Vaadin is an open source framework that simplifies the development of rich internet web applications. The Vaadin framework is built on top of Google Web Toolkit, and as such it allows us to develop a rich internet web application as if we were developing a standalone application.
I have recently started to develop my Vaadin on-going course. You can find its community version available for free personal usage at www.abelski.com. I have recently completed to develop its first topic. You can download its slides and watch its video clips below. I believe they will assist you doing your first steps.