Introduction to HTML5 from Coursera

Thanks to a growing number of software programs, it seems as if anyone can make a webpage. But what if you actually want to understand how the page was created? There are great textbooks and online resources for learning web design, but most of those resources require some background knowledge. This course is designed to help the novice who wants to gain confidence and knowledge.

We will explore the theory (what actually happens when you click on a link on a webpage?), the practical (what do I need to know to make my own page?), and the overlooked (I have the code, but how do I put it on the web to share with others?). Throughout the course there will be a strong emphasis on adhering to syntactic standards for validation and semantic standards to promote wide accessibility for users with disabilities.

This course will appeal to a wide variety of people, but specifically those who would like a step-by-step description of the basics. There are no prerequisites for this course and it is assumed that students have no prior programming skills or IT experience. The course will culminate in a small final project that will require the completion of a very simple page with links and images. The focus of this course is on the basics, not appearance. You can see a sample final HTML page at https://example-site-1--wd4ehtml.repl.co/ .

This is the first course in the Web Design For Everybody specialization. Subsequent courses focus on the marketable skills of styling the page with CSS3, adding interactivity with JavaScript and enhancing the styling with responsive design.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week One: Learning About the Web

This week we will uncover the "mystery" behind the Internet. What happens when you type a URL into your browser so that a webpage magically appears? What is HTML5 and what happened to HTML 1 - 4? We will also cover some practical concepts that you need to master before you begin coding your own pages.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops critical web design fundamentals with up-to-date, industry-standard syntax

Provides a thorough foundation for beginners to jump-start their journey in web design

Offers step-by-step guidance for building a simple web page with links and images

Lays emphasis on adhering to syntactic and semantic standards for accessibility

Taught by Colleen van Lent and Charles Russell Severance, experienced educators in web design

Builds a solid foundation for subsequent courses in the Web Design For Everybody specialization

Reviews summary

Solid html5 foundation for beginners

According to learners, this course offers a strong foundation in HTML5, particularly well-suited for those with no prior programming experience. Reviewers frequently praise the clear and engaging teaching style of the instructor, which makes complex concepts accessible. The hands-on exercises and assignments are highlighted as particularly effective for practicing and reinforcing learning. While some students with existing knowledge found the content too basic and slow-paced, the majority appreciate its comprehensive nature for newcomers. The course's emphasis on accessibility standards is also noted as a valuable aspect. It is considered an excellent starting point for the full Web Design specialization.

Covers accessibility and validation.

"I liked the emphasis on accessibility and validating your code."

"Learning about semantic HTML and its importance for users with disabilities was a valuable takeaway."

"The focus on proper syntax and standards is a crucial aspect often overlooked."

Builds essential web development knowledge.

"This course provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to get into web development."

"A great first step in the Web Design specialization, it covers all the necessary HTML basics."

"I feel confident in my basic HTML skills now, ready for the next steps."

"Provides exactly what is needed to start understanding how web pages are built."

Hands-on activities reinforce learning.

"The hands-on assignments were really helpful in solidifying my understanding."

"I appreciated the coding exercises after each lesson; they allowed me to practice immediately."

"Working on the small projects really helped connect the theory to practice."

"The practical components are well-integrated and essential for learning."

Instructor explains concepts effectively.

"The instructor is amazing at explaining complex concepts in a simple way."

"Professor Chuck is great! His lectures are easy to understand and follow."

"Loved the teaching style, made learning HTML fun and not intimidating at all."

"The explanations were clear and concise, making it easy to grasp the material."

Ideal for those completely new to HTML.

"This course is excellent for a total beginner like me, who had no prior knowledge of web development."

"I had absolutely no programming experience before this course, and I found it easy to follow along."

"If you're starting from scratch, this is the perfect introduction to HTML."

"As a complete newbie to web design, I found the content very accessible and well-explained."

Not ideal for learners with prior experience.

"If you already know the absolute basics of HTML, this course will likely be too slow for you."

"As someone with a little bit of prior knowledge, I found myself skipping through some lectures."

"Good for beginners, but intermediate learners won't find much new here."

"Wish there was an option for those with some background to move faster."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to HTML5 with these activities:

Build a Simple Website with HTML and CSS

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This activity can help by giving you hands-on experience creating a website with HTML and CSS, so that you will be better prepared for the course.

Browse courses on HTML

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Choose a topic for your website.
Create a simple layout for your website.
Write the HTML code for your website.
Write the CSS code for your website.
Publish your website to the web.

Read HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites by Jon Duckett

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This activity can help by improving your familiarity with the syntax and best practices of HTML and CSS before the course begins, making the concepts easier to pick up when the course starts.

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Acquire a copy of the book.
Read Chapters 1-5.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Complete the Codecademy HTML and CSS Tutorial

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This activity can help by strengthening your understanding of the syntax and structure of HTML and CSS before the course starts.

Browse courses on HTML

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Create a Codecademy account.
Enroll in the HTML and CSS Tutorial.
Complete all of the lessons in the tutorial.

Seven other activities

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Practice writing HTML code before the course begins

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Sharpen your HTML coding skills prior to the course start date to maximize your learning experience.

Browse courses on HTML

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Set aside time for regular HTML coding practice.
Create simple web pages or code snippets to practice your skills.
Seek feedback on your code from peers or online forums.

Create a Collection of Web Design Resources

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This activity can help by allowing you to curate resources related to HTML, CSS, and web design so that you can easily access them throughout the course.

Browse courses on HTML

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Create a bookmark folder for web design resources.
Add bookmarks to the folder for articles, tutorials, and other resources on HTML, CSS, and web design.
Submit a link to your collection of resources in the course forum.

Review Shay Howe's HTML5 book

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Reinforce your understanding of HTML5 tags and attributes.

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Read the relevant chapters on HTML5 tags and attributes.
Complete the practice exercises in the book.
Create a simple web page using the HTML5 tags you've learned.

Code along with the lectures

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Develop hands-on experience with HTML5 by coding along with the lectures.

Browse courses on HTML5

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Watch a lecture on a specific HTML5 topic.
Open a code editor and follow along with the instructor's coding demonstrations.
Practice writing HTML5 code on your own.

Attend a web design workshop or conference

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Expand your knowledge and network with other web designers by attending a workshop or conference.

Browse courses on Web Design

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Research upcoming web design workshops or conferences.
Register for an event that aligns with your interests.
Attend the event and participate in sessions and activities.
Network with other attendees and speakers.

Create a portfolio of your web design projects

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Showcase your web design skills and progress by creating a portfolio of your projects.

Browse courses on Web Design

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Collect your best web design projects.
Create a website or online platform to display your portfolio.
Include descriptions, screenshots, and links to each project.
Share your portfolio with potential employers or clients.

Create a Portfolio Website

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This activity can help by giving you a chance to apply the skills you learn in this course to a real-world project.

Browse courses on HTML

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Choose a portfolio website template.
Customize the template to your liking.
Add your own content to the website.
Publish your portfolio website to the web.
Submit a link to your portfolio website in the course forum.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to HTML5 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Front-End Developer

Front-End Developers are responsible for the user interface and user experience of a website or application. You will focus on making sure that the page is interactive, visually appealing, and accessible for all users. Intro to HTML5 can help build a foundation in the basics of front-end development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Front-End Developer

Web Developer

As a Web Developer, you will learn how to build and maintain websites and web applications. Some Web Developers may specialize in front-end development, back-end development, or full-stack development. No matter what your specialization, Intro to HTML5 can help build a foundation if you have little to no programming experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Web Accessibility Specialist

Web Accessibility Specialists are responsible for ensuring that websites and applications are accessible to people with disabilities. You will work with developers and designers to make sure that websites and applications meet accessibility standards. Intro to HTML5 can help build a foundation in the basics of web accessibility and how to implement accessible design elements.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Accessibility Specialist

Full-Stack Developer

Full-Stack Developers are responsible for both the front-end and back-end of a website or application. You will need to understand how both sides interact with each other to create a cohesive user experience. Intro to HTML5 can help build a foundation in the basics of front-end and back-end development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for creating documentation for websites, applications, and other technical products. You will work with developers and designers to understand the product and create documentation that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Intro to HTML5 may be useful in understanding the basics of how websites and applications are structured and how to write documentation for them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Web Designer

Web Designers are responsible for the visual design of a website or application. You will work with colors, fonts, and layouts to create a website that is visually appealing and easy to use. Intro to HTML5 may be useful in understanding the basics of how a website is structured and how design elements are implemented.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

UX Designer

UX Designers are responsible for the user experience of a website or application. You will focus on making sure that the website or application is easy to use, navigate, and enjoyable to interact with. Intro to HTML5 may be useful in understanding the basics of how a website is structured and how design elements impact the user experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Back-End Developer

Back-End Developers are responsible for the server-side of a website or application. You will work with databases, servers, and APIs to ensure that the website or application can function properly. Intro to HTML5 may be useful in understanding the basics of how a website functions and how back-end code interacts with the front-end.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. You will work with a team of developers to create software that meets the needs of users. Intro to HTML5 may be useful in understanding the basics of how websites and applications are structured and how software engineers work together to create them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers are responsible for writing code that implements software applications. You will work with a team of developers to create software that meets the needs of users. Intro to HTML5 may be useful in understanding the basics of how websites and applications are structured and how computer programmers work together to create them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. You will work with databases to ensure that they are secure, efficient, and available. Intro to HTML5 may be useful in understanding the basics of how databases are structured and how they are used in websites and applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts are responsible for analyzing and designing computer systems. You will work with clients to understand their needs and create systems that meet those needs. Intro to HTML5 may be useful in understanding the basics of how websites and applications are structured and how they interact with other systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. You will work with a team of developers to create software that meets the needs of users. Intro to HTML5 may be useful in understanding the basics of how websites and applications are structured and how project managers work with teams to create them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for analyzing and understanding business needs. You will work with stakeholders to understand their needs and create solutions that meet those needs. Intro to HTML5 may be useful in understanding the basics of how websites and applications are structured and how they can be used to meet business needs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for testing and verifying the quality of software applications. You will work with developers to identify and fix bugs in software. Intro to HTML5 may be useful in understanding the basics of how websites and applications are structured and how they can be tested for quality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst