Blog

CTeLearning Team Participates in 2020 Web Design Online Challenge 

Joshua Frisch • Jul 01, 2020

CTeLearning participated in the 2020 “Virtual” Web Design and Development Challenge held from June 22-June 25 in partnership with WebProfessionals.org and SkillsUSA

First, we need to give a shout-out to SkillsUSA for working with WebProfessionals.org to innovate in this time of COVID-19 and keep alive the spirit of leadership and competition for the next generation of web professionals. 

This year’s innovative and fully online skills event invited and challenged hundreds of high school and college students from around the U.S. to work in teams of two on a number of projects that would support the Web Professionals Association’s effort to promote industry best practices and web standards.

Transitioning to a Fully Online Web Design Challenge

When the COVID-19 pandemi c hit, schools closed and SkillsUSA was forced to cancel the Louisville National Leadership and Skills conference, disappointing many—especially those on the WebProfessionals.org/SkillsUSA Competitive Events Team. WebProfessionals.org has organized and run the Web Design Contest at SkillsUSA since 2003. 

Fortunately, the leadership at SkillsUSA and the WebProfessionals.org got together and collaborated to revamp the Web Design Challenge in record time, moving it to a fully online skills competition . Our own Lead Developer at CTeLearning, Steve Waddell, was tapped to be the lead judge. Steve has been on the Web Professionals Association Contest Team since 2013, and since 1990 has run student skills competitions for many different organizations in robotics, app development, web development and game design. He offered all of CTeLearning’s expertise in online curriculum and systems to make sure this special competition would come off without a hitch.

 

All the Web Professionals Association SkillsUSA Contest Team missed being at SkillsUSA in person. We all plan our summers around SkillsUSA. Three of our WebProfessionals.org event team launching a past event. Backs turned to the camera and from left to right we have Mark Dubois Ex Director, Bill Cullifer Founder, Jonathan Worrent Committee Chair.

This online challenge did not replace the full SkillsUSA contest, but it did help mend some broken hearts and allow all the SkillsUSA state winning teams to have the opportunity to show off their skills and compete, all completely online. The online Web Design challenge was designed so that the members of each team could collaborate together, contribute, and create while maintaining complete social distancing. “Just as the professional world learned to work remotely as teams, we gave our SkillsUSA Web Design Challengers a chance to live that experience too,” commented Joshua Frisch, Web Design Challenge Contest Team member and Lead Writer at CTeLearning.com.     

Participants documented their progress as they demonstrated their skills in web programming (HTML, XHTML and CSS), web graphics, website design, web accessibility and usability, website management, project management, web multimedia and professionalism . A panel of experts from the web professional community based their winning selection on the following criteria developed by Webprofessionals.org:

  • Design and Layout: Navigation
  • Programming: Compatibility
  • Programming Code Structure & Design
  • Scaffolding of Process – Diagram/Flowchart
  • Video Production and Presentation
  • Professionalism

The Gold Winners at the Secondary/High School level were Kevin Downing of Whitinsville, MA, and Daniel Cardone of Blackstone, MA. The Gold Winners at the College/Postsecondary level were Matthew Connors and  Joey Higuera of Massachusetts.

Steve Waddell said, “On behalf of the WebProfessionals.org organization, the Technical Committee and challenge judges, I want to say thanks to all the teams for putting forward all the great efforts. So much in the world has changed since last year in Louisville. But one thing has not changed—the quality of our Web Design Challenge participants. In chatting with the judges, each team excelled in different areas, and they enjoyed seeing all the creativity in all the submissions. If these winners stay on this trajectory, keep practicing, grow their career portfolios, and add international industry-recognized certifications to their resumes, I have no doubt they will get snatched up by industry when they start looking for that first career move. I am proud to say this is my seventh year as part of the WebProfessionals.org Web Design Challenge support team, and even though I didn’t get to see everybody in Louisville, I had a terrific time. I look forward to next year’s competition, where students from around the country will demonstrate their skills.” 

“There is just something electric about SkillsUSA. I missed being there with our WebProfessionals.org team and seeing the professionalism and intensity of the competitors. I am already looking forward to 2021. And whatever happens I know our competition team and our competitors can adapt.” Steve Waddell

Learn More About Developing STEM Skills From Home

In addition to web design and development, CTeLearning course offerings include STEM courses and international industry-recognized certification preparatory courses for middle school students, high school students and post-secondary adult learners. For more information, check out CTeLearning’s course offerings and schedule a free demo today.

SkillsUSA is a United States career and technical student organization serving more than 395,000 high school, college and middle school students and professional members enrolled in training programs in trade, technical and skilled service occupations, including health occupations. For additional information visit www.skillsusa.org

The Web Design Contest provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes and communications skills. It emphasizes total quality at work, high ethical standards, superior work skills, life-long education and pride in the dignity of work. For additional information, visit www.webdesigncontest.org .

WebProfessionals.org is a non-profit professional association dedicated to the support of individuals and organizations who create, manage or market websites and apps. The organization provides education and training resources as well as certification for the aspiring, the practicing and those that teach. Find our more at www.WebProfessionals.org

Get in touch with us today!


You can book a demo directly using Calendly, call us directly at 913-764-4272 or 877-828-1216, or submit the form below and we will reach out to you.


We look forward to helping you and your students.

students with STEM certifications

Most Recent Posts

By Joshua Frisch 18 Mar, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century, revolutionizing industries, improving efficiency, and shaping the future of work. Against this backdrop, the decision to pursue a career in AI has become increasingly appealing for aspiring professionals. Our Artificial Intelligence and Mobile Robotics course teaches a new level of understanding of systems, coding, biology, and behavior to middle school and high school students interested in learning the soft skills and hard skills that will be in demand for decades to come. In this article, we'll explore the compelling reasons why AI is not just a good career choice but a smart one. Unprecedented Growth Opportunities The AI industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by advancements in machine learning, deep learning, and other AI subfields. According to market research, the global AI market is expected to reach a value of $190 billion by 2025, with AI permeating almost every sector, from healthcare and finance to retail and transportation. This rapid expansion translates into abundant job opportunities for AI professionals, ranging from data scientists and machine learning engineers to AI researchers and algorithm developers. With AI becoming increasingly integral to business operations and innovation, the demand for skilled AI talent is expected to continue surging in the years to come. Lucrative Salary Prospects AI professionals command some of the highest salaries in the tech industry, reflecting the scarcity of talent and the critical role of AI in driving business success. According to industry reports, AI specialists, including machine learning engineers and data scientists, can earn six-figure salaries, with compensation packages often including bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. This financial reward not only reflects the high demand for AI expertise but also underscores the value that companies place on individuals who can leverage AI to drive innovation, optimize processes, and deliver tangible business outcomes. For aspiring professionals seeking a lucrative and rewarding career path, AI offers unparalleled salary prospects and financial stability. Diverse Career Opportunities One of the most attractive features of pursuing a career in AI is the diverse range of career opportunities it offers. AI encompasses various subfields, including natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, and reinforcement learning, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for innovation. Whether you're passionate about developing cutting-edge algorithms, building intelligent systems, or applying AI to solve real-world problems, there's a niche within AI where you can thrive. Moreover, AI professionals have the flexibility to work in diverse industries, from tech giants and startups to healthcare organizations and research institutions, allowing them to pursue paths that align with their interests, skills, and aspirations. Impactful Work with Global Reach AI has the potential to address some of the world's most pressing challenges, from healthcare and education to climate change and poverty alleviation. By harnessing the power of AI, professionals can develop innovative solutions that improve lives, enhance productivity, and drive positive societal change. Whether it's developing AI-driven medical diagnostics, optimizing supply chains, or combating climate change through data-driven approaches, AI enables professionals to make a meaningful impact on a global scale. The opportunity to work on projects with real-world significance and contribute to the greater good can be immensely rewarding for individuals who are passionate about leveraging technology for positive change. Continuous Learning and Innovation AI is a rapidly evolving field, characterized by constant innovation, experimentation, and discovery. As an AI professional, you'll have the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning, staying abreast of the latest developments, and honing your skills. Whether it's mastering new algorithms, exploring emerging technologies, or collaborating with experts from diverse disciplines, the journey of learning in AI is both challenging and fulfilling. Moreover, AI offers ample opportunities for creativity and innovation, allowing professionals to push the boundaries of what's possible and develop groundbreaking solutions to complex problems. By embracing a culture of continuous learning and innovation, AI professionals can stay ahead of the curve and remain at the forefront of this dynamic and rapidly evolving field. Start Your Career Today As AI continues to reshape industries and transform the way we live and work, the demand for skilled AI professionals is only expected to grow. For aspiring professionals seeking a rewarding and future-proof career path, AI presents a compelling opportunity to be at the forefront of technological innovation and shape the future of intelligent systems. By leveraging their skills, expertise, and passion for AI, professionals can embark on a journey of discovery, creativity, and impact, making AI not just a good career choice but a smart one. To set up a free demo of our AI and Mobile Robotics course or any of our other courses, call us at 913-764-4272 or schedule directly using Calendly .
school using video game design curriculum
By Joshua Frisch 08 Mar, 2024
Learn about how one teacher is using engaging video game design curriculum to get her students excited about STEM career pathways.
By Steve Waddell 06 Mar, 2024
The demand for new web and mobile games continues to surge, driven by the staggering numbers of players worldwide. With approximately 1 in 4 people globally engaging in mobile gaming and over 1.13 billion online gamers, the market shows no signs of slowing down. We offer a Web and Mobile Video Game Design course designed to prepare middle school and high school students for this exciting career pathway. In 2024 alone, the industry witnessed the release of over one million new mobile games annually across iOS and Android platforms. These figures are subject to slight fluctuations influenced by market dynamics and global events. Notably, statistics reveal a significant presence of women in mobile gaming, constituting 63% of the player base. Furthermore, while the US contributes 29% to global mobile game spending, a substantial 71% of revenue emanates from outside the US. Currently, there are approximately 500,000 mobile gaming apps available on Android platforms. The average age of mobile gamers stands at 36.3 years, indicating a broad demographic appeal. China leads the gaming market with over 700 million gamers, while the US boasts over 191 million mobile gamers, with both numbers continuing to grow. Browser-based games, or web games, are projected to become a market worth over $9 billion by 2027, highlighting the expanding opportunities in this sector. Additionally, gamification is increasingly permeating various industries, simplifying training and process descriptions, including marketing. A recent poll indicates that 50% of startups plan to integrate gaming elements into their strategies in the near future. One aspect of game development is web app games. These games appear as mobile games, but do not need to be downloaded to the mobile device. Unlike traditional mobile games that require purchase or download from app stores, web app games are accessible through any smartphone browser. Game designers are leveraging this to bypass app store fees and directly reach a broad audience eager for new gaming experiences. Game design is a broad field and allows many different opportunities for anyone interested in this industry. The obvious are game designers and game developers, but that is only a small part of the story. To build a successful game you need graphic artists, sound effects artists, audio engineers, project managers, producers, and game testers, just to name a few. The Opportunity In the realm of career opportunities, the demand for web design skills is skyrocketing in today's digital age. From small enterprises to multinational corporations, establishing a robust online presence is imperative for global competitiveness. Learning web design not only unlocks diverse opportunities but also equips individuals with sought-after skills applicable across industries. While some designers pursue four-year degrees, many enter the field armed with industry credentials, a strong portfolio, and some post-secondary education. Employers now prioritize industry certifications and portfolios over traditional college degrees, recognizing the value of practical skills and expertise. Embarking on a career in game design offers various pathways. While a formal degree program remains an option, an increasing number of studios and employers prefer industry credentials and portfolios. Lifelong learning is emphasized, with many designers opting for self-education supplemented by industry-based certifications to gain a competitive edge. Entrepreneurial individuals may opt to establish their own design businesses, offering autonomy over projects, clients, and schedules. Freelancing is another avenue, providing flexibility in choosing clients and setting rates, along with exposure to the global market and diverse collaborations. Beyond career prospects, game design enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills, offering continuous learning opportunities and transferable skills applicable across diverse fields. Educators are encouraged to guide students towards this high-growth pathway, unlocking doors to successful and fulfilling careers in web and mobile game design. Check out our Web and Mobile Video Game Design course and contact us for a free demo.
Share by: