Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - SHS 3
WEB TECHNOLOGIES
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WEB TECHNOLOGIES
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Subject: Computing
Class: SHS 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 17
Grade code: 3.2.3.LI.2
Strand code: 2
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: 3.2.3.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.2.3.LI.2
Theme: COMPUTATIONAL THINKING (PROGRAMMING LOGIC)
Subtheme: WEB TECHNOLOGIES
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In today's Ghana, more and more people are buying and selling things online. From ordering waakye on an app to buying clothes from a store in Accra while living in Tamale, e-commerce is changing our economy. Understanding how these websites work is no longer just for experts; it's a vital skill for future entrepreneurs, developers, and even smart consumers. This lesson will break down the essential components of an e-commerce website, giving you the knowledge to design a basic but functional online store. This project-based lesson will equip you with the foundational thinking needed to bring a Ghanaian business online.
What is E-commerce? E-commerce (Electronic Commerce) is simply the buying and selling of goods or services using the internet, and the transfer of money and data to execute these transactions. Think of it as a digital version of Makola Market or Kejetia Market, but open 24/7 to anyone with an internet connection. Examples in Ghana include Jumia, Kikuu, and the websites of many local businesses. The Four Pillars of an E-commerce Website
To design an e-commerce site, we must understand its fundamental building blocks. We can think of them as four pillars holding up the entire online store.
Pillar 1: The Product Catalogue This is the "shop floor" or the "display shelf" of the online store. It's where customers see what is for sale. A good product catalogue is well-organised and provides all the information a customer needs to make a decision. Key Elements of a Product Catalogue: Product Listings: On the main shop page, you see many products together. Each listing is a "card" that usually shows: A clear image of the product. The product name (e.g., "Hand-woven Kente Stole"). The price (e.g., GHS 250.00). A short "Add to Cart" button. Product Detail Page: When you click on a product, you go to its dedicated page with more information: Multiple high-quality images from different angles. A detailed description (materials, size, care instructions). Price and any available discounts. Options to select (e.g., size: Small, Medium, Large; colour: Red, Blue). Customer reviews and ratings. Ghanaian Example: Imagine a website for "Adepa Shea Butter". The homepage would show several *product listings*: "Unrefined Shea Butter (500g)", "Shea Butter with Lavender Oil", "Black Soap with Shea". Clicking on "Unrefined Shea Butter (500g)" would take you to the *product detail page* with pictures of the container, a description of its source (e.g., "Sourced from women's co-operatives in the Upper West Region"), its benefits for skin, and the price.
Pillar 2: The Shopping Cart The shopping cart is a virtual basket. It holds the items a customer wants to buy while they continue to shop. It's a crucial piece of programming logic that "remembers" the user's selections. Key Functionality: Add to Cart: A button on each product page that adds the item to the cart. View Cart: A summary of all items, including the name, price, quantity, and a subtotal for each. Update Quantity: The ability for a user to change the number of items (e.g., change from 1 bottle of shito to 3). Remove Item: A button to delete an item from the cart. Calculate Total: The cart automatically calculates the total cost of all items.