Favorite Online Resources
There are a number of wonderful online resources available to assist in web design, coding practices, accessibility, and usability. The following are a few recommendations.
Training/Tutorials
- HTMLDog.com
- Beginning, intermediate and advanced HTML (but directed toward XHTML) and CSS with focus on separation of content (HTML) and presentation (CSS).
- W3CSchools.org
- A-Z tutorials (HTML, XML, client and server scripting, .NET, multimedia), examples, quizzes, references.
Mentored Training
IWA-HWG
International Webmaster Association - HTML Writers Guild
http://www.hwg.org/
- Offer over 50 instructor led classes.
- Topics vary: HTML, XHTML, CSS, programming, scripting, design, project management, databases, and use of specific tools.
- Classes run 6 - 8 weeks.
- Reading, assignments, interaction with other participants.
- Instructors are active professionals in the field.
- Certifications available.
- Classes cost $60 - $240, but discounted 50% or more with guild membership (at $49/year)
- I've completed a number of classes in the past few years, including: Introduction to Dreamweaver, Managing Web Design Project, Accessible Web Design, Introduction to Web Design, Photoshop Level 1, Introduction to HTML, Intermediate CSS Workshop, Cascading Style Sheets - Level 2, Introduction to XHTML, Intro to Programming Concepts, CSS 2.1 in Depth, Intermediate XML
Tips & Tricks
- A List Apart
- “For people who make websites” ... explores the design, development, and meaning of web content, with a special focus on techniques and benefits of designing with web standards.
- Meyerweb.com
- The CSS guru. Especially useful framed version of the W3C CSS 2 Specification. Also maintains a good blog watch. See also Eric Meyer on CSS and More Eric Meyer on CSS - great stuff!
- The Web Standards Project
- A grassroots coalition fighting for standards that ensure simple, affordable access to web technologies for all.
- SelectOracle
- Ever wondered what a particularly complex CSS selector really means? Here's your chance to find out!
Validation Services
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W3C
Site Valet
Accessibility/Usability
- Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
- Very useful resources list.
- Section 508
- Tools and resources.
- useit.com
- Jakob Nielsen's Web Usability Alertbox articles.
Design and Management
- Web Style Guide
- Sections on process, interface design, site design, page design, typography, editorial style, graphics, and multimedia.
Writing
- Writing for the Web
- Research on how users read on the Web and how authors should write their Web pages.