Why Learn To Code (or Do I Really Need to Know This?)

Learning should be "hard fun"

Halfway through the week and some of you (most of you?) are probably wondering if learning about this HTML stuff is actually worth the frustration. As I mentioned the first day, although I am not expecting you all to be able to, or even want to, sit down and write out HTML code to build out your websites, I do think that understanding what you are looking at, and being able to troubleshoot your work because you are at least a little familiar with tags and attributes and what you are looking at.
So you are probably wondering "is it worth my time"? Can't I just use one of the products or systems out there that allow me to create a website without looking at any code at all? And of course the answer is yes.
But the other answers can also be, it satisfies a certain curiosity about what coding is all about, that is you know some of the rules, you are then able to break them, that as designers or artists, you can have more control over the design and functionality of your website.
I don't wish frustration and angst upon anyone! Remember to take a few deep breathes throughout the day and realize that much of what I am showing you and demonstrating for you is indeed somewhat complicated to figure out in just 1 week. There are many websites out there that can be helpful, tutorials you can follow to learn HTML, CSS, and even more complicated web tools.
Code Academy is another way of learning about coding. My middle school students have enjoying learning JavaScript using this site. You work through lessons and progress at your own speed.
There are also some great basic books on HTML that you can use to help you. If you plan on using Dreamweaver to build your sites, there are books that specifically talk about that program. Just make sure you get a book that matches up with the version of Dreamweaver you are using.
If you have a little time this summer look through some of these resources. If you have any questions, please email me!