Welcome!

If you are thinking of taking GMU ENGH 375 + 507 course, Web Authoring and Design, be prepared to learn extensive information on HTML/CSS and learning how to critically analyze a website. In this course you will learn how to be an effective designer by coding. This course moves at a rather fast pace in nature, so it’s not a class to absent mindedly take.

What will I read?

  1. The Elements of User Experience, Second Edition by Jesse James Garrett (referred to as JJG)
  2. HTML & CSS- Design and Build Websites by John Duckett

What will I do my first day?

You will start scanning the room for your friends and of course, awkward introductions. You’ll have a computer to work on, so don’t worry about carrying your laptop or tablet to class. You will heavily use the computer, so get comfortable quick. The professor will introduce you to the class page. This page is treated like an electronic syllabus. Everything from assignments, projects, resources, and links are on the class page. The professor will help the class set up their, domain name, connect to the GMU server and begin the basics of HTML.

What is homework like?

Homework are Modules posted on the class page. Modules are activities you will add to your webpage. The professor will view your modules and weekly pull up well done modules within the class. Try your best to complete modules on time, so you do not fall behind! You will need the same software you use in class to be accessible at home.

What software do I download on my own computer?

Notepad++ this is the software you use to do your coding…think of it as the place you enter your writing for modules. SSH Secure Shell this is the software you use to transfer your work on Notepad++ and pictures to the server. GIMP or Photoshop this is software you use to edit pictures to include on your webpages.

Wait…slow down! What the heck is HTML and CSS?

Alright, let’s break it down a bit. Keep in mind, coding does not come easy to some because it becomes a different language essentially, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t understand thing at first. But let’s define the acronyms.

HTML:HyperText Markup Language, is used to create webpages, consisting of and tags inside them. Tags work in open and closing pairs. The HTML is what makes up the language of the text and becomes the structure of a website. Do not get this confused for programming language! HTML allows you to embed images and links…There are a tons of tags so don’t get overwhelmed yet!

CSS:Cascading Style Sheets, is used for setting the format and design of a website. Think of color, font and how things look on a page. With CSS you manipulate how and where things can go on a webpage. CSS is designed separate from the HTML.

Still Confused?

Think of HTML as a human body and the CSS as the clothing and accessories you add. The HTML where you WRITE what will be visible to your audience, whereas; CSS is where you DESIGN your webpage telling the text and pictures what to do. HTML and CSS work hand in hand. With practice you will be able to understand codes functions.

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