20 Time Final Post

For my 20 Time project, I coded a code bit, which uses the same code as a website. The reason I did this was because after breaking my arm, I had to adjust my project so I would be able to create something. My code bit is about our previous unit, taxonomy. I went over some basic domains, kingdoms, phylums, and classes.

By clicking the hyperlink on 'code bit' above, you can view what I coded. Once on the screen that pops up, click 'fullscreen.' If you want to see my code, click 'edit code.' In addition, I wrote my reflection on my learning process.

For my grade, I believe I deserve an A because throughout the semester, I have been working very hard on it. I am very proud of how far I have come and the progress I made. I finished an estimated 14 hour course, 50% of another 6 hour course, and coded a code bit from scratch. After completing the first course, I made a blog post explaining what that entailed. I consistently worked hard throughout the entire project, eager to learn the coding. When I broke my arm, I adjusted my project to coding a code bit, which involves the same coding. The only difference is the technical work (getting a domain, paying, etc.). I had to have good time management to finish in time and figure out what was worth it. My code bit not only demonstrates my understanding of HTML and CSS, but also our previous unit. The code bit took longer than expected because of my broken arm and that I had to go over some specific code tags.

At this point, I feel like I have learned and understand code a lot more. Because of this experience, I will definitely continue coding.

Reflection

Coding is everywhere in Silicon Valley, and many of the highest paying jobs in this area revolve around it. I decided to learn how to code a basic website using HTML and CSS for my 20 Time project. At the very least, I wanted to understand how it works and open myself up to the opportunities it presents.

Initially, I wanted to take an online introductory course on codecademy.com in HTML and CSS. The course I picked took an estimated 14 hours to complete. After that, I would judge if I needed additional practice. Eventually, I would start to code the website. I did not know the medium I would use to code the website. To make it more science-related, I would code about our previous unit: domains, kingdoms, phylums, and classes.

I really enjoyed my project because coding was a lot of fun for me. Being able to learn something then immediately apply it encouraged me to learn more. As a visual learner, the ability to directly see how changing code affects the overall product helped me learn it. In addition, I enjoyed the creative freedom I had on the formatting and styling portion.

In terms of obstacles, the ones I experienced were frequent but small-scale. When I did not know something, a menu would pop up after a few tries that offered the correct code. One difficulty I faced was that in April, I broke my dominant arm. At first, I could not even lift up my arm so I had to type with one hand. Eventually, I could lift my arm up, but still, it hurts after a while and I type very slowly. Breaking my arm greatly impacted my project because I lost a lot of my efficiency and became very slow at typing.

Besides learning to code, I developed many skills. I had to learn how to manage my project time to make sure I had time to code the website.  I had to make sure I stayed focus throughout my project. For the week after I broke my arm, I had to stay motivated that I would be able to make substantial progress. That week was very hard because I was still in pain and I could only type right my right hand. Because of this, I coded a codebit instead. It has the same coding, but I did not have to go through the technical work of having a website. 

If I redid my project, I would have gone straight into coding the website after completing my first course. Instead, I had done about 3 hours on specifically coding a website. The second course was not the most effective use of my time because sometimes, I was going over things I already knew and other times, I was not reviewing what I needed to.

This project reinforced that I am a visual learner. I learned that coding may be something I want to continue in my career. I plan to take AP CSS next year. I will not continue coding this website specifically, but coding will definitely be something I continue in my future. As I stated before, I am taking it as a class next year.