Web development
tools have evolved rapidly over the past decade. At first, web developers
had to do all their programming by hand using HTML. Today, a wide range
of tools allow even beginners to created sophisticated websites.
Go to Internet
Architecture for the Web
from Eduscapes for a free online course.
Go to How
Web Pages Work by M. Brain from Howstuffworks.
Developing a web-based
project is easy. If you can use a word processor, you can create a web
page. The difficult part is designing the pages, organizing the content,
contacting partner schools, and managing student workgroups. Use the
following ten troubleshooting tips as you develop your web project.
- Project Planning.
Create a diagram showing the organization of your website as well
as the file names. Inspiration software works great for these types
of diagrams.
- File Names.
There are no spaces in file names. Also, keep file names short. Use
all lowercase letters. Don’t use symbols (i.e., commas, number
sign) in file names. You can save web pages with the .htm or the .html
file extension. However, remember which you used.
- File Management.
Create a folder/subdirectory with a short name. Store all web pages,
images, and other related files in this folder. Pay attention to where
files are stored on your hard drive.
- Text.
If you have all your materials prepared in Word, you can save them
as web pages. Open the document. Pull down the File menu and select
Save as Web Page. You may want to create a link that returns users
to your home page.
- Forms.
If you have documents such as forms, brochures, or other materials
that contain lots of formatting, consider saving them as a PDF file.
Users can then open these files with Adobe Reader. Many software packages
allow using the open to “save as a PDF” file.
- PowerPoint.
If you want to run your PowerPoint presentations on the web, open
the PowerPoint document. Pull down the file menu and select Save as
Web Page.
- Audios and
Videos.
Save audio and video files in your web folder. They will need to be
uploaded separately. Be sure to test your sound and video files on
various browsers.
- Graphics.
Crop graphics so only the relevant areas show. Resize graphics files.
Use 72DPI and around 200 width/200 height.
Save as .jpg or .gif. If you’re using Fireworks, use the Export
Wizard to help you build the smallest size files.
- Upload Information.
Keep a list of your FTP information including the host, directory,
username, and password needed to upload.
- Test.
After you upload, be sure to preview each page on both Mac and Windows
machines. Also test in both Explorer and Netscape browsers. When previewing,
be sure to Refresh after uploading revised files.
Macromedia
Dreamweaver. Macromedia Dreamweaver is the most popular web
development tool for professional web designers. Because it can be used
at many levels, beginners as well as advanced users can find success.
Use the following
off-site resources to learn more about using the Macromedia Dreamweaver
software:
Microsoft
Front Page. Microsoft Front Page is a well-known web development
tool. There have been multiple versions of this software, so be sure
to select a tutorial for your version.
Use the following
off-site resources to learn more about using the FrontPage software:
Home Page.
Although no longer available, Claris Home Page or Filemaker Home
Page is still popular at many institutions.
Use the following
off-site resources to learn more about using the Home Page software:
HTML.
Some people choose to create websites from raw HTML code. Learn
more about this option using the following resources.
Use the following
off-site resources to learn more about using the HTML software:
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