WCDA Website Construction
by Ian Talbot
The website was written at the request of WCDA Chair Doris Pearce.
I have been a friend of Doris for many years
and helped her in the past with other computer issues. My work background
is computer systems
and networks. After we discussed possibilities for getting a website
up and
running, we decided
that I
would "have a
go"
at doing
it myself
for
WCDA,
on voluntary
basis. I had been interested in finding out how web pages worked and
what was involved in writing them. Ironically I had been running the
servers which host web sites for several years, but had no real idea
about how the web pages that we all look at really worked. This seemed
an ideal
chance to combine learning with building something "real".
I enrolled on a Lancaster
University distance learning course "Introduction
to Designing Webpages via the Internet" with tutor Dr William
Johnson. I had also never done a distance learning course of any kind,
so I thought it would be a good chance to see how that learning style worked
for me.
The course starts with the basics in most
areas, although you are expected to know about using email and be generally
conversant in basic computer
use. Based over 10 weeks you are gradually introduced to the fundamental
ideas,
with a great emphasis on keeping things simple and clear. You are also
shown some real horrors about what NOT to do! Self motivation is important,
but William is very helpful and also provides many links to extra
information if you want to follow up on something. I always seemed
to do more than
the
estimated
3 hours
per
week. It also
shows you just how much free information there is out there on the numerous
web pages about website construction and design. People are very generous
with their knowledge and skills.
It can get quite addictive as you see the
page you have written start to work in a web browser, and the instant
feedback is one of the great
attractions. As soon as the page is "out there" you
see it working (or not often!) and you realise that the whole world can
see
it too.
You also realise that the website will never
be finished, as there are always tweeks and extra bits to write. Sorry
for references in this site
that say "more to be added" I will get round to it soon, honest.
The site you are reading is
hosted through a company called Fasthosts and it was through them that
the
WCDA domain
names
www.wcda.org.uk
and www.westcumbriadyslexiaassociation.org.uk
are registered. This costs a few pounds a year but is a relatively simple
process.
Always remember that there are two sides
to the process. One is the physical construction of the site, the second
is that someone needs to
give you the content to put in the pages. Once you have a working basic
outline building a page can be quick, provided you don't have to write
all the words too.
So go on, have a go.
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