Lets start off by talking about the parts of a web page.  The main file that makes up a web page is in HyperText Markup Language (HTML) format.  As a matter of fact, the most basic web page is made up of just one file, with a name like something.html (the important part is the .html extention on the name).  You have seen the html language on what is a web page.  Another very important component to a web page is the graphics.  Graphics can be illustrations, photos, maps, graphs, and even icons or buttons that lead the user to another part of your web site. So far, we have two main parts of the web page, the page itself with the HTML code, and the graphics files that are included in the page.  It is important to contantly keep in mind that the graphics files need to go along with the html file.  If I have created a web page and I want you to see it, and it has pictures on it, I have to give the .html files and the graphic files.  There are other types of files that could be associated with a web page (a sound file, a movie, a cookie), but for now, we will focus just on .html files and graphic files.

When you start to work on  a web page, you usually will want to step back and think about the concept. What are you trying to share with your audience? Is this a lesson, a presentation, a library, an information center? What is the point of your page?  Once you have that thought out in your mind (and this may take a while), you will want to start thinking about what you want the user to see when they get to your site.  To start off, I like to create a "storyboard" that describes my web site. For example, this might be a storyboard for a site with six pages:
The main page (Page One), is the page where the user visiting my website would start out (this page is typically called "index.html" so that the user can just type in the location of the directory where the site is stored, rather than the location AND an additional name).  Here you see a main page, and then five buttons across the bottom of the page that the user can click on to find additional information or resources.  Each of these "buttons" are actually links to the other five pages at my site.  This way, if someone who visits my site is interested in what is on page five, they don't have to see pages two, three, and four to get there. For example, I may decide that I want to create a site on volcanos.  The main page would introduce the topic, might include a graphic, and the buttons across the bottom would lead the user to more specific information, like "Active Volcanos in North America" or "Why do Volcanos Erupt?".

When you begin to think about what will be included in your web site, you might want to start with your own storyboard.  Click here for a blank storyboard that you can print out for yourself.

Before you start to create your website, read throught the The Tenets of Effective WEB Site Design from Net Profit in a Post Modem World created by Jamie McKenzie.  The first 17 are particularly important.

Now that you have an idea and basic structure for your website, let move on to finding out more about HTML editors.

On to HTML Editors or go back Home.

If you have any problems with this CD (or ideas for changes), click on the   icon or send email to sirvine@american.edu.