I have been blogging regularly for a couple of years. I soon realized that there were times when it would be very helpful to understand the source code. I learned a little by trial and error, but I still had no idea what all the code meant. That's why I decided to take an on-line web design class last year. I enjoyed the class so much that I took a second course to learn even more HTML. (HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language, and it's the primary code for web pages.) My 11 year old son has also learned quite a bit of HTML by reading several different web design books.
Since my son and I enjoy working with HTML, I was happy to see Web Design for Kids (...and Curious Grown Ups) on the list of products for the Homeschool Crew. Web Design for Kids is an introductory web design course in DVD format. It is recommended for beginning web designers as young as 8 - 10 years old. (The appropriate age will depend on the amount of experience the child has with the computer and his level of interest.)
On the DVD, instructor Brian Richardson explains the basics of web design, step-by-step. It really couldn't be any simpler to learn HTML! Mr. Richardson explains what the code means, making it easy to master the concepts and produce original content.
The DVD includes:
Basic HTML Code
Adding pictures
Coloring letters and backgrounds
Making text move across the screen
And more
Here is a short sample of the DVD.
Both my son and I thought that Mr. Richardson did a good job of explaining. Although neither he, nor his students, are professional actors, their enthusiasm is apparent. It is admittedly corny at times, but as long as you watch the lessons separately, I don't think you'll suffer from a corny overdose.
Neither my son or I learned any new HTML from the DVD, but we both agreed it would make a good introduction to HTML. (We did discover a website that provides free backgrounds for web pages. That will definitely be useful!) One thing that I should note is that the course was produced using the Windows XP operating system. So the instructions for opening files and viewing web pages aren't exactly the same for Vista. It was not difficult for either of us to make the adjustment, but it would require the parent to help the student to learn how to correctly open and save files with their operating system. The HTML is identical for any operating system, so the majority of the content is unaffected.
Web Design for Kids is currently available on their website at a reduced price of $19.95 (plus S&H). That is a significant savings over the regular price of $40. Be sure to read more reviews of Web Design for Kids (...and Curious Grownups) at the Homeschool Crew Blog.
Disclosure: This product was provided to our family for free as members of the 2009-2010 Old Schoolhouse Magazine Homeschool Crew. Reviews and opinions expressed in this blog are our own.
My days are never dull as a homeschooling mother of 4 children. This blog contains views of our life, reviews of homeschool curriculum, book reviews, and helpful hints for homeschooling.
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