Web Education

July, 2003 I completed the Webbuilder program offered by the Faculty of Extension at the University of Alberta.

The Webbuilder course provided leading-edge internet technology skills. We learned to use essential web building tools like HTML and Flash; database tools like Oracle and SQL; and programming and scripting tools like JavaScript and ASP. These skills are then applied to portfolio projects.

In essence the program covered the following:

• Web Fundamentals
• HTML and XHTML
• Internet fundamentals
• Graphics fundamentals
• Client-Side Programming
• Javascript and Logical Problem-Solving
• Server-side Programming
• Database development with Oracle
• ColdFusion
• Active Server Pages (ASP) Scripting
• Introduction to XML
• Networking and Security
• Linux server setup
• Apache server setup
• Networking fundamentals
• Internet security
• Portfolio Development
• Personal website project
• Development team project
• Business and communication skills

The core competencies thus developed include:

• understanding and appreciation of the range of Internet applications and the ability to be able to draft web sit design documents for professional Internet sites
• ability to plan, design, develop and implement a web site using HTML and its features
• understanding of the XML language and the role of XML applications for the Internet
• ability to install, configure and maintain a Linus Server
• ability to install, configure and maintain an Apache Server
• understanding of Internet protocols like TCP/IP and HTTP, and how they are important for intranets and extranets and the World Wide Web
• understanding of basic Internet security concepts and concerns and ability to develop a good set of prevention strategies for computer systems
• understanding of how to work with relational databases such as Oracle, using SQL and client management tools
• understanding of how to design, build and optimize professional web site graphics for the Internet using Macromedia Fireworks and Flash
• understanding of the rudiments of logical problem-solving and the design of algorithms as they relate to application development for the Internet
• ability to develop and enhance applications with JavaScript
• ability to build and manage ColdFusion web applications using the ColdFusion development environment
• ability to use Active Server Pages technology to develop a range of business applications
• ability to design, create and maintain a Personal website
• ability to work within a development team to design, create and maintain a Professional website