in your opinion (teaching web design)

Proper planning and continual attention to goals and objectives, proper mark-up, understanding of the wholistic nature of web design.

(basically, people tend to get too hung up on what it looks like and not how it's working on a variety of different levels)

First I tell them Less is More, also the perennial design tip KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid), third, know your colours, design with outcome in mind...

Teach them the underlying code - far too many 'web design' courses are actually 'learn frontpage/dreamweaver' courses. Also teach them the basics of how the internet works (dns, web servers etc). You can't be a truly effective designer unless you properly understand the medium that you work in.

I agree that you want to teach about the code - and that it is very important. But don't forget about design. I have seen too many web sites that have all kids of great technological features and the sites look awful. The site has to look good to get them there - but after that it had better work great to keep them there.

Yes, it's important not to get hung up on the gimmicks, which people tend to do when they're first starting out. That's why I think focusing on objectives is so important. It's easy to get distracted, which is understandable really. The sheer volume of factors to consider can be overwhelming.

1. Consistent page layout throughout.
2. Emphasize the content.
3. As Megan mentioned, make sure the web site is working to accomplish a specific goal or goals.

thanks guys this is the first site that gave me a straight answer all the other forums just made fun of me for haveing to ask

Even if you know a lot about web design this would be a tough thing to narrow down. There are so many things you teach them and so many important factors in good web design. You can't cover anything, and too many teachers (and web designers) tend to focus on one or two small parts of the big picture.

true

We try not to make fun of new guys. We wait until you've been around awhile, then we tease you mercilessly.

lol kwl i can dish it out too man

That's why Busy's moderator badge says modrater.

lol kwl and y is it that urs says admin???

Because she's the head honcho around here.

it was a joke lol i ment is she good at pokeing fun at ppl???

i ment no disrespect

LOL, nope! Not me

ook