Training Schedule 2019

Dates

Online module release dates:

  • Module 1: Monday 15th April 2019
  • Module 2: Monday 13th May 2019
  • Module 3: Monday 24th June 2019

Aim of Training

To gain a basic familiarity with the topics of web technologies, representing text in digital form, digital images, and design thinking, so that participants are prepared to take part in the Hands:On Hackathon, 8th-12th July 2019.

Goals

  • Introduce participants to each other prior to the Hackathon.
  • Introduce the collaborative tools we will use during the Hackathon.
  • Gain a basic familiarity with how websites are coded ‘behind the scenes’.
  • Understand what ‘text encoding’ is and how to apply semantic markup to a text.
  • Experiment with viewing and comparing digital images using modern tools online.
  • Understand what ‘design thinking’ is and how to create rapid prototypes.

Group Collaboration

As part of the training, we have a Slack space (online chat room) where you can ‘meet’ with fellow participants in advance of the Hackathon and build a rapport. This Slack space will also be used during the Hackathon event itself as part of how we work together.

We will invite you individually to the Slack by email. Writing messages and responding to others’ messages is a part of the online modules, and we encourage you to use it as an opportunity to get to know each other better and to help each other with the modules. If you have questions about module instructions or content, please post a message on Slack.

Online Modules

There are three preparatory modules for the Hands:On Hackathon. These are released once a month in April, May and June, in advance of the Hackathon in July.

The modules are designed for complete beginners to gain a basic familiarity with the topics of web technologies, representing text in digital form, digital images, and design thinking. There are no tests or pass marks but we do expect you to participate fully. You are not required to code in the Hackathon, but we will be using design thinking in the Hackathon.

All modules are delivered online and require approximately 4 hours’ work, which you can do at any time in the month following their release. However, we recommend you set aside the time in one or two blocks, and don’t leave it to the last minute since some aspects of the modules require group participation.

Module 1: Introduction to Web Technologies

Release date: Monday 15th April 2019

Duration: 4 hours

This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of web programming, giving you a basic familiarity with two key languages of web development: HTML and CSS.  We will end by creating a simple personal web page, which you can share with other participants in order to introduce yourself.

By the end of this module you will:

  • Understand the structure of a simple Web page and be able to identify HTML elements, attributes and properties.
  • Understand the functions of CSS rules, and be able to identify their components.
  • Create a simple static web page to share with your fellow participants.

Module 2: Encoding Text in Digital Form and Exploring Digital Images

Release date: Monday 13th May 2019

Duration: 4 hours

In this module:

  • Understand what is meant by ‘text encoding’.
  • Practice applying basic semantic markup to a text in TEI-XML.
  • Understand what is meant by ‘IIIF’ and learn about its advantages for digital humanities.
  • Use a IIIF viewer to find and compare digital images from a range of online sources.

Module 3: How to Develop a Prototype with Design Thinking

Release date: Monday 24th June 2019

Duration: 4 hours

In this module:

  • Define what is ‘prototyping’ and ‘design thinking’.
  • Recognise the benefits to creativity of rapid prototyping.
  • Learn about the design thinking cycle for creating and improving prototypes.
  • Practice creating web app prototypes using paper.