HTML, or hypertext markup language, is the basic "language" of most Web pages. Hypertext means you can click on a "link" and go to another page or another section of a page, just like you did to get to this page.
There are all kinds of software programs that help you to create Web pages, but it is also important to understand the codes. It's kind of like the difference between having a fancy new camera that will take great pictures automatically and a more traditional camera that you have to focus, set the flash and do other adjustments. Both will give you great photos, but if you have a camera you adjust yourself, you will probably have a better understanding of photography. Then, once you have learned some of those basics, you can use a fancy automatic camera and take even better photos because you really understand what's underneath all that fancy machinery.
HTML is like that, too, so we're going to start by doing a lot of the coding by hand. Then, once you have learned that, you can move on to Cracking the Code, Part 2 and learn about some of the software that will help you design Web pages.
I will be creating a series of lessons that will help you design a personal profile page. You can do whatever you like to your page, but it should look a little something like the sample one I did for myself (click here to see it).
You can do the lessons as quickly or slowly as you want. Just remember to ask for help if you need it! I will send everybody an e-mail when I have posted a new lesson. Good luck!
Lesson 1 Getting a web page file set up.
Lesson 2 The first HTML codes.
Lesson 3. More codes.
Here are a couple Web sites that teach about HTML:
The Beginners Guide to HTML from the University of Illinois
HotWired. You may have to register, but it's free. Check out Webmonkey and Web 101.