Learning is a constant
I find myself drawn to a higher level of proficiency in web design (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) without even wanting to. Having long had the work ethic to get into problem that needed solving, I took over the design of a fairly complex online store from a vendor that just did not deliver to the expected standard. Name of the supposed guilty withheld. This is the web and where I may have a beef with them, your case may be quite different and you may be very satisfied. Professionalism and responsible behavior dictate that we resist the temptation of the web and not start blasting people and businesses in a one-sided tirade.
Almost always, pleasant surprises await you
One of the pleasant outcomes of my unexpected burden has been the quality of guides on the market to help people with low web skills gain much higher proficiency in these essential future competencies. Knowing how to add, say, <h2>and</h2>tags to a page is not that big a deal. A web page should not sit in limbo over a weekend because ‘the ‘web developer has gone home and no one knows how to add the missing sub-heading.’
Make use of the outstanding tools at your disposal
From my vantage point as an improving webmaster, two tools that stand out are Thesis Theme, which I use to run this site. I know, I know, I need to make Chris Pearson more proud. But am just updating to 1.8 now and undertaking a major revamp. The other is “Head First HTML with CSS and XHTML,” which, in my opinion, is just a screaming success. As an advanced learner myself, I get a chance to appreciate all the new fanged neuroscience-based learning insights we preach to others in my role as a relative novice. I love to promote those stand-out products that help me to make big strides so I have added the “Head First” book to my recommended list on the Skillsladder store–in fact, Head First JavaScript is my next stop. I asked my vendor for some scrolling JavaScript text and the bill was a few hundred. The book will pay me back by a factor of 10 in no time flat, I’m sure. And look for the Thesis Theme link in my sidebar as I complete this revamp soon.
Edmund DelSol is a business learning and development advisor based in Ajax, Ontario.