learners with constructive feedback on their projects.

"It was good and infomative course"

"The only positive of this course is that it has peer-review projects which help you get constructive feedback from your peers"

The course's project-centered approach helps newbies with creating a website.

"this course shows newbies how to create a website with a project-centered approach."

"The only positive of this course is that it has peer-review projects which help you get constructive feedback from your peers."

"I have learned a lot of things in this course."

Some learners found the course's exams to be challenging.

"Worst course ever. "

The course's deadlines can be stressful for some learners.

"Its been around a month since I have completed all assignments but no one reviewed my assignments at all."

"This course didn't teach me anything and I've submitted everything and reset deadlines already and never get graded. Terrible course."

The course lacks video lectures, which may hinder some learners' understanding of the material.

"This course don't deserve to get 1-star also. Worst course ever found on internet."

"Its bad. Like the prof explains nothing. only readings. I did not like it at all."

"This is the worst course available in Coursera. There are no video lectures."

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 How To Create a Website in a Weekend! (Project-Centered Course) with these activities:

Review Basic HTML and CSS Concepts

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Ensure a strong foundation in HTML and CSS by reviewing their syntax, structure, and best practices.

Browse courses on HTML

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Review online tutorials or documentation
Complete coding exercises to reinforce your understanding
Optional: Seek assistance from a mentor or tutor if needed

Read "Web Design for Beginners"

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of web design principles and best practices by reading this introductory book.

View CSS Mastery: Advanced Web Standards Solutions on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1: Introduction to Web Design
Read Chapter 2: Planning Your Website
Read Chapter 3: Creating Your Website's Content
Optional: Read Chapter 4: Designing Your Website's User Interface (UI)

Follow a WordPress Tutorial Series

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Enhance your understanding of WordPress by following a guided tutorial series that covers essential concepts and features.

Browse courses on Wordpress

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Find a reputable WordPress tutorial series
Follow the tutorial series step-by-step
Create a practice website using the techniques you learn

Five other activities

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Design a Website

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Create a website from scratch to apply the concepts learned in the course, solidifying your understanding of web design and development.

Browse courses on Website Design

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Plan your website's structure and layout
Choose a domain name and hosting provider
Create your website's content
Design your website's user interface (UI)
Publish your website

Join a Web Development Study Group

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Connect with fellow learners to discuss concepts, share knowledge, and provide support in a collaborative environment.

Browse courses on Web Development

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Find or create a web development study group
Attend study group meetings regularly
Participate in discussions and ask questions
Review course materials together
Work on projects collaboratively

HTML and CSS Coding Exercises

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Sharpen your HTML and CSS skills by completing coding exercises that challenge your understanding of syntax and structure.

Browse courses on HTML

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Find online coding exercises or practice platforms
Attempt to solve the exercises on your own
Optional: Review solutions or ask for help if needed

Write a Blog Post on a Web Design Topic

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Solidify your understanding of web design concepts by writing a blog post that shares your insights and knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Web Design

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Choose a specific web design topic to write about
Research the topic thoroughly
Write your blog post in a clear and engaging way
Edit and proofread your blog post
Publish your blog post on a relevant platform

Attend a Web Design Workshop

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Gain practical experience and insights from industry professionals by attending a web design workshop.

Browse courses on Web Design

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Find a reputable web design workshop
Attend the workshop and participate actively
Take notes and ask questions
Apply the knowledge and skills gained in your own web design projects

Career center

Learners who complete How To Create a Website in a Weekend! (Project-Centered Course) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Front-End Web Developer

A Front-End Web Developer designs and develops the visual interface of a website, ensuring that it is visually appealing and functional. This course may be useful for those wishing to enter this field as it provides hands-on experience in designing and building a website using Wordpress, HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

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

Web Designer

A Web Designer creates the visual layout and user interface of a website, focusing on aesthetics and usability. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing instruction on design principles, color theory, and typography.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Content Creator

A Content Creator develops and delivers written, visual, and audio content for websites, social media, and other digital platforms. This course may be helpful for those aspiring to be Content Creators as it provides instruction on organizing and presenting content in a clear and engaging manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator

Digital Marketing Specialist

A Digital Marketing Specialist plans and executes digital marketing campaigns across various online channels. This course can provide a foundation for this role by providing instruction on social media integration, website analytics, and search engine optimization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketing Specialist

Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager develops and executes social media strategies, creating and managing content across various platforms. This course can provide a foundation for this role by providing instruction on social media marketing principles, content creation, and community engagement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Media Manager

UX Designer

A UX Designer focuses on the user experience of a website or app, ensuring that it is intuitive and user-friendly. This course may be helpful for those wishing to enter this field as it provides instruction on user research, prototyping, and usability testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer develops and delivers educational content across various platforms, including online courses and workshops. This course may be useful for those wishing to enter this field as it provides instruction on course design, content development, and learning assessment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

E-commerce Manager

An E-commerce Manager plans and executes e-commerce strategies, overseeing the development and maintenance of online stores. This course may be useful for those wishing to enter this field as it provides instruction on website design, product management, and payment processing.

See salaries and explore the career path for E-commerce Manager

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst gathers and analyzes business requirements to identify and solve business problems. This course may be helpful for those wishing to enter this field as it provides instruction on business process analysis, requirements gathering, and stakeholder management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation, such as user manuals, white papers, and help articles. This course may be helpful for those wishing to enter this field as it provides instruction on technical writing principles, content organization, and style.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to identify trends, patterns, and insights. This course may be helpful for those wishing to enter this field as it provides instruction on data analysis techniques, data visualization, and statistical modeling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This course may be helpful for those wishing to enter this field as it provides instruction on project planning, risk management, and stakeholder management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Computer Programmer

A Computer Programmer translates designs and specifications into computer code, ensuring that software applications function properly. This course may be helpful for those wishing to enter this field as it provides instruction on programming languages, software development principles, and debugging techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course may be helpful for those wishing to enter this field as it provides instruction on software development principles, programming languages, and software testing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Information Technology Specialist

An Information Technology Specialist provides technical support and maintenance for computer systems and networks. This course may be helpful for those wishing to enter this field as it provides instruction on computer hardware, software, and networking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Specialist