Newbie HTML Coding

zzim

I am a grad student in English Studies and am finding that I really should learn HTML coding. However, I had two brothers who monopolized the computer when I was growing up and so now, as a bookworm, I am sadly unlearned in just about all things computer.

I need to build a website for my students to access materials and resources. My department is pushing us to use ...wizzie wigs? However, every site that I like has been built from HTML coding.

So here's my question, and please keep in mind that I am in no way familiar with most computer "lingo":
What would experienced web site designers recommend to someone like me to quickly, but masterfully, learn to use and write with HTML coding?

Thank,
zzim

Willeth

Same advice we gave you here, really.

All a WYSIWYG (What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get) editor does is provide a nice program to edit HTML with. If you use Dreamweaver then you're still making a HTML website, it's just a much more friendly interface for you to use. The results will be the same. For a first-time user Dreamweaver or similar is what you want, as it'll correct any errors you might have or at least tell you where they are, and your site will automatically be up to web standards.

Also, if your students want to find information quickly, you need to focus on simplicity and build a website that is easy to use rather than making it fancy. As much as a lot of web designers will tell you to steer clear, the easiest and quickest way for you to do this right now is with frames - search out a web tutorial for how to make a website with frames (or use your WYSIWYG editor's built-in wizard) and there you go. What this allows is a very simple page with a permanent menu at the side for navigation.