HTML & CSS from the beginning.

This course will become read-only in the near future. Tell us at community.p2pu.org if that is a problem.

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Full Description

Summary


Brand new to HTML & CSS and can't quite get it do what you want it to? This course will help you change that.

We'll start at the very beginning, covering the important things you need to know before you dive deeper into the wholesome world of crafting beautiful web pages.

Please note that the course is currently full for May 2011. If you would like to join the September 2011 intake add your name to the waiting list > http://jmcrl.com/fjdpz 

Learning Objectives


  • Understand the tools needed to author HTML & CSS
  • Understand what HTML is and what it does
  • Understand what CSS is and what it does
  • Develop a working knowledge of HTML syntax and terminology
  • Develop a working knowledge of CSS syntax and terminology
  • Get you to understand why writing good quality code is important for you and the world
  • Gently introduce you to some of the core concepts of HTML & CSS & without breaking your mind in half.

Prerequisites


Firstly, you must be dedicated to learn.

Secondly you'll need to be able to use a text editor to create and save files into specific folders

Any of these text editors will do, but if you're having a hard time choosing one then a text editor such as TextMate, TextWranger (Mac) or E - TextEditor Notepad ++ (windows), gVIm, kedit or gedit, emacs etc ( linux )

Notepad (windows) / Textedit (Mac) will not be suitable for this course as they have their own nuances that may get in the way of your learning at this stage.


Sign-Up Task


You should spend one hour on this sign up task.
 
Remember - not everyone will be able to take part in this course, there have been over 60 enquires about the course and there will be around 20 places, so it's up to you to make the hour you spend on this task count.
 
Also remember - this course is not about making 'cool looking websites', it's about building a foundation of understanding of html & css so you'll be able to build well crafted web pages.  
 
Finally remember - you are only in competition with yourself, not each other.

This course will be conducted in the open. We'll be using blogs and wikis to work with each other and give each other feedback on our work. You'll be expected to write blog posts each week ( about 1 hour ) do tasks ( about two hours ) and provide feedback to other people in the group ( 1 hour ).

That's 4 hours of commitment each week that you need to be able dedicate to the course.


Task 1

If you have a blog already proceed directly to task 2
 
If you don't have a blog, then you'll need to get one. The easiest route to doing this is to use a service such as posterous, tumblr or wordpress . It doesn't matter what it looks like, but you should be know how to use your blog to post text, images etc.  
 

Task 2

We'll be making use of self assessment and peer assessment in this course. 
 
On your blog I want you to create a new post called "HTML & CSS from the beginning - week 0"
 
In this post  I want you to rate yourself on a scale of 0-10 where 0 is 'none at all' and 10 is 'lots and lots' on the following questions. You can copy and paste the questions rather than type them out. Answer all of them and don't be concerned with impressing anyone. Concern yourself only with being truthful to yourself. This should take about 10 minutes.
 
  • I understand html
  • I understand the concepts behind HTML
  • I understand how to view the source of web pages
  • I understand how to structure a HTML document correctly
  • I understand the anatomy of a html tag
  • I understand how to use the right tag for the right purpose
  • I understand the difference between classes and id's
  • I understand what makes a good class name and a good id
  • I can 'think in html'
  • I understand css
  • I understand the concepts behind CSS
  • I understand how to view the source of CSS documents
  • I understand the best method to attach CSS to a HTML document in any given context
  • I understand how to apply style rules to a HTML document
  • I understand the general syntax of CSS
  • I understand the basic CSS selectors
  • I understand the advanced CSS selectors
  • I understand how different browsers interpret CSS
  • I can 'think' in CSS
  • I am able to bend spoons with my mind
  • I understand the quirkiness of browsers
  • I am motivated to learn
  • I am enjoying myself
 

Task 3

Now that you've answered the questions, I want you to  spend about 30 minutes writing another blog post.  I want you to called it "Why I want to study HTML & CSS from the beginning"
 
You can structure this however you want to, but you should cover the following ideas:
 
  • Why do you want do this course?
  • What you expect to learn?
  • Why did you give yourself the marks you did in task 2?
  • What do you already know?
  • What makes you happy?
  • What are you passionate about?
 
Once you've done this you submit the links to your blog posts in the sign up form.

I may not reply straight away, but I will answer everyone who submits via the signup form.
 
 
 

Task Discussion