Why Every Educator (and Student) Should Know HTML (and 5 Free Ways to Learn It If You Don't Already)

written by Andrew Coy.


Every educator and student should know HTML.

To me, this is the digital equivalent of saying: "Every student should be able to write an essay." And in truth, their are a lot more similarities between these two than differences. An essay is nothing more than a mode of communication -- an attempt to convince, prove, or at least argue a point of view. A blog post (in many ways) is an abbreviated, relaxed, at times more personal, and more interactive younger brother to the essay. Interestingly enough, however, whereas an essay has an audience of 1 (the teacher) -- a blog post has an audience of potentially millions physically anywhere.

And blog posts are written in HTML, which makes using HTML the equivalent of knowing how to use Microsoft Word (or OpenOffice, or Pages, etc.). HTML is how you put your thoughts on digital paper. And as this blog suggests, teaching is possible without paper -- a fact society is demonstrating every day in more areas than just teaching.

But if you have missed opportunities, have yet to get around to it, or simply haven't know where to start learning HTML, then now is a good time to change that.

HTML has been around since the web -- in fact, HTML is the web. Tim Bernes-Lee proposed the idea in 1989, created the framework shortly thereafter and over the past 20+ years it has proved to be the most flexible, simple, and enduring means of organizing the web. As Wikipedia puts it, "HTML elements form the building blocks of all websites."

The good thing about HTML is that everyone who uses it, puts things out on the web -- which means there are nearly endless amounts of resources at your disposal. I have highlighted 5 ways you can start learning HTML for free.

W3Schools.com

W3Schools.com is how I started learning HTML. Their site is a bit cluttered with advertisements perhaps, but nothing outdoes their Try it yourself » feature. They understand that there really is no better way to learn than by doing. And at each step of learning HTML W3Schools does a great job of breaking it down with "Try It Yourself" examples. Similarly, their reference section is also excellent. I still find myself there on a regular basis when I have a question. And if you get into more coding, their CSS, PHP, JAVASCRIPT, ASP, and SQL tutorials are also worth a visit.

WYSIWYG

If you have a blog (such as Blogger, WordPress, or the like) than you know that they have typically made it is easy to bold or underline text with a simple button. You may have also noticed there is usually a tab to toggle between "Compose" mode and "HTML" mode. The great thing about this is that you can learn HTML simply by going back and forth -- changing one thing in the "Compose" (WYSIWYG) mode and and then looking to see the HTML code behind it.

Online Books

If you are the type that just wants it spelled-out in a book, there are plenty of options for you. You don't even have to leave your computer or spend any money. Simply use something like Google Books to find one that is free. I found this "Basic Guide To HTML" by Jesse Dallas without much trouble at all (just limit your search to those with "full view only" to narrow your results). is a very simple to follow, thorough, and surprisingly not outdated option.

YouTube It

Put the power of YouTube to work teaching you how to code HTML. It's easy; is great for the visual learners; and will make sometimes complex steps much simpler to understand. While there is certainly a lot more out there in text, and the text is much easier to search and use as a quick reference, sometimes there is nothing better than watching someone else walk you through the steps while explaining them to you in plain english.
(another example video)

Friend / Library Finally, if nothing I've suggested works for you, find a friend, check out your local library, or see if there are classes near where you live. Maybe you just need someone right there explaining it, or a book to hold, or a class to make you accountable to someone.

Conclusion

The great thing about learning HTML is that it empowers you to put your ideas out there in front of the world while simultaneously freeing you from the confines of the little buttons on any given website. You can resize images, add tables, change font colors, and do whatever else you want all with simple commands that don't take too much to learn. Once you have learned HTML, your ideas do not need to be confined to the single-space Times New Roman with 1.25 inch margin defaults that the essay was before you learned how to use Word/OpenOffice/Pages.

American Apparel HTML/CSS Producer (Los Angeles)

	Title	HTML/CSS Producer - Los Angeles
	Location	USA / California, Southern
	Category	Web / E-Commerce
	Type	Full Time / Regular
	Criteria	Entry Level
Description
	Are you a web guru? This is the job for you! American Apparel, an innovative and fast-growing clothing manufacturer and retailer in Downtown Los Angeles, is looking for a talented Web Producer to work on our Web Team. We need someone who is exceptionally passionate about great web sites and knows all the tricks, shortcuts, abilities and limitations of the web browser environment. If your friends go to you to take their web site to the next level, this position is for you! As a Web Producer you will build the front-end web experience in collaboration with designers, writers, project managers, and application developers. You must be very detail oriented and willing to go above and beyond. American Apparel's Web Team cares deeply about its online web presence. The candidate must be able to produce pixel-perfect HTML designs under both PC as well as Macintosh browser platforms. Experts in CSS and HTML/DHTML design will have a blast as they learn from our on-site experts. This is an entry level position. Mid-level or advanced candidates are encouraged to apply for other positions on our site at http://employment.americanapparel.net/employment/ American Apparel is a company that values enthusiasm and innovation. If you have the skills and energy – we’ve got the challenge and reward. The environment is fast, friendly, dynamic, and presents an excellent opportunity for the right person. Responsibilities: Work on specific front-end projects and update existing content Take ownership of implementing user interface and cross-platform quality assurance Be responsible for turning Photoshop design comps into pixel-perfect HTML renderings Collaborate with project managers, designers, and writers Be detail oriented and meticulous Strive to augment skills and add new capabilities to the team Requirements: Position is a full-time position from Tuesday through Saturday. Hours are flexible and to be negotiated with the candidate. Minimum 1 yr of front-end web development experience Advanced familiarity with client-side web capabilities and limitations, including Safari, Internet Explorer, and Firefox Advanced experience with each of the following: HTML, JavaScript, DHTML, and Cascading Style Sheets Experience ASP Classic/.NET technologies are advantageous to the candidate, but not required Strong English communication skills, but fluency in another language is preferred: Spanish, French, German, Italian, or Japanese Important: Please include a sample of html code that you've written as part of your resume During the interview process, we will ask you to produce a brief coding sample Find out who we are. Check out www.americanapparel.net and www.americanapparelstore.com You must have all required skills You must be authorized to work in United States for any employer You must be able to attend an interview at Downtown Los Angeles facility You must be willing to work on-site at Downtown Los Angeles facility, no contractors please No relocation offered

Posted by Kris Iringan

Charlotte Russe Associate Web Designer (San Francisco, CA)

SUMMARY
Primary focus is design of U.I. and Marketing materials and digital assets for eCommerce, Social Media and Digital Engagement programs. We have an immediate need at Charlotte Russe for a Web Designer to design and execute U.I. and digital content components to elevate our large eCommerce and Social Networking presence. This role works closely with our eCommerce & Marketing teams at our corporate headquarters in San Francisco, California. The ideal candidate will be a digital design rockstar with 2+ years of experience in a web graphic design role at a digital agency or eCommerce creative department with formal design training and possessing strong UI/interaction design, visual design, and typographical skills. An expert understanding of Photoshop, HTML, Flash and the capabilities of Web browsers is desired; strong understanding is essential.

You will work within the established technical and design specifications. In this role, you are expected to analyze and design the layout and architecture for a user-friendly experience. Creating general U.I. mockups and production artwork as well as problem solving for multiple platform types. Looking for a highly efficient, visually gifted and technically skilled digital designer artist (this is a design role, but some programming may be required) with the abilities to understand creative direction and translate that to achieve a specified look and feel. This role requires creative problem solving and an ability to thrive in a fast paced, high volume digital studio environment. This position is part of a marketing design team focused on selling women’s apparel, footwear, handbags and accessories.

You will be responsible for maintaining consistently high standards for accuracy, aesthetics, detail and productivity. This position requires expertise in Graphic Design and in the ability to use Adobe Creative Suite 4. It also requires an ability to judge color accuracy and troubleshoot file and font issues. Knowledge of XML, Java, PHP, ActionScript and AppleScript is preferred. Must be extremely flexible with work hours when and if extra time is required to meet critical milestones.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Design compelling visual treatments for digital UI’s, intuitive menus and strategic, yet engaging content to drive sales.
• Apply and maintain a consistent art style throughout the entire project.
• Work closely with design and technology teams to conceptualize and prototype functionality, look and feel.
• Create conceptual wireframes, user flow diagrams, and high-fidelity prototypes to solidify design direction and plans.
• Identify priorities and gaps in current designs, and contribute/iterate creative solutions.
• Maintain familiarity with all active user interface designs—both the live projects and upcoming releases.
• Provide artwork to support team-wide project communication and vision.
• Communicate designs in a technical manner for programmer implementation or digital production processing.
• Work closely with leaders and internal clients; listening to them and articulating their situation, goals, and
• requirements.
• Participate in multiple projects; concept development, design and implementation; assigning and performing
• tasks, presenting, and reporting progress.
• Work closely with internal business partners as well as Information Architects, Developers and Project Managers
• to deliver exceptional results ensuring the creative product meets strategic goals, functional requirements and business expectations.
• Provide and follow conceptual and design direction within a team.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Expert design and layout skills.
• Ability to be both highly creative and technical.
• Expert understanding of Digital processes and the ability to define and work within specifications.
• Strong understanding of Print processes and the ability to define and work within specifications.
• Strong Internet technology skills, an ability to prototype and to communicate with UX & Development teams.
• Expertise with Adobe Photoshop required, with experience creating layers and redlines for web development.
• Expertise with Adobe Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Typefaces, & web production required.
• Experience with Flash and querying/parsing data from XML or databases is a plus.
• Understanding of RGB & CMYK color spaces.
• Ability to work on both Mac and PC platforms (eCommerce CMS tools). Primarily Mac.
• Organized with the ability to manage numerous projects, tight turnaround times, scheduling conflicts,
• revisions and technical challenges effectively.
• Ability to independently solve problems is an essential skill for this position.
• Ability to take direction within an ad agency enviroment.
• Ability to sustain professional demeanor despite unscheduled work, revisions and short timetables.
• Ability to understand technical implementations and limitations.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent documentation and presentation skills.
• Enthusiasm for the creative and technical processes. Desire to explore, understand and use new software and other technological advancements related to our business.
• Have a proactive work ethic, capable problem solver who is not afraid of big challenges.
• Passion for Fashion.

To Apply for this position, please CLICK HERE

• Location: San Francisco, CA
• Compensation: Competitive
• Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
• Please, no phone calls about this job!
• Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

PostingID: 1730304272


Posted by Kris Iringan