Semester Wrap Up

I'm definitely ready for a school break, but in someways I can't even believe that the semester is over -- the class flew by.

I am so proud of myself! I came into the course knowing only a handful of html tags I learned in 1994, and having never seen CSS. And now I feel I am reasonably fluent in (x)html/css. I also have a strong resolve to continue my education with advanced layouts and workarounds. I am hoping that after next semester's Database Management class (a start to understanding SQL), I can pick up PHP and XML and really have a solid foundation for creating database-driven, interactive websites.

So, a revision of the One-Trick Pony List:

Spring & Summer 2009
1. advanced css/xhtml
2. access/sql
3. beginning c & php (via CS50)

After That (order undetermined)
• dhtml
• javascript
• ajax
• xml
• python
• asp

This has been my most useful LIS class in terms of concrete, usable skills attained, and the one that will probably have the most affect on my ability to sell myself in the MLIS job market. I have also learned that I have a passion for learning these languages and continuing study on my own.

CSS study continues

Right now I am on the last few pages of the Web Style Guide, and this afternoon, on the way to class, I will be starting Everything You Know About CSS is Wrong, which just arrived from Amazon.

I really enjoyed Web Style Guide because the principles are still relevant, but the whole way through I was thinking I wish there was a new edition, this book is ancient in web-time! I just looked on Amazon, and there is a brand new edition out!

The other books that ended up on my "I'll eventually acquire" list are:

1. Web Standards Creativity: Innovations in Web Design with XHTML, CSS, and DOM Scripting
2. Pro CSS and HTML Design Patterns
3. CSS Artistry: A Web Design Master Class