Project Development Goals

[Hypernova101]

📚 OBJECTIVE 1: Java Casting Instructional Module

Target Concept: Unit 1.5 - Casting in Java

Pedagogical Framework Integration:

• Gagné's Instructional Events: Sequential learning progression from attention-grabbing scenarios to skill synthesis
• Merrill's Problem-First Approach: Authentic programming challenges as lesson anchors

Learning Architecture

Phase	Activity Type	Student Experience
Hook	Problem Scenario	Debug a calculator app with mysterious decimal truncation
Foundation	Concept Introduction	Explore implicit vs explicit casting through live demos
Practice	Guided Discovery	Predict outcomes of casting operations in code snippets
Application	Challenge Problems	Build a temperature converter handling multiple data types
Synthesis	Reflection Tasks	Analyze when casting is necessary vs problematic

Interactive Learning Elements

• Code Prediction Exercises: Students forecast casting results before execution
• Error Analysis Challenges: Identify and fix ClassCastException scenarios
• Collaborative Debugging: Team-based problem solving for complex casting chains
• Mini-Assessment Checkpoints: Formative quizzes embedded throughout the lesson

Deliverable Specifications

• Complete 12-minute interactive lesson module
• Embedded code demonstrations with student prediction points
• Assessment rubric for casting proficiency
• Extension activities for advanced learners

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🎨 OBJECTIVE 2: Dynamic Jekyll Theme Engine

Technical Implementation: CSS Custom Property System

Architecture Overview:
Root-level CSS variables managed through user preference API, enabling real-time theme switching across Jekyll fastpages without page reloads.

Backend Infrastructure (Spring Boot)

Data Model Extensions:

UserPreferences {

userId: String
themeConfig: JSON

primaryColor: String
secondaryColor: String
accentColor: String
backgroundStyle: String
fontPreference: String
}

API Endpoint Design:

• PUT /api/user/theme - Update color preferences
• GET /api/user/theme - Retrieve current theme settings
• POST /api/user/theme/reset - Restore default theme values

Frontend Implementation (Jekyll + JavaScript)

CSS Architecture:
Dynamic root variables injected via JavaScript, overriding default Jekyll theme properties with user-selected color schemes.

User Experience Flow:

1. Theme selector widget appears in site navigation
2. Color picker allows real-time preview of changes
3. Selections automatically save to backend via API calls
4. Theme persists across browser sessions and devices

Feature Specifications

Component	Functionality	User Benefit
Color Palette Manager	5 preset themes + custom color picker	Personalized visual experience
Live Preview	Instant application without page refresh	Seamless customization workflow
Cross-Device Sync	Preferences saved to user account	Consistent experience across platforms
Accessibility Mode	High contrast and colorblind-friendly options	Inclusive design compliance

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🚀 Sprint Deliverables

Final Outputs

1. Pedagogically-grounded Java casting lesson with embedded assessments
2. Production-ready theme customization system with persistent user preferences
3. Documentation package covering both educational design rationale and technical implementation