WYSIWYG Editors for beginers
Quick question, any thoughts would be appreciated. I am putting together a camp this summer for kids ages 12-18 (beginer & intermediate) teaching the art of web page designing. Now, I know in my heart that I want to start these kids off teaching standard compliant HTML - no WYSIWYG. Is this realistic? Or will I be asking too much for the younger kids.
Second, what program (must be free) would you suggest for an HTML editor? I use Cold Fusion Studio at work, but that is not a solution for this camp. I have downloaded HTML-Kit, and this seems to be a decent program (no WYSIWYG). Any other ideas?
Third, graphic design. I will quickly and briefly be going over how to introduce graphics into a web page, including Layout design and optimization. I am currenty practicing up on my "GIMP" skills. This seems to be quite a robust graphics editor (and it's free), is there anything better out there?
Thank you in advance!
andy206uk posted this at 16:01 — 13th May 2003.
He has: 1,758 posts
Joined: Jul 2002
I personally think they'll benefit more from learning html, but its a long slog and some younger kids will stuggle.
If your going to use any product i'd say go with dreamweaver, its not cheap or free, but maybe macromedia would be willing to sponsor the course? If thats the case you could get fireworks as well. IMO i think these are the two industry standard peices of software for web design.
Andy
taff posted this at 18:47 — 13th May 2003.
They have: 956 posts
Joined: Jun 2001
I agree. If you're going to go wysisyg, go Dreamweaver. At least DW writes semi-decent html and the split pane option would allow them to learn both as they go. If you want to teach from a pure code perspective, HomeSite is a great little program - now owned by Macromedia also.
Graphics - I can't really advise you on this front since I'm using such a hodge-podge of old, dated (but comfortable and reliable) apps.
.....
Megan posted this at 19:54 — 13th May 2003.
She has: 11,421 posts
Joined: Jun 1999
You also might be able to get something like Photoshop Elements or Photoshop LE for a low price. I dont' know how different the gimp is though - it could be fine for just learning.
I would say that if you can't go WYSIWYG for your price, go with a really basic text editor. Something like Textpad or Ultra Edit or even notepad would be fine. HTML kit is an okay program but may be a little too complicated (and specific) for beginners. If they learn some basic HTML skills they'll always be able to transfer them to any other editor. I think that teaching transferrable skills would be more important than anything in this case. It is too bad that there aren't more good, cheap WYSIWYG editors.
Megan
Connect with us on Facebook!
nicora posted this at 20:40 — 13th May 2003.
He has: 267 posts
Joined: Nov 2001
Although I don't use DW myself, if it wasn't cost prohibitive - it would be my first choice. I have contacted macromedia per andy206uk's suggestion
(which was really a good idea - thx!), I will just have to see what they say. But if that falls through, then I think I agree with Megan in that simple = more.
I myself learned in Textpad and transitioned into CF Studio with ease.
I looked into Photoshop Elements 2, great deal - but again, I was really hoping to cut costs by using free software. I'm a Photoshop fanatic, and somewhat
of an expert. I would love to use an Adobe product to teach with, but if you really look into what "The Gimp" can do, it's quite impressive for a free
application. But, I am also going to contact Adobe with the same prposition as Macromedia. Hopefully I'll hear back soon, will keep you posted.
Thanks very much for the suggestions/ideas - keep them coming, they have been great!!
kb posted this at 22:50 — 13th May 2003.
He has: 1,380 posts
Joined: Feb 2002
I started at the ripe old age of somewhere around 9 or 10. It wasn't that hard. If you are intimidated, though, find a friend who has a site. THen look at the code, and try to reverse engineer it. AFter you figure stuff out, then start going to stuff like webmonkey.com and such to learn exactly what everything means. Don't do the WYSIWYG editors, you will only be hurt in the long run.
Busy posted this at 00:04 — 14th May 2003.
He has: 6,151 posts
Joined: May 2001
instead of a graphics program, what about just using clipart - graphic creation/ layouts could be advanced class
have heard a few good things about arachnophilia, I believe it's freeware
dk01 posted this at 06:39 — 14th May 2003.
He has: 516 posts
Joined: Mar 2002
As someone who actually taught kids for my school's website I would encourage teaching them html and not even bring up the option of WYSIWYG editors. I had to run around the class doing all this basic html that DW MX had messed up. Like megan said, making the "portable" will be better for them in the long run and will hopefully make them more employable. Sounds like a neat camp. looking for teachers??
-dk
Want to join the discussion? Create an account or log in if you already have one. Joining is fast, free and painless! We’ll even whisk you back here when you’ve finished.