The Importance of HTML

HTML coding brings me back to days as a high school student in advanced computer science. Honestly, I chose this class because it was the only weighted technology course I could take, as I was required to take at least one computer-related class. What I didn’t realize was how difficult the class would be. No, I did not walk away with a new-found love for C++, nor do I think the skills I obtained in that class will ever help me again. What I did discover, however, was an appreciation for the people who do enjoy computer coding and those who create the everyday programs we all know and love. Never before had I realized how complicated computer language could be. That being said, I am eternally grateful for the Microsoft Expression Web program; I’m not sure I could survive another lesson in online coding. But I know there are many other people out there who live for HTML and other codes, and even with the aid of advanced software, still chose to memorize every individual number and character for its function and use them together to tinker with future creations. HTML specifically builds internet web pages. I, for one, can really appreciate all the hard work a designer using HTML puts into his site; I really do know how amazingly complex it all is. Though it might seem easier to use Microsoft Expression or others like it for simple web designs, it is important that the pros still know and understand the HTML language. The software programs can only help one for so long, though after awhile, the limitations of that program would soon be noticed. For instance, font color and style has apparently been difficult to work with in Microsoft Expression. It of course isn’t impossible to do this via Expression, but things become increasingly difficult if it is only a small piece of data you want to change. As far as it can work, software programs similar to these can only function the way the designers of them think you’d want it to function. But because there are infinite possibilities in computer design, a software program cannot keep up. This is where knowing the language of computers is a major tool to know. A person working with codes has complete control over the computer and his tasks. Therefore, he is more independent of his predecessors and better able to personally customize the details he wants unique. HTML ultimately opens up doors to possibilities never imagined by the confines of Microsoft Expression. Though I understand the importance of Expression, (the average individual could never build a web page without it) I honestly believe that the true computer expert ought to know the basics. While the rest of us can rely on computer software, it is these experts who must learn and practice the computer’s own language, and hopefully continue to produce more programs, all based on HTML of course, to further advance the technological world.

Power Point Evaulation

I was unfortunately absent the day my peers presented their marvelous power points, though I’m sure I would have rather enjoyed viewing them. I tried to look at other people’s blogs for links to their power points but was then informed that it would not work. I hope to see some soon, as I’ve heard they were quite good. The only one I was able to see was my suitemate Tash’s presentation, so my evaluation will be solely on hers. I was really impressed from what I saw and found it interesting to learn more about the Harpy Eagle. Her power point was very informative and had an overall professional feel. I especially liked the background she chose and the images she included- they all added to the effect of how sad it is to have these beautiful birds on the verge of extinction. The animated butterfly and animal paw, along with the movement of the text gave a moving/emotional touch to the presentation. I liked the quote she used for the ending slide too. I was able to see the notes she had written in the space below the slides, and it seemed like she was very well prepared. I’m positive she gave a great presentation. I’m also certain that the rest of my class did very well too. My power point has yet to be completed, but the presentation I am working on discusses Pierre Fauchard, the father of Modern Dentistry. I am eager for the day I can share it with my classmates.

Searching the Internet

Due to personal health reasons, I was unable to attend many of the recent computer skills classes, including one where a Mr. Chris Nolan came to speak about searching the internet. I was able to obtain notes, however, on his presentation and after reading through them, have made some interesting discoveries. For one thing, I always knew Google was one of the most popular search engines, (it’s my internet home page), but I never knew that it was actually a better source to search because it uses a method to rank the hits by relevance. This surprised me because I always assumed other search engines like Yahoo! were just as good, if not better than Google. But with all the great benefits Google has to offer, Mr. Nolan made sure to point out its downside too. He explained that Google gains all its profit from selling advertising space. Because of this, Google orders its results by popularity and/or the amount of money received for advertisements. Therefore, the first few search results can be poorly accredited sources that simply reflect financial profits instead of the available scholarly sites. Outside of acquiring basic information on Google, I was glad to also learn about directories, Google Scholar, the ‘define’ tool, the advanced search, and cached links. I also learned how to put words in the search bar in specific orders and what additions to include (minus sign, quotation marks) to make my searches more efficient. It was useful, too, to be reminded about all the non-credible websites out there. I’m appreciative that Mr. Nolan gave so many tips on how to avoid those sources. Because of his presentation, I should have better luck in the future when beginning research assignments. I am proud that I now know how to search the internet and use it to its fullest potential.