The End is also a New Beginning

At the moment of summarizing at the end of the semester, I realized that I could learn so much and accomplish so many tasks in one semester.

I learned the basics of HTML and CSS, learned to write simple web pages using the programming software VS code, and viewed the results through a live server. Then I uploaded the web page files to my Github account through GitHub Desktop and had my own static website to record my assignments’ results. I learned Python’s basic features and rules, learned to use Jupyter Notebook, how to scrap web data by ParseHub and how to clean it up by Openrefine. I learned about the relational database in DB Browser for SQL and learned simple SQL statements to find the needed data. During the final project, I learned about the tasks and responsibilities of a product manager, the rules and processes of product design, and the importance of Design Thinking. Every step was essential, from problem identification, persona types, user needs/pain points, feature definition, and information architecture, to designing the website, drawing wireframes, writing static HTML templates, and connecting to the backend database. I learned to draw wireframes with Figma, use Bootstrap’s HTML templates to save development time, and use Python Flask and Javascript to make the coding more streamlined and efficient and the components more functional. Finally, the website was uploaded to the cloud through Pythonanywhere, and conversions were tracked through Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, and Google Optimize. Gather user feedback and actual data through several usability tests and A/B tests to provide direction for site improvements and upgrades. Design business model to provide support for sustainable website operation.

Overall, the class was harder but more rewarding than I thought. I have gained a deeper understanding of how to study. First, review in time. Each class has more than a hundred pages of PPT, which cannot be fully mastered in just three hours of class. Using the time after class to review the course content, consolidate theoretical knowledge, and sort out the knowledge structure is very helpful in completing the homework more efficiently. Second, more practice. The theory of this course is the foundation, and take practice is more important. Only when I do it and apply it can I have a deeper understanding of the theoretical knowledge and can really master the skills. Third, curiosity and self-drive. Class time is limited. There are many details of knowledge that I do not understand, and I need to search for information and watch tutorial videos to learn further. Fourth, summary and record. This class required submitting a web page and a journal for each assignment, which made me discover the importance of summarizing and reviewing. Through this process, I can clarify my progress and the study results and understand what I have done and learned. Fifth, trust myself. This course made me realize that potential can be stimulated and that human possibilities are infinite. Be brave to face the areas and things I am not good at, and take action more than anything else. I can get the good results that I expected with my efforts.

Lastly, I would like to thank Bernard for his hard work in taking me as a beginner to get started. The knowledge I learned and the actual product projects in this class will give me a deeper understanding of the Internet industry and the duty of a product manager. The skills I acquired will make me more competitive in my job search and work.