Introduction to Compser:
Teaching Guide

Aim

The aim of this tutorial is to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills
they need to design a basic web page using Netscape Composer. 

Rationale

A classroom web page is a primary tool for teachers who would like the freedom to develop their own web based curriculum.  Netscape Composer is a simple web design program provided free with Netscape Communicator.  Composer is easy to access and learn, and therefore is a valuable first step in developing web pages for instruction and student enrichment.

Audience

This tutorial has been designed for K-12 teachers who have access to a computer connected to the Internet.  No prior experience with web design is needed.

Subject Matter

There are five steps included in this tutorial.

Step 1:  Basic Web Page Elements
Step 2:  Preparing a Web Page
Step 3:  Netscape Composer Tool Bars
Step 4:  Creating Your Page
Step 5:  Publishing Your Page

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this tutorial, teachers will have constructed a web page suitable for classroom use.

In order to accomplish this goal, teachers will learn and be able to

1. Identify the web page elements of hypertext markup language, text, graphics, and links.
2. Organize web content based on a tutorial outline.
3. Establish basic web page properties and save to file.
4. Identify and correctly use the buttons on the Netscape Composer toolbars.
5. Use a variety of Composer menus.
6. Enter text and insert graphics.
7. Organize text with indenting, list formats and horizontal bars.
8. Create relative and absolute links.
9. Publish a web page.

This tutorial is presented in an outline format that is sequential. 

1. Web instructors can use this tutorial as a teaching tool for mentoring teachers with limited computer experience. 
2. The tutorial can also be used as self guided instruction for teachers who are familiar with word processing application commands.

Materials needed to complete this tutorial can be provided by the web instructor/mentor or self provided by participants.

Participants need

1. A notebook to keep track of web content.
2. A diskette to save a working copy of the web page.
3. Handouts which can be printed from the tutorial.  These include
• Page Outline 
• Step 4 Directions (Text Only) 
• Clip Art List 
• Step 5 Directions (Text Only) 

1. If utilized in a classroom setting, a class presentation of each completed web page would be appropriate.
2. The completed web page(s) should contain the following elements.
• Text for Outline I. and II.
• An inserted graphic.
• Use of indenting, a bulletted/numbered list, or a horizontal line that has been implemented to organize some part of the text.
• A relative link.
• An absolute link.
• A published URL.

Netscape Composer Tutorials

Building Web Pages with Composer 
ITG: Web Design Tutorials 
Links List for Netscape Tutorials 
Netscape Composer Tutorial: Basic Intro. 

AAA Free Clip Art 
All Clip Art Site 
All Free Clip Art 
Animation Factory 
Born Free Graphics 
Clips Ahoy! Free Clip Art 
Clip Art Universe 
Graphics for Teachers 
School Icons Club 
Sunny Corner 
Teacher Files-Clip Art 
Web Clip Art Links

Web Design

Williams, Robin and John Tollett. The Non-Designer's Web Book. 

Berkeley, California:  Peachpit Press, 1998.