How would you teach web development?

Question

I am the lead instructor of web & internet related courses on a private post high-school institution. My current classes include introductions to HTTP, TCP/IP, (X)HTML/CSS/JavaScript and generic SQL. Next year we will deal mostly with PHP / Java. What, in your opinion, are the most important aspects of web development in contrast and relation to traditional development and what should be the main focus of my lectures?

Of course there is a curriculum I will follow but I would really like to enhance it with everything there is time for, from hypes and semantics to oldschool hardcore scripting.

Keep in mind that I am fortunate enough to deal with highly talented and moderately motivated individuals.

Answer 1

Most important aspects of web development:

• Where is this code running? (Client vs Server programming - as many have said)
• Who is going to use this? (Know your audience - why are they on your site/app)
• How to play nice (copyright, standards, borrowing ideas vs stealing stuff)
• How to be resourceful (code libraries, google search and stackoverflow)

Main Focus of lectures

I am a strong believer in contextual learning. Let them choose a project with boundaries and guidelines that will employ the concepts you want to get across. One can spend all day learning syntax and concepts, but real learning is done when you are trying to solve a problem. They will also have more fun.

Summary

Lecture on the How (XHTML,CSS, JS, etc) but only in the context of Who, What and Why.

Answer 2

In my opinion, the most important thing is to teach the difference between server and client programming, and when you would use one over the other. I am so surprised at the number of new graduates that don't understand the difference.