Digital Design: Building a Better Online Presence
In an ever-changing digital age, having an online presence is vital for success both professionally and personally. The ability to create website designs in online spaces is a crucial skill in achieving success. Students enrolled in the Digital Design & Development classes in Warren Consolidated Schools learn the technical skills to create eye-catching stylish websites, in addition to learning about digital literacy, copywrite laws, and how to properly manage the intellectual property of others, while also creating and presenting their own.
These classes provide students the opportunities to tap into their unique perspectives, talents and interests. Students showcase and express their individuality and creativity through web design as a medium. “This class has brought a lot of creativity into my life, which will help me pursue game development in the future” said second year student Christian Djelovski of Sterling Heights High School. Digital Design and Web Design is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates many elements of STEM, allowing students to learn and develop their skills in communication, collaboration, problem solving, critical thinking, and creativity. “I’m currently using Adobe Premier Pro to help the students on the announcement team with video editing” stated second year student Tyler Crouse of Warren Mott High School. “I like working together as a team and learning things together, rather than just learning them on my own.”
Students enrolled in the Digital Design & Development classes also have an opportunity to earn industry recognized certifications. Students can become an Adobe Associate in Web Design in Photoshop and in Visual Design in Illustrator, as well as earning certifications in Dreamweaver, Flash CC and InDesign CC. Additionally, students use various web programs and applications including HTML and CSS. “Learning HTML and CSS has helped me improve my problem-solving skills, which will help me throughout my life” commented first year student Nathan Boortz of Warren Mott High School. Advanced Digital Design & Development students build upon their knowledge and skills and work to develop and run their school’s website.
Approximately half of the world’s population uses the internet daily, with this number continuing to increase, leading students interested in these careers to be in high demand. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that Digital Design and Web Design will be one of the fastest-growing careers over the next decade and beyond. The skills the students of Warren Consolidated Schools are learning in this incredibly versatile field will help them find success and reach a large audience within the digital landscape of the future.
By: Gina Asaro
