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Online Learning Toolkit

This toolkit was developed to provide resources and tools for librarians who are engaged in online learning efforts at their institution, whether in full course management systems or as stand-alone tools to incorporate into web pages or instruction sessio

Web Authoring Tools

Web Authoring Tools

The web authoring tools listed below are available free, unless they include $$. Titles including $$ offer free trials.

  • BuildorPro (Buildor Ltd. $$): BuildorPro runs through your browser and lets you open your content directly from the web, edit the layout, and save the HTML & CSS with the built in FTP tool. So, every time you change your code by hand or through the visual tools, the changes are instantly reflected in the design window. 50-day free trial available. http://buildorpro.com/
  • Dreamweaver CS5.5 (Adobe $$): Windows, Mac OS. A web page editor and tool for managing web sites. Provides both visual and code-level capabilities for creating standards-based websites and designs for the desktop, smartphones, tablets, and other devices. Free trial available. http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver.html
  • eXe (eXe Learning): Windows, Mac OS X, Linux. "The eXe project developed a freely available Open Source authoring application to assist teachers and academics in the publishing of web content without the need to become proficient in HTML or XML markup. Resources authored in eXe can be exported in IMS Content Package, SCORM 1.2, or IMS Common Cartridge formats or as simple self-contained web pages." http://www.exelearning.org/
  • Expression Web Designer (Microsoft $$): The successor to Front Page 2003, which was discontinued by Microsoft. "Create beautiful standards-based Web sites with the best technologies for the job at hand: HTML5, CSS3, PHP 5.3, JavaScript, ASP.NET, ASP.NET, AJAX or Silverlight. Our advanced design surface and streamlined code editor help you to develop web sites without compromise while SuperPreview ensures your site is debugged, tested, and compatible across different browsers." 60-day free trial available. http://www.microsoftstore.com/Expression
  • Fusion XII (NetObjects $$): Windows only. Fusion is a WYSIWYG HTML generator, similar to a desktop publishing software, site creator, and manager. Also available for free download: NetObjects Fusion Essentials, an HTML generator aimed at non-Web designers. http://netobjects.com/
  • The HTML Editor (CoffeeCup $$): Windows only. "Create standards-compliant sites using powerful tools like code completion and built-in validation." Includes "comprehensive tag reference and vibrant website themes" and supports HTML5 and CSS3. Free trial available. http://www.coffeecup.com/html-editor/
  • Komodo Edit (ActiveState): Windows, Mac, Linux. An open source code editor, "Komodo Edit is a fast, smart, free, and open-source code editor. PHP, Python, Ruby, JavaScript, Perl, Tcl, XML, HTML 5, CSS 3. http://www.activestate.com/komodo-edit
  • Maqetta (Dojo Foundation): "Maqetta is an open source technology initiative at Dojo Foundation that provides WYSIWYG visual authoring of HTML5 user interfaces for HTML5 (desktop and mobile). The Maqetta application itself is authored in HTML, and therefore runs in the browser without requiring additional plugins or downloads." http://maqetta.org/
  • Nvu (Nvu): Windows, Mac, Linux. An open-source web authoring system that combines web file management and WYSIWYG web page editing. "Nvu is designed to be extremely easy to use, making it ideal for non-technical computer users who want to create an attractive, professional-looking web site without needing to know HTML or web coding." http://net2.com/nvu/
  • Sea Monkey (Mozilla): Windows, Mac OS X, Linux. SeaMonkey is built on the open source Mozilla Gecko engine, and includes an Internet browser, email & newsgroup client with an included web feed reader, HTML editor, IRC chat and web development tools. http://www.seamonkey-project.org/

References

  • FTP software review. (2011). TopTenREVIEWS. Retrieved June 20, 2011, http://ftp-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
  • Kyrnin, J. (2011). HTML editors - Web page authoring tools. About.com. Retrieved June 16, 2011, http://webdesign.about.com/od/htmleditors/HTML_Editors_Web_Page_Authoring_Tools.htm
  • Kyrnin, J. (2011). Free web hosting - Reviews of free web hosts. About.com. Retrieved June 20, 2011, http://webdesign.about.com/od/freewebhosting/qt/free-web-hosting.htm