Site: w3schools.com
Site purpose: to help people learn to code using tutorials that include illustrations, coding examples, and references, as well through simplified and interactive learning experiences.
- The website's home page does not validate. It shows 43 messages/errors.
- I chose to check the following web page: HTML Basics. When checking this page, the validator shows 37 messages/errors.
- See the numbers provided above: 43 messages/errors for the home page, and 37 messages/errors for the HTML Basics page.
- I rate the website design at 9. I used this website quite a bit when I was trying to learn how to code an HTML newsletter for my current workplace. I found the site very helpful with a lot of information, and it was easy to navigate. I appreciated the quizzes at the end of each section to test my knowledge and the "try it" sections within the web page. I appreciated they would give examples about different HTML elements, but offered a link to an entire list of them if I wanted to learn more. I also always appreciate when a link opens a new tab!
- I rate the website usability at 8. I was able to find information fairly easily as I needed to work on our departmental newsletter, especially when I tried to search a topic. The information was easy to understand and follow, however there were two troublesome areas. The first was an ad would pop up every once and awhile that would force me to close my entire browser (though I am not aware if that is a function of the website itself or Google Chrome). I also, as a user, did not appreciate all the ads in the middle of the main body pages. If ads are necessary, the side bar ads were less invasive as I used the website than the ones within the body content.
- For me, the website seems to meet its purpose and I was able learn how to code the various aspects of our departmental newsletter! Beyond simple HTML/CSS it seems like the website would help a user meet its purpose as well.