Seminar: Web Technologies

Motivation for this Seminar

Since its invention in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee, the World Wide Web has undergone a profound transformation. Initially conceived as a way to share static resources via foundational technologies like HTML, HTTP, and URLs, the web has evolved into a platform for rich, interactive applications. This evolution was accelerated by key innovations. In 1995, Brendan Eich created the first version of JavaScript, while the proposal for Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) was being refined ahead of its 1996 standardization.

These technologies fundamentally changed web development. JavaScript, in its modern ECMAScript (ES) versions, is used to build fully-fledged web applications that rival traditional desktop software. CSS3, with powerful layout modules like Flexbox and Grid, allows for design with previously unknown precision and is the cornerstone of mobile-first, responsive design. The ecosystem is supported by a host of other technologies, from TCP/IP and DNS to modern web servers and standardized Web APIs that ensure cross-browser compatibility.

The result is a vast and rapidly changing landscape. Modern web development demands a full-stack skill set, with developers navigating a complex ecosystem of frontend frameworks (Vue.js, React, Svelte), backend technologies, CSS libraries (Bootstrap, Tailwind), and component libraries (Shadcn, Headless UI). This technological explosion makes it essential for engineers to not only learn specific tools but also to develop the skill of evaluating, mastering, and teaching new technologies as they emerge.

Course Description

This seminar delves into the diverse landscape of modern web development. It moves beyond foundational knowledge to explore the frameworks, libraries, and full-stack practices that define contemporary web applications. Instead of traditional lectures, this course adopts a hands-on, "teach-to-learn" approach, where you will actively contribute to building a repository of knowledge for your peers.

Seminar Goal: From Learner to Teacher

In this seminar, you will transition from being a student of web technologies to becoming a creator of educational content. Working in teams of two, you will select a modern web technology to research in-depth. Your primary goal is to curate and create a comprehensive Moodle course section that can serve as a teaching foundation for future students. This involves two key deliverables:

1. A curated collection of high-quality learning resources (articles, videos, AI-supported or gamified content, documentation).
2. A practical, step-by-step tutorial, authored by your team, designed to guide a newcomer through the basics of your chosen technology.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this seminar, you will be able to:

• Analyze and evaluate a wide range of technical learning materials for quality and relevance.
• Structure complex information into a coherent, educational format using a learning platform like Moodle.
• Gain deep, practical knowledge of a specific web technology by building a hands-on tutorial.
• Develop skills in providing and receiving constructive peer feedback.
• Confidently present technical concepts to an audience.

Prerequisites

• 3 ECTS
• Mandatory in-class attendance (tracked via Moodle).
• Solid foundational knowledge of web development is required. This seminar is designed for students who are already familiar with the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Prior experience from a course like "Introduction to Full Stack Web Development" is highly recommended to complete the tasks within a feasible timeframe.

Provisional Timetable

Course Structure and Grading

Teamwork and Topics

• Seminar topics will be discussed and assigned in the first session.
• Students will work in teams of two.
• You may choose your own partner; remaining students will be assigned a partner.
• Each team will prepare a Moodle section and a practical tutorial for their assigned topic.

Grading Breakdown

• 15% Resource Curation: Quality and relevance of the collected materials.
• 15% Moodle Preparation: Structure, clarity, and presentation of the Moodle section.
• 30% Tutorial: Correctness, clarity, and educational value of the step-by-step guide.
• 20% Peer Review: Quality of constructive feedback provided to two other teams.
• 20% Final Presentation: Clarity and delivery of the final project presentation.

Important Information

This course uses JKU Moodle for all announcements, materials, assignments, submissions, and grading. Please ensure you are enrolled and check it regularly.

Any changes to the schedule or course structure will be announced exclusively via Moodle. This webpage will not be updated during the semester.