Posted in Reviews

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About the product/service: As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I received a DVD called Web Design for Kids (...and Curious Grownups!)  This DVD features Brian Richardson, a middle school computer literacy teacher and technology expert.  Brian takes on the challenging task of teaching html to children and makes it look easy.  (I guess that's the definition of an expert!)

When Brian first had the idea to teach html to kids, he was looking for something that would not be boring, just busywork, or just plain confusing.  He wanted to give them a skill that would last a lifetime.  He actually said the idea to teach html sounded better to him the longer the thought marinated in his head.  Now, that actually sounds a little gross to me, to be honest, but guess what?  It really is a great idea!  He started teaching in the classroom, threw in some of what he calls "Sesame Street" language, and the rest, as they say, is history.  The next thing he knew he was putting the class on DVD so that kids (and adults) everywhere could learn html with ease.

Here's an excerpt from the website that will tell you a little more about the DVD in Brian's own words:

The DVD is approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes long and consists of seven chapters. Two preteen kids are on the DVD to keep you company and learn along with you! They actually ask a bunch of questions that (after 7+ years of teaching kids web design) I know will pop up in your child's mind! Some of the subjects covered in the DVD are:

• The 10 Basic Lines of Code
• Coloring the Background and Letters
• Making Letters Move Across the Screen
• Designer Backgrounds
• Changing Fonts
• Adding Pictures

There is also a Bonus Chapter on File and Folder Management. Basic things like how to create a folder, how to save things inside the folder, what to do if you accidentally save something in the wrong place, and much more!

What are the pros of this product? This product is very simple to use.  Even young children will be able to follow it and learn html.  Brian Richardson knows how to reach kids and teach them in a way they can understand.  Lots of people take html in college!!!

The product on DVD so your child can put it in the DVD drive and watch it right on the computer, and work as he or she goes.  If you don't have a DVD drive your child will have to watch it with a DVD player, but it's still doable.  Actually, it is a great lesson in taking good notes!  Have your child keep a notebook handy and he or she will have the notes whenever he or she wants to make a website!  Of course, if you're lucky enough to have a computer and TV in the same room, or better yet, a laptop, you've got it made!

Also, everything you need to make a website is already on your computer.  (At least it is on my PC running Windows.) You child will be able to sit down and start making a page right away.  Even if you don't have Internet, or simply don't allow your child on the Internet, you can make a web page right on the computer. 

What's not to like?  Well, Renaissance Man, my resident computer geek, says that some of the info is a bit outdated.  I can't really say one way or another as I haven't done any html programming in the past, other than making something bolded or italicized!  LOL 

Outdated or not, it still works, and for most kids I'm sure it's fine.  Anyone who really decides to get into html will most likely go on to learn the latest and greatest info.  It's always changing anyway, so what's latest and greatest today, will most likely be somewhat outdated in the near future.  This will still give you a fair amount of basic knowledge from what I can see.

The Crazy Mom take:  When I got this product a miracle took place in my home.  One of my kids is just in a really negative stage right now.  Everything, and I mean everything I want him to do, whether it be wake up, go to sleep, change his socks, do his chores, or whatever, is met with grumbling and complaining.  If it has to do with school, it's only worse.  BUT, I asked him if he would check this out for me.  He did.  And he did.  And he did.  He was always asking me for the DVD!!!  He spend hours on it, and did, indeed, learn lots of html.  That alone has convinced me that this is a great product!

What's the bottom line? Regularly $40.00  On Sale Now for $19.99 ($3.99 shipping and handling)  Money Back Guarantee!

I am going to give out of 4 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out!  http://www.webdesignforkids.net/

Click here for a free clip of the DVD!!!

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/709558/

*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Disclaimer!!!  I reviewed this product/company because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew.  I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others.  Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way.  I am in no way obligated to give a positive review.  I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal!  What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive. 

As with all products, you must do the research before buying.  Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying.  I can't guarantee that a product will work for you.  You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s).  I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review.  I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else.  I am simply giving my opinion, only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath.  Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!