This lesson from our textbook teaches students how to use of a layout table and cells in Dreamweaver to create a basic web page that will remain fixed in place when viewed with a browser. The lesson starts with how tracing images can aid in the web page layout process as well as the purpose and advantages of slices to create effective, fast loading web pages. In this lesson which will conclude in our next class, students are show how to create a layout table and use layout cells on top of the tracing image to start laying out the images and text of the example site.

In this lesson from our text, students learn how about techniques for working with graphics inline within an HTML text based layout. Student also learn about some of the options for incorporating basic Flash elements into a page.

This lesson covers the general techniques for working with HTML text within Dreamweaver. Using an exercise from our textbook, students are first introduced to basic concepts for structuring text using paragraphs, headings, and list. In doing so, they start to learn the relationship between the design view and code side of a web page. Later in the lesson, they are introduced to how CSS can be applied and edited using Dreamweaver CS3 for styling text as well.

This lesson orients students to the process and purpose of setting up a website for local authoring in Dreamweaver. After explaining the basic interface, students go through the site set up process by creating a training site for course lessons from our textbook.

This lesson discusses in general, simple terms how a web server works as well as shares the common terms & technologies associated with web pages, web sites, and servers. The general overview is provided since it will serve as a primer on the premise of how Dreamweaver functions and operates in the web site development process.

In the first part of this lesson, students learn how to add vector text to a circle or curved path in Fireworks. This type of text is common for logos, banner graphics, and similar web page elements. Students learn how attach text to various paths and then manipulate that text using the Property inspector as well as the Text menu commands of Fireworks. In the second part of this lesson, students first review the basic methods of masking images with a Fireworks project such as using Paste Inside command to mask an image inside of a vector shape such as a circle. They then learn how to make a vector graphic mask using a gradient vector shape and the Group as Mask command. In the final part of the lesson, students have a chance to put all of these techniques into practice and see how they can be used together to create a simple logo using both curved text and vector masked imagery.

During this lesson, students learn how to apply gradients and patterns to their vector graphics to give them a custom look as well as more depth and realism. They also learn how these can be saved as custom Styles so they can be used over and over again easily. Finally, they learn about Filters such as drop shadows that can give their vector drawings more depth and a polished look rather than opaque and flat in their rough drawn format.

This lesson demonstrates use of the Pen tool in Fireworks for creating irregularly shaped vector objects. Use of this tool will be necessary for many drawing tasks in the web design process, especially for students who have an immediate need to create complex shapes as part of their current MP3 player skin project.

During this quick lesson, students learn some new skills using the vector drawing tools that they will need to apply in their MP3 skin project. First, they also learn how to use and manipulate Smart Shapes in their vector drawing projects. Second and perhaps more importantly, students learn how to use the Modify > Combine commands to create complex shapes from simple primitive vector objects.

During this lesson, students receive brief instruction on image enhancement techniques to retouch images. Concepts such as how to lighten and darken areas of a photograph using the Burn and Dodge tools as well use of the Blur, Sharpen, Smudge, and Rubber Stamp tools are discussed.