Final Phase: Website construction

We will be finishing up your websites next week, so in tonight's class we will talk about other methods of construction you will use for this project. Namely: tables. Tables aren't really necessary these days with CSS and other methods of formatting web content, but what do you do if you don't understand CSS? That's right, use good, old-fashioned tables.

We will talk in class about how to insert a table into Dreamweaver, how to align it on your page and how to create that nice grid you've been working on with your refined wireframes. Make sure to have your photoshop files handy so we can start dropping them into your new tables!

You will continue working on your website designs tonight in class. I will see how far along everyone is and will make a call on turning them in at the beginning of class on Monday, or waiting until the end of class.

HOMEWORK:

• Keep working on your websites!

Back to work on your websites!

O.k., so we backtracked a little and got you some more info on actual website construction. Now, you're ready to start working on your website project again! Remember all the things I said about keeping it simple and creating (and sticking to) a grid!

We'll be working on these all night in class tonight and Monday, too.

NO HOMEWORK other than working on these.

Page content: colors, styles and tables.

Tonight we are going to start to alter a Dreamweaver file to fit your specific taste for a website. You will be learning how to set up your page preferences and alter things like your background color, text color, etc. as well as learn how to incorporate a background image into your website. You will also start to learn about tables, how to create them, how to center them on your page, etc.

Tonight's lessons will get you started in the creation of your websites that you have wireframed. You will find that some of your designs will be VERY hard to build with the limited knowledge you have of Dreamweaver and HTML, so you may need to revise your wireframes to make your pages a little simpler. If you have questions regarding your wireframes, please take some time to ask me about them during class.

HOMEWORK:

• Start thinking about how your web site design may need to change.

• Update your wireframes if necessary

• Come to class on Wednesday prepared to begin working on your website. Bring all necessary materials with you such as photographs, graphics, wireframes, etc.

Ch 16: Files and Servers

Tonight we are going to get more in-depth with how to save your html files and more importantly, WHERE to save them. As I discussed with you in class on Monday, saving your html files, images and content management files in your ROOT folder is critical when creating websites. During tonight's exercises, you will see the proper way to create this root folder, you will find out how to save files to it, and you will also see how to use it to create quick, easy links to other pages while working in Dreamweaver.

Please read Chapter 16: Files and Servers and complete the exercises. These will be due at the beginning of class on Monday.

HOMEWORK:

• Read Chapter 16: Files and Servers in your textbook.

• Complete the exercises from Chapter 16

• Turn in a copy of your root folder (containing your html files) on my flash drive

• These are due at the beginning of class on Monday.

Cool tool for wireframing!

Just saw these and had to share. A sketch pad made specifically for WIREFRAMING! They are a little pricey, but it's such a good tool for those wanting to be web designers. You can also get the stencil kit that will help you draw all your doo-dads on your wireframes!

VERY cool stuff!

Ch 15: Learning how to code HTML

Tonight we will start to explore the world of HTML (hypertext markup language.) You should have already read over chapter 15 in your textbook to familiarize yourself with what we will be doing today, so let's hit the ground running and start coding some HTML!

We will begin at the beginning and start off by hand-coding your first web page. Follow the instructions in your book CLOSELY or your HTML document will not function correctly! HTML is a very particular programming language. All of your commands must be made in the right order, all tags must have and tags formatted correctly and be free of clutter in order to function properly to display your web page.

Follow along with Chapter 15: Hello World! in your textbook and complete the exercises. You should end up with a FOLDER that contains your html file, your dreamweaver file, etc. Please turn in the complete folder for your homework!

HOMEWORK:

• Complete the exercises in Chapter 15: Hello World! in your textbook.

• Turn in your FOLDER that contains your html file and dreamweaver files when finished.

• This assignment is due at the beginning of class on Wednesday!

Class will NOT meet on Wednesday - but you still have an assignment!

Due to a significant number of students telling me they will not be in class on Wednesday, I have decided that rather than going over something in class for the few that show up, and having to re-teach it to the missing students after break, that I'm just going to cancel class for Wednesday, March 2nd.

However, I want you to read over chapter 15 in your textbook (pp. 239-257) and familiarize yourself with html and dreamweaver so we can hit the ground running and start building your websites when you come back from break. I am not requiring that you do the exercises to turn in just yet, but we will do them in class once you return.

Please don't blow this assignment off because we aren't meeting in class. I am giving you a free night, so please do as I ask and read the chapter so you will be ready when we start talking about this stuff.

No other homework. Have a fun and safe spring break!