Jul
12
2005
12
2005
I was asked recently about the position currently vacant at CITT. In particular, I was asked which skills would be most desirable for a person looking to land a job as an entry leverl web designer or eLearning developer. I put together a quick list of my thoughts.
- XHTML and CSS. These are the basic building tools of web content. Try to avoid developing bad habits such as using tables for layout or using spacer gif’s. Learn how to read and manipulate the code. Relying on Dreamweaver all of the time is a bad habit.
- Know your browsers. Know how to use and test on Internet Explorer 5, 5.5, 6, and the upcoming release of 7. Know how to use Safari, Firefox, and the AOL browser. Test on all of these platforms. They are very inconsistent.
- Study basic visual design principles: color theory, typography, balance, rhythm, proportion, dominance, unity.
- Know how to create graphics using a vector-based tool (Illustrator, Freehand, or Fireworks) AND a bitmap editor (Photoshop or Fireworks).
- I wouldn’t worry very much about Flash. Flash is a very specialized tool that requires a lot of time to become proficient. I think your time is better spent elsewhere.
- Develop a good list of weblogs and read them regularly. I think manky web design books become outdated shortly after hitting the shelves. There are a lot of great web designers sharing techniques that easily apply to eLearning. I recommend using an RSS feed reader to manage all of your weblogs.
- Know how to talk about server-side code, but leave the PHP/ASP/.NET stuff to the professionals. While I think it is good to have a basic understanding of how they work, becoming proficient in them takes a lot of work.
