Blog #2

Description of using HTML and CSS

During this assignment, we started with learning how to create a basic HTML page. We learned the basic tags to create a web page, as well as formatting, placing images, inserting tables, and how to link to web pages by reading the tutorials. Our assignment was to HTML code a basic web page using a text editor. Our page had to include the following:

• inserting an image
  
• text hyperlink to outside source
• text hyperlink to email account
• line of text using header tag
• an unordered list.

For our CSS assignment, we were required to edit a style sheet to create a different look. We were required to make ten edits. The edits included the following:

• font color
• font size
• heading tag
• change placement of image
• background color for one div or
• change padding or margin of element

We then uploaded the edited file to the content folder and the assignment tool.

Obstacles Encountered

During the HTML assignment, I encountered two obstacles, adding an image to the page and adding the link to my email.

During the CSS assignment, I encountered obstacles also. The first obstacle was looking for the assignment in the content section of BlackBoard. I kept looking for it but I was unable to find it. This was resolved by my instructor.

The next problem I had was selecting background colors for the CSS assignment. I tried many different colors together and really had a hard time finding the ones that worked well together for a web page. I have spent a lot of time trying to make the colors look appealing.

Obstacles Resolved

I encountered two obstacles, adding an image to the page and adding the link to my email during the HTML assignment. Adding the email link was easily resolved. I resolved the problems by emailing my instructor. First, I watched the tutorials again to make sure that I did not miss the email linking instructions. Once I still was unable to find the information, I sent my instructor an email. She immediately answered with instructions on how to link the email. Once I received her instructions, that part of the assignment was easily resolved.

I was not so lucky on the adding an image part. I reviewed the tutorials numerous times trying to figure out how to add an image on my page. I spent two days working on this one part of the assignment. At this point, I was starting to become a little frustrated and decided to google how to put an image on an HTML page. I was able to find a site that provided clearer instructions to me. I discovered what I was doing incorrectly, fixed it, and there was my image.

During the CSS assignment, the first obstacle was finding the assignment on BlackBoard. I resolved this obstacle by emailing my instructor. There was a problem with the files which she corrected and then we were able to access the files.

The second obstacle I encountered was trying to find colors that went together for a web page. I have tried many different combinations of the colors on the CSS document. I have used trial and error by uploading the file with the different colors to see if they looked appealing. As far as resolving this problem, I am not sure it is resolved. I am still not completely happy with the colors I have selected to go together. I believe I need to find some information to help me resolve this problem.

Successes Experienced

The biggest success I experienced with this assignment is the fact that I actually created pages that could be on the web. I never thought I would be able to do such a thing. I know basic information to create a page to put on the internet. I also found there are many tutorials available to guide you step by step in the creation of your site. Even though I struggled with getting the images to work, I stuck with it and was successful at creating the page.


Future Project Ideas for HTML and CSS

I do not know where to start with the future project ideas. First I would like to learn more about the concepts before I really use it to do any big projects. I would like to eventually use the information to create a web page for the 8th grade teachers where I work. A place were parents and students could get information about the classes, how to contact teachers, etc. The web site at our school is not great so I would like to do something for the 8th grade teachers first then maybe the middle school eventually.