Lesson 1: Logging In and Changing Your Password
Welcome to the first lesson of the Modern Web Development Certificate. In this lesson, students learn how to access their personal WordPress website, update their account information, and create a secure password before beginning the remainder of the certificate program.
Your Personal Website
Students enrolled in the P.L.E.M. Academy Research Position or higher membership levels receive their own WordPress website.
This website is intended to serve as:
- A professional portfolio.
- A resume website.
- A location to host textbook projects.
- A place to document research activities.
- A long term record of professional development.
As students progress through the program, this website grows into a professional asset that can be used to demonstrate skills and accomplishments.
Logging Into Your Website
After receiving your website information:
- Navigate to the website URL provided.
- Add /login to the end of the URL.
- Enter the username provided.
- Enter the password provided.
- Select Remember Me if desired.
- Select Login.
This takes you directly into your WordPress dashboard where all future website work will be completed.
Your first task is simply becoming comfortable logging in and navigating the dashboard.
Editing Your Profile
After logging in:
- Select your username in the upper right corner.
- Select Edit Profile.
- Review the profile settings.
Students may:
- Verify their email address.
- Add a short biography.
- Upload a profile image.
- Customize personal information.
The email address should be checked carefully because it will be used for notifications and password recovery.
Changing Your Password
The first thing every student should do is create a new password.
Within the profile settings:
- Locate the password section.
- Select Set New Password.
- Create a secure password.
- Save the changes.
A secure password protects your website and the work that will eventually be stored on it.
Leave the Website Settings Alone
At this stage, students should focus only on updating their profile information and password.
Do not modify website settings unless instructed to do so in later lessons.
The goal right now is simply becoming familiar with the WordPress environment.
The Certificate Structure
The Modern Web Development Certificate is one part of a larger professional development system.
Students work through:
- Modern Web Development Certificate.
- Resume Building Certificate.
- Scientific Communication Certificate.
- Research Position activities.
Together, these programs create a structured pathway designed to build experience gradually over a period of 12, 24, and 36 months.
Rather than overwhelming students with information all at once, the program delivers knowledge one lesson at a time, creating what is described as an “IV drip” of experience and skill development.
Building a Professional Resume
The purpose of these certificates is not simply learning software.
The larger goal is building:
- Professional experience.
- Portfolio projects.
- Technical communication skills.
- Research experience.
- Resume worthy accomplishments.
Each lesson contributes a small piece toward creating a stronger professional profile over time.
Success is rarely built in a single day. It is built through consistent effort repeated over months and years.
Final Thoughts
Logging in and changing your password may seem simple, but it represents the first step in building your professional online presence. Before learning themes, menus, pages, certificates, and textbook development, students should become comfortable accessing and managing their WordPress account. This lesson establishes that foundation for everything that follows.