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Peer Review

How to create a website

Reviewed:

Mar 31, 2009 by Information Technology
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 3.5 stars
Content Quality: 3.0 stars
Effectiveness: 3.2 stars
Ease of Use: 4.2 stars
Overview:

This is an introduction to creating Web pages using HTML. Basic elements are covered such as: headings, paragraphs, lines, links, graphics and forms. It can be used in class to supplement a beginning computer course or independent study course.
Type of Material:

Lecture/Presentation
Recommended Uses:

Become familiar with the basics of HTML or reinforce classroom presentation. In class, homework, and supplement to beginning computer course.
Technical Requirements:

Browser (IE, Firefox, Safari); word processors such as Word and Notepad.
Identify Major Learning Goals:

The student will learn basic HTML and java code. The student will learn how to embed images and animation on the web page. The goal is to give student basic instruction and exercises for creating a web page. Familiarity with use of the computer. Experience with a text editor is helpful.
Target Student Population:

Target population is high school and 2-year community college student. Subject matter is computer -related and would appeal to a non-technical adult population, especially older adults who want to learn web page creation.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Familiarity with use of the computer. Experience with a text editor is helpful. Skills needed are ability to go online and navigate the web, basic operation of computer and word processing knowledge.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

The Web page elements covered are core to the language. Visually the tutorial is easy to read. Writer uses plain language to describe web page creation and does not get overly technical and scientific. There are tabs along the left margin that correspond with the index. Fairly well written and easy to understand.
Concerns:

This material, while still useful on most browsers, reflects older standards. XHTML, for compatibility with XML, uses all lowercase tags, requires that all attribute values be quoted, and requires a value for all used attributes. In addition, all tags must be closed. Today, use of CSS is encouraged for all formatting. Terms need defining such as Unix Account and ftp. The writer can link off to a dictionary of terms when a word like Unix is used. The designer writes in a personal way as if she were talking to a class. An example is page 4 “Personally, I don’t see what the difference is…” The section on checkboxes would be improved by an explanation of the effect of the name attribute. The section on JavaScript would benefit from a distinction between Java and JavaScript.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

The presentation is clear, well-organized and in a logical sequence of usefulness and complexity. The writing style is conversational and easy to follow. A useful section on editing when using a Linux operating system is included. There is also a nice section on the history of animated gifs. Embedded links that link to sites that give tutorials for HTML and java coding.
Concerns:

The section on forms could be more useful if the author either provided a script to demonstrate how form values are received or provided instructions for finding one online. The student will need an independent source to understand the basic structure of a Web page: html, head, and body. No stated learning objectives and prerequisites. Writer assumes the student has computer and word processing skills. Found occasional grammar mistakes (lets should be “let’s”). This could distract from the overall tutorial intent. The site is incomplete; for example, there is a section titled “Troubleshooting” that is under construction. Another section “For More Information” has no link or narrative associated with it. . Two sections are not yet completed.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

There is a brief, helpful introduction on how to use the document. Links are well distributed and, with one exception at this time, functional. Visually easy to read. Website design is simple, not overloaded with graphics, color scheme is appealing (yellow background blue text, although the yellow is too bright for my taste). Links to external sites work. Left margin has links that correlate to the Index.
Concerns:

Some links are to “here”; these could be more informative as well as more accessible to people using screen readers. Screenshots would help demonstrate steps such as how to FTP (transfer) a file to a server. Advertisement for SiteRightNow on the home page is a paid host service and distracting. Placement should be elsewhere (at the bottom) or decrease the size so it is not as prominent. The first thing a visitor does is click the link to SiteRightNow which is placed below the title “How to Create a Web Page” expecting to learn more about web page design and instead gets a hosting service.
Other Issues and Comments:

The writer should be careful to grammar and spell check; write in a less personal and informal way. The writer may want to consider using a different color scheme, with subtler colors for the web site. The writer should remove the advertising from the home page. The writer may consider having two sections-- a beginner's section and advanced section, since java code is an advanced language compared to HTML.
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