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Module Outline

The Document Object Model (DOM)

Module Summary

This module dives into the essentials of the Document Object Model (DOM), a core aspect of modern front-end web development. Learners will build upon their foundational JavaScript knowledge to explore advanced DOM manipulation, event handling, form validation, and dynamic content creation. The module emphasizes practical, hands-on exercises and real-world applications, preparing learners to create interactive, data-driven web experiences. By the end of this module, learners will have a strong understanding of the DOM and be ready to tackle more advanced JavaScript topics.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the purpose and structure of the DOM in web development.
  • Select and manipulate DOM elements using JavaScript.
  • Dynamically update content based on user interactions.
  • Implement event handling for responsive and interactive applications.
  • Validate user inputs using both HTML and JavaScript.
  • Store and retrieve data using local storage for persistent user experiences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this module, learners will be able to:

  1. Efficiently manipulate DOM elements using JavaScript methods.
  2. Develop interactive user interfaces through event-driven programming.
  3. Implement client-side form validation for enhanced user experience.
  4. Persist user data across sessions using local storage.
  5. Build dynamic web applications utilizing the DOM effectively.

Module Outline

Lesson 1: Introduction to the DOM

  • Time: 1.5 hours
  • Topics:
    • Overview of the DOM and its role in web development
    • The structure of the DOM: Nodes, elements, and the document tree
    • Modern element selection methods (querySelector, querySelectorAll)
  • Activities:
    • Code-along: Inspecting the DOM using browser Developer Tools
    • Exercise: Selecting various elements and logging them to the console
  • Knowledge Check: Questions on DOM structure and element selection

Lesson 2: Dynamic DOM Manipulation

  • Time: 2 hours
  • Topics:
    • Modifying element content (innerText, innerHTML, textContent)
    • Changing attributes (setAttribute, removeAttribute)
    • Creating and appending elements (createElement, append, appendChild)
  • Activities:
    • Code-along: Building a dynamic list using user input
    • Challenge: Create a simple interactive gallery using DOM methods
  • Knowledge Check: Questions on element manipulation and attribute changes

Lesson 3: Advanced DOM Manipulation Techniques

  • Time: 1.5 hours
  • Topics:
    • Removing elements (remove, removeChild)
    • Cloning and replacing elements (cloneNode, replaceChild)
    • Using template literals for dynamic content creation
  • Activities:
    • Code-along: Building a dynamic content card generator
    • Hands-on exercise: Create a blog post editor using JavaScript and the DOM
  • Knowledge Check: Questions on advanced DOM manipulation methods

Lab: Dynamic Content Creation

  • Time: 1.5 hours (asynchronous)
  • Task: Develop a dynamic to-do list application with features to add, edit, and delete tasks.
  • Objective: Demonstrate the ability to manipulate the DOM dynamically based on user input and actions.

Lesson 4: Event Handling Fundamentals

  • Time: 2 hours
  • Topics:
    • Understanding event flow (capturing and bubbling)
    • Using addEventListener for attaching event handlers
    • Common events (click, input, submit, change)
  • Activities:
    • Code-along: Implementing a click counter using event listeners
    • Exercise: Create an interactive form that updates the UI in real-time based on user input
  • Knowledge Check: Questions on event types and event handling

Lesson 5: Form Validation and User Input

  • Time: 2 hours
  • Topics:
    • Built-in HTML form validation attributes
    • JavaScript form validation techniques
    • Handling form submission and preventing default actions
  • Activities:
    • Code-along: Creating a signup form with real-time validation
    • Exercise: Build a custom validation function for a contact form
  • Knowledge Check: Questions on form validation methods and user input handling

Lesson 6: Working with Local Storage

  • Time: 1.5 hours
  • Topics:
    • Introduction to web storage (local storage vs. session storage)
    • Storing and retrieving data using localStorage
    • Persisting user preferences and application state
  • Activities:
    • Code-along: Creating a theme toggle switch that saves user preferences
    • Exercise: Build a note-taking app that saves notes to local storage
  • Knowledge Check: Questions on local storage and data persistence

Lab: Form Validation and DOM Manipulation

  • Time: 2 hours (asynchronous)
  • Task: Create a fully validated registration form with custom error messages and real-time feedback.
  • Objective: Demonstrate proficiency in form validation and user input handling using the DOM.

Final Assessments

Knowledge-Based Assessment (KBA)

  • Time: 1.5 hours (asynchronous)
  • Format: Multiple-choice and short-answer questions
  • Topics Covered: DOM structure, element selection, manipulation, events, form validation, local storage
  • Objective: Assess the learner’s understanding of core DOM concepts and practical application.

Skills-Based Assessment (SBA)

  • Time: 5.5 hours
  • Activity: Build an interactive, dynamic web application that incorporates all key DOM concepts covered in the module.
  • Deliverable: Submit the completed project via GitHub with a README file and a brief reflection on the development process.
  • Rubric: Evaluation based on functionality, code quality, user interface, and use of JavaScript techniques (DOM manipulation, event handling, local storage).
Lesson 1: Introduction to the DOM