Journal Entry #1

Jennifer Lau
GED 512
Reflection of Chapters 1-3

Robbins, J. (2012). Learning Web Design : A Beginner's Guide to HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Web Graphics. Sebastopol, CA: O'Reilly. 




Summary: 
 
After reading chapters 1-3, it really opened my eyes to just how much goes into web design.  Not only do you have multiple parts of the web page that consist of layers, but the URL itself also contains specific sections.  I knew it was a complex system, but when it is broken down in the text book, it really made me realize just how much it really consisted of. 

When talking about what you need to get a web page started, it seems pretty straight forward.  However, when you actually begin to build upon component and component, there are so many more details that need to be addressed before the whole comes together.  Though it may seem as though you only need the basics such as: an up-to-date computer, extra memory, a large monitor, scanner or digital camera, a second computer, and mobile devices, and the software, one really needs to know what the end goal is and what part can be done by yourself or if a team of experts is needed to achieve your goal.  When putting together all of the components, it was interesting to read that everything was made up of layers.  The CSS or cascading style sheets is made up like a layer of cake.  First, you would  need the structure or the foundation of the web page using HTML.  Next, you would to build upon that layer with style sheets called the presentation layer.  The last layer you would need is the behavior layer.  Here scripts are written up to make an interactive page.  Once all of these come together, the web page is ready to be navigated and is also appealing to the eye.  

Q1:  How would understanding the basic components of web design be beneficial?
A1:Knowing and understanding basic components of web design allows you to create a strong foundation of understanding in which you can build upon.  Creativity can be utilized more so when you understand what and why something is happening and how it looks.  When you have a basic understanding of web design, you can troubleshoot faster and learn to build upon what you know to create something new.

Q2:  Can a webpage be incorporated into my classroom? 
A2:  I have come across many technical difficulties with my district website.  It is supposed to be a plug and play type format where you can click the different sections and then post up the content.  Unfortunately, it is quite limited as far as creativeness goes and it is also quite visually boring.  By learning how to create a web page, I can then use the one I create rather than use the district version.  I can also create some sort of project where students can create a mock webpage that goes along with a book report of some sort.  This way, I can begin to prepare my students of the future more so rather than stick to the ways I am used to.  This allows me to learn and take a chance with technology rather than sit back and watch as my students begin to teach me everything that is so second nature to them with technology.