The Impact of Web Authoring on Society

Web authoring simply put is the design and creation of a web site. Web page designers today do not need to know HTML code or tags. However, those who still desire fine grained control of their site functionality still have the option to tweak it to perfection using a simple text editor. The development of powerful visual interface tools for the development of web pages has changed the way people develop web pages. Web authoring packages available today allow you to create a web page using a visual interface or "WYSIWYG" (What You See Is What You Get) .

The web has had a great impact on all aspects of society. The development of the World Wide Web in the 1990’s changed the way our society gathers information, conducts business, plays games and the way we shop for goods and services. Our students are growing up in a web based world. They no longer immediately think of going to the library to work on a research project. They immediately think of researching their topic on the Internet. In business, every business now needs an on-line web presence to stay competitive and many of the businesses have on-line ordering of goods and services. Many retail businesses are making just as much, if not more, on their on-line stores. Web enabled phones and PDAs are causing a new revolution in the way web pages are designed as well. Web pages must be able to be viewed on the small screen of a PDA or cell phone. A business that does not create their on-line order web page for viewing on the small screen of a cell phone may lose business to those that have adapted.

Web authoring then is a necessary skill for our students as they create web sites that effectively communicate information. Students need to also be aware of the copyright laws and issues. To be able to get the most value out of using the web, you have to know how that system is constructed, i.e. learn the technology.

Resources:

• Lazar, Jonathan et al. “Help! I’m Lost: User Frustration in Web Navigation.” IT&SOCIETY, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3, WINTER 2003, PP. 18-26. <http://www.stanford.edu/group/siqss/itandsociety/v01i03/v01i03a02.pdf >.
  This paper discussed user interfaces issues that web site designers need to be aware of as they develop their sites for various audiences.
  
• MacKay, Bonnie and Watters, Carolyn. “The Impact of Migration Of Data to Small Screens on Navigation.” IT&SOCIETY, VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3, WINTER 2003, PP. 18-26. <http://www.stanford.edu/group/siqss/itandsociety/v01i03/v01i03a06.pdf >.
  This paper has some very good information about how the use of small screens on PDAs and cell phones is changing the way web pages are designed.
  
• "History of the Internet and the World Wide Web." Web Developer Virtual Library.
  <http://www.wdvl.com/Internet/History/>.8 March 2006.
  A good web site for information about the history of the World Wide Web and the Internet.
  
• “HTML Help by The Web Design Group.” Web Design Group. <http://www.htmlhelp.com/ >. 8 March 2006
  This web site had links to helpful information and resources on designing effective web sites.
  
• Starr, Linda. “Load 'Em Up: Web-Authoring Software Picks”. Education World. 28 < http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech107.shtml>.
  A good web site comparing the various web authoring software packages that available and ratings for each.