Web Design {CompuScholar, Inc.}

A few years ago I became interested in web page design after attending a Cert III in Computer studies course.  I spent a few months learning all kinds of new protocols and then shifted my focus into the blogging world.  The HTML coding I had learned along the way certainly helped and made manipulating my blog a little easier.

Nathaniel has been working on his YouTube channel and as a result has been nagging me to learn to do HTML coding as he wants to build a website. I was very pleased when CompuScholar, Inc. gave us one year access to their Web Design course.

What is covered

This course covers fundamental web design skills such as:

• Basic web site layout
• HTML5 symbols and elements
• Text styles
• Hyperlinks and navigation bars
• CSS effects, spacing and positioning
• Graphics and image editing
• Tables
• Page design principles
• Dynamic menus
• Embedded audio and video
• JavaScript and jQuery

The courses is designed to be used over a 36 week school year.  You can view a detailed breakdown of the syllabus by clicking on the link on the Web Design page.

How we used it

One of the things I really like about CompuScholar, Inc. is that you do not need several different log in addresses to do different courses. You can have one account and add in the courses you are enrolled in. After logging in you are taken to the home page where you can choose which of the courses you are working on for the day. Nathaniel is enrolled in two courses with them this year: Digital Savvy and Web Design.  Both of these courses follow the same presentation format.

After selecting your course you are taken to the course home page where you are able to access the following:

•  Student Menu - here you are able to edit the profile, change the password, access a tutorial on how to use CompuScholar, Inc., see your grades and when your class enrollment expires.
• The Chapters of your course - including a brief sentence on what to expect. On the right on the bottom you will see how many files, quizzes and assignments there are for that chapter.

Once you select the chapter you are working on you will then be taken to the lessons for that specific chapter.  Each lesson is presented in a pop up video, lesson text and quiz.

CompuScholar, Inc. Lesson Text Sample

CompuScholar, Inc. Video lesson sample

After you have completed a chapter there is an exam button. Upon completing exams and quizzes the student is graded.  Each quiz is a multiple choice questionnaire and is self graded upon submission. The student immediately knows which questions they got correct and which ones were answered in error.  Each quiz allows you a maximum of three attempts. All grades go towards the course total.

The course grade is calculated using:

• Quiz Scores - Self Graded
• Chapter Exams - Self Graded
• Activity Scores - Teacher Graded

For the Parent
Should you require to have a transcript for your student CompuScholar, Inc. have researched which specific standards and titles are covered. You can find this under the State Standards tab on the Web Design page.

Due to the interactive nature of the course your student will need access to any HTML5-compliant web browser and computer running:

• Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
• Mac OS version 10.7 or higher

There is a Teacher Login for you the parent.  Once you have logged in you  will be given a Course Overview page the same as the Students in your class.  Upon selecting the course you want to see you will have access to a Teacher Menu containing:

• Grade book
• Edit your profile
• Change Your Password
• Tutorial
• Professional Development
• Report Issues/Get Help
• Server Status
• Manage My Logins
• Add Siblings

In the Professional Development area you will have access to video training on the administrative features (covering how to give the Quizzes and Tests, How to Grade a Project, How to use the Electronic Grade Book, How to add a Sibling and How to get Help) and the different courses your students are working on.

In the Teacher Support overview of the course you will find video's and downloads available for you as the teacher.  The video's are a quick overview of what your students are learning in that particular section of their course.

All of the tests and quizzes are self graded by the system. On occasion the students are given an activity to demonstrate their knowledge.  These are submitted to you the teacher. 

Marking them is very easy.  After you open the activity submission and click yes or no.  The system automatically adds in the points and auto-adds up the score.  Upon saving the score is then automatically added to the students work.

Cost of Web Design
There are two pricing options available. You can choose between a monthly or a one year subscription.  

Recommended Age Range

• This course is recommended for students in the grades 6-12 range.

Connect with CompuScholar, Inc.

CompuScholar Homeschool @HomeschoolProgramming
CompuScholar Blog
@HS Programming, Inc.
Homeschool Programming, Inc.
CompuScholar,Inc.

Over All I thought ...
I am very impressed with CompuScholar, Inc.  I have learned a few things I didn't know and will be able to use here on my blog.  I am looking forward to pursuing my own personal understanding of Java Programming and Digital Savvy.

I really like that CompuScholar, Inc. show the lessons on both the Windows and Apple platforms as now I will be able to use either computer to do what I need to.  If you or your students are technologically challenged I highly recommend you adding in Computer Sills class - Digital Savvy to your day as well as Web Design.  You will learn to understand the basics of designing your own websites and build up a personal knowledge of current HTML 5.

Blessings
Chareen

Shepherd, Potter, Spy and the Star Namer {Book Review}

I've been a Christian since I was around seven years old. Until the new millennium I had never read my bible cover to cover.  During the year 2000 I joined our church family in reading my bible chronologically.  It was the most awe inspiring year of my faith.  Learning all about the story of my heritage as it happened, from before creation all the way to Revelations.

Recently I was given the book Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer to read.  I was super excited to read this book by Peggy M. Consolver - Author after reading an article about it on The Shiloh Excavations website.  Did you know you can join a biblical archeological dig site and be hands on in the experience of living history?

What we received

Title:  Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer
Author: Peggy Miracle Consolver
ISBN: 978-1-942587-09-5
Published:2015
Publisher: Carpenter's Son Publishing
Pages: 375
Cover: Paperback

About the Book
This is the story of Keshub, a thirteen year old Gibeonite shepherd. Between defending his sheep from predators, finding wondering sheep, making a new friend who would need his help and dealing with a bully his life is far from boring or monotonous.   He is the youngest of his brothers and the story follows his daily life and struggles as a young man growing up in the hills as the son of a potter.

His life consists of the realities of looking after the family's sheep, learning the skills of a warrior and dealing with the daily harassment of a bully. Emotionally he is learning about the safety of submitting to the absolute authority and care of his father. He gradually grows in understanding and insight through the wise words of his all seeing and knowing father.

Keshub is on the cusp of manhood and the life lessons he is learning are deep.  His understanding of adult matters is growing and he soon is faced with a life choice:  Who is more dangerous? The Hebrews in the valley or the despicable evil King their neighbour?  Who is this God the Israelite's worship?  Could this be the same God, the God of his ancestors?  The Israelite's go everywhere in victory.  How can his people survive the destruction which is coming their way and at what price?

Ultimately this is the story of the Israelite's and Joshua from the perspective of the Gibeonites who made a treaty with him and the consequences of their deception.

The book has some wonderful extra's at the end.  Peggy encourages thoughtful discussion through the questions she has supplied at the back of the book.  The questions aim to personalise the story by asking questions such as: "What events in your own family history proved to be life changing?" or "Have you ever been the target of a bully? How did you react? Was the situation resolved? How?"

Peggy has also written a study guide to accompany the book called:  Digging Deeper Into HIStory.  There are 13 units and in addition to this guide you will find a page of research links, maps and YouTube clips which all enhance your understanding of the culture and background of the Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer It contains links to clips such as: Bow Making, How to use a sling etc.

About the Author

Peggy Consolver

Peggy Consolver loves a good story.  She grew up in southwest Oklahoma where she raised her two daughters and loves teaching Sunday school and women's Bible Studies where she emphasizes digging much deeper into the stories of the Word.

After spending eighteen days with Associates for Biblical Research in Israel in 2010 she was inspired to write a historical fiction novel about the Gibeonites of Joshua 9 and 10.

As she visited and explored many of the places where biblical events unfolded it changed her internal picture of the events to a solid reality which begged to be shared. Peggy wrote Shepherd, Potter, Spy--and the Star Namer so others would know that the bible is not just a book of theology but a living history book.

The experience so deeply touched Peggy she is bringing her whole family back to dig there later this year for her 50th wedding anniversary!


Recommended Age Range

• Ten to Adult

Connect with Peggy on

Peggy Consolver on Facebook
Peggy Consolver Blog

Over All I thought ...
I loved reading and growing with the main character Keshub and seeing Israel as a land and a nation through his eyes.  This is a beautiful book, the author has done an excellent job of describing the details of daily living during this time period in history.  She has brought to life two chapters in Joshua with vivid accuracy and insight.

I am looking forward to giving to Nathaniel to read when he is a little older as I want him to experience the full blessing of the insights which Keshub gains through life's experiences.  I appreciate how Keshub deals with his daily struggles. It is a wonderful addition to your library and will enhance your historical and religious education.

Blessings
Chareen

Oil Pastel Winter Cabins {Virtual Fridge}

This Week
We were given a six month subscription to Creating a Masterpiece and have been really enjoying the step by step tutorial lessons to be found on there.. If you would like to know more about how it works I've updated my review with graphics of the program itself and how to use it.  Nathaniel and I did this Lesson in oil Pastel: Winter Cabin. which is a  Beginners level art project using paper and oil pastels.


This weeks Feature

This weeks feature is from over at Our Unschooling Journey.  I have not thought about using my sons passion for Minecraft to encourage artistic expression.  I love the wonderful examples that are shared in Minecraft Digital Art. be sure to check out the beautiful rainbow and other creations on this page.
Your Turn

I invite you to take some photo's of your children's artistic pursuits put them in a post and link up with me I would love to come over and see the wonderful art your children have enjoyed doing.

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Blessings
Chareen

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