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Word of the Day: disparate

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Word of the Day: disparate

The word disparate has appeared in 255 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on May 22 in “The Algebra Problem: How Middle School Math Became a National Flashpoint” by Troy Closson:

“You have some kids who are ready for algebra in fourth grade, and they should not be denied it,” Mr. Noguera said. “Others are still struggling with arithmetic in high school, and they need support.”

Many schools are unequipped to teach children with disparate math skills in a single classroom. Some educators lack the training they need to help students who have fallen behind, while also challenging those working at grade level or beyond.

Can you correctly use the word disparate in a sentence?

Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.

If you want a better idea of how disparate can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.

If you enjoy this daily challenge, try our vocabulary quizzes.

Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.

The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com. Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary. See every Word of the Day in this column.

What is the Waterfall Model?

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What is the Waterfall Model?

Developing software can be costly, and building the application itself is only a small step in the Software Development Life Cycle (aka SDLC). There are many steps that occur before and after, from planning to testing and releasing the app. The exact number of steps depends on which software development methodology a tech team uses, but many dev teams rely on the waterfall model.  

The video below provides a quick overview of the waterfall model and how it works. Read on to learn more details about when and how to use the waterfall model and how it compares to other software development methodologies.  

Waterfall phases 

The goal of the waterfall model is to create a minimum viable product (aka MVP). T​​he waterfall model follows a linear sequential flow where each phase of development is completed and approved before the next begins. Each phase’s deliverables are used during later phases. This process helps reduce errors as a project progresses through these stages.  

  • Analysis. Requirements are discussed, resources are gathered, and a document is created to show each step in the process. 
  • System Design. The requirements from the first step are used to prepare the system design. The system design specifies system requirements, system hardware, and system architecture. 
  • Testing. Each unit is tested, then merged with the system. The system is then tested for possible failures. 
  • Implementation. System design is used to create programs named units, which will be used in the testing phase. Each unit is tested for operational integrity. 
  • Deployment. The software is done and handed over to the client or made available to other users in the marketplace (for example, the Apple Store). 
  • Maintenance. Patches, bug fixes, or updated versions of the software after its release. 

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Waterfall & the SDLC 

The waterfall model aligns with the SDLC, which breaks development down into six phases: 

  • Requirement analysis 
  • Software design 
  • Planning 
  • Software development 
  • Deployment 
  • Testing 

The waterfall model adds to the SDLC methodology by adding the time and duration it takes to complete each step. 

When to use the waterfall model 

Different development models are used for different projects, and the waterfall model is best used when: 

  • You have a clear concept for a software project that doesn’t involve complicated procedures. 
  • You have a concrete, unchanging development plan and a clear understanding of requirements. 
  • There’s little room for error, so it’s unlikely you’ll have to repeat any phases. 
  • Costs are low and software requirements are uncomplicated and straightforward. 

Software engineers use the waterfall model as an attempt to “get it right on the first try” with a high level of quality and completeness. A waterfall-model-driven software project should be about predictability, load time, vulnerability, traffic, and compliance that is supported by robust testing and documentation. Waterfall tends to be more suitable for projects where the final product has to meet stringent quality standards and where changes can be costly and time-consuming, like in healthcare and banking clients.

Other software models 

Each model has its advantages and disadvantages, and sometimes you can even use different models in tandem. Some of the other popular development models include: 

  • Iterative (incremental) model. This model addresses some of the waterfall model’s shortcomings. It begins with planning and ends with deployment, but unlike with the waterfall model, cycles are repeated. Each cycle has a new set of requirements. As the software evolves, new iterations are built off the prior one. With this model, work can begin immediately, but resources are consumed quickly as processes are repeated. The iterative model poses risks due to all the changes, unknown costs, resource requirements, and uncertain deadlines. 
  • The V model. The “V” stands for validation or verification. This model expands on the ideas in the waterfall model. But instead of the work flowing in a linear progression, the V model flows down to the coding phase, then turns and ascends to form the V shape. This model involves more early-stage testing than the waterfall model. In fact, each stage involves extensive testing. This gives the development team the ability to find errors in the requirements, code, and architecture. Fixing those errors, though, can be costly as the path to repairing them exists outside this model. 
  • Spiral model. The spiral model requires team members working on a project to have strong risk assessment skills. There are four phases: planning, risk analysis, engineering, and evaluation. The number of loops in the spiral corresponds to the project itself. A spiral project usually takes around six months. It combines features of the waterfall and prototyping models with a focus on design. The customer reviews each cycle during development but has no input during engineering. 
  • Prototyping model. This model attempts to fulfill the user’s needs or wants in a software project by creating prototypes. A prototype is created to mirror the final product before it is built. The prototype is defined, tested, and refined from customer feedback and input. If the customer accepts it, then the team builds the final product. The developer spends lots of time building the prototype (there might be more than one). With that in mind, a cap is placed on the ​total ​number of iterations. Once in development, no more changes can be made. 
  • Scrum model (an ​A​gile methodology). ​T​​h​e Scrum model breaks the software development process into ”sprints.” These sprints last up to four weeks, during which time the previous sprint is assessed, new features are added, and the next sprint is planned. These sprints continue until all the new features are added and the product is released. Collaboration between teams, the organization, and the end user help reduce errors that can occur due to poor communication. This collaboration ​can help bring a product to​ market faster. 
  • Kanban model (an ​A​gile methodology). Unlike the other models discussed so far, the Kanban model allows for few, if any, iterations. And when sprints are used, they can be as short as a day as opposed to weeks in the Scrum model. Kanban is a board with sticky notes used to outline a project. It allows the team to focus on the specific details around a development project. 

Waterfall vs Agile 

Agile was created to improve on the waterfall model. The goal of the ​A​gile methodology is better software created effectively and efficiently with a focus on collaboration, communication, and constant change. As a result, there are several ​A​gile development models out there, but they all use the same elements: 

  • Teamwork 
  • Cross-functional collaboration 
  • Iterative development 
  • Early customer feedback 
  • Automation and speed 

While Agile emphasizes rapid iteration and flexibility, allowing for continuous feedback and quick adjustments, waterfall focuses on completeness and getting it right the first time. Agile tends to be better suited for projects like social media apps or online stores, where the ability to quickly adapt to user feedback and evolving requirements is more important than initial perfection.

Advantages and disadvantages of the waterfall model 

The waterfall model is one of the most popular software development methodologies because: 

  • It’s easy to manage due to specific deliverables and review process. 
  • It’s easy to understand and use. 
  • Phases are completed one at a time. 
  • It works well for small or large projects. 
  • It’s easy to understand milestones. 
  • The process from beginning to end is well documented. 

While all these points are important and ​suggest​ a software development model that doesn’t leave room for errors, there are disadvantages to using the waterfall model. The biggest is that it doesn’t allow for revisions or other changes once the software is in the testing phase. Here are some of the waterfall method’s other disadvantages: 

  • There’s only one cycle and that’s the end of the project. 
  • There are risks and uncertainties, especially if a step is missed or not documented. 
  • Project requirements may change. 
  • Progress can be slow and hard to measure. 
  • The scope of the project may cause it to end prematurely. 
  • Add-ons as the result of technology, business, or customer input happen toward the end of the project instead of early in the development, which may cause the software to fail once released. 

Learn more about software development methods 

The waterfall model is just one of the many choices engineers and developers have for a software development workflow. But it’s also the most popular. Whether you’re starting your first role on a technical team or choosing the right method to implement for your startup idea, understanding this industry-standard process will can help further your technical career. 

Want to learn more about how software is made? Check out our coding courses to learn first-hand. 

Learning System Failures – Recognize and Fix

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Chris Taylor. Chris plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers, my favorite baseball team (MLB). You might have someone similar who plays for your favorite soccer team (there are sites, that mention the worst), or cricket, or hockey or football, or tidily winks.

Chris was once a good player. That was about two years ago. Nowadays he is awful. Batting a whopping .093 (as of June 7th). To give you an idea on how bad that is, it would be like your favorite soccer player, a striker, who every time he gets the ball, you cringe. He misses the goal opportunities. He kicks the ball out of bounds. He stinks. You want to replace him. You scream at the TV, or radio or even at the game.

Chris Taylor. Every time I see him in a game, as a starter, I think to myself, “why?”. Does his manager not realize how bad he is? His last two games, he got on base, by a bad bunt, and a missed throw from the pitcher to the first baseman. Next, game, a missed tag as he was running to first base. And he gets walks. His glove isn’t much better. The other day, a ball was hit to him (he was playing 3rd base), and rather than diving for the ball (as a 3B would do), he watched it go by him. I cringed. I screamed. I texted friends asking why is this guy still playing?

I know you are wondering what this has to do with my LMS, LXP, Learning Platform, Employee Development platform, or other type of learning system. I’m glad you asked.

Right now, if you have any type of learning system there is probability that one feature, UI/UX design, capabilities, administration, reporting, metrics or something else that is a failure. Are there vendors where this isn’t a failure? Sure, but remember no system is perfect. This is often due to a missing feature or capability or unaware of the challenges that do exist.

Nevertheless, I see them all the time with various EdTech (K-12, Higher Education) systems, corporate focused, government, open source (yowsa, talk about failures), association focused, non-profit focused and the list goes on. I see them in learning systems from well-known brands, lesser-known brands, and in the middle – not well-known, not lesser known, but just existing.

For those who have at least one failure, I look upon them, and wonder, doesn’t anyone besides me notice this? If they do, why are they ignoring it? Why is there a Chris Taylor persona in their system? Worse, if that is even possible, with my buddy CT3 (yes, that’s his nickname, and no – I have zero clue why), the person running the product team, thinking “this is great”? Ignorance they say is bliss. With what I see with quite a few systems, it isn’t bliss – it’s trash. Okay, that is probably too harsh of a word – so you decide the wordage. One could argue, “Well, they can’t do everything, they do not have the budget for this.” They could stipulate, “We have other things to work on, and nobody is complaining (I hear this a lot), so we do not see a problem.”

Just because your current clients aren’t complaining or stating this is bad, you are in the business of landing new clients. Ask yourself, how many have said something to you, about why your system won’t be ideal for them? Have they ever mentioned one of those failures above? There are cases where people are nice, and just say it isn’t a fit. There are others, who say nothing – but then when they get back to the office (remote or on-site) or see others who mention that system as a possibility, will bring up what they saw – including the yuckiness, and move on. It’s the same as me texting or you are telling someone “King Kong, on Man City, is yucky.”

Failures – Mention names?

With my warm and fuzzy personality (I never was a blue in those personality assessments using colors – I was green), I will not mention those names. Okay, maybe a couple, only because I have noted them in the past, or because sharing is my treat to you. Always remember this is just my opinion. You could be using the system today, and thinking, “This is great. I can’t see why he is picking on them.” Or you could say to yourself, “You know he is right. This is milk, outdated, and comes out as an awful cottage cheese.” Worse, you may have had a drink of it, because you were too busy texting a friend.

Systems that have a failure – which baffles why it is still there

Look there are vendors where the failure is recent, and thus the “they are unaware, until now” is fair. My main focus though is with vendors where the failure isn’t new, it’s been around at least a couple of years.

  • SAP SuccessFactors – The other day, I was talking to a person running L&D, who is now working at a company, that is using SF. They mentioned how awful it is, and they wished they could leave and buy another system. I’ve equally heard people working at a subsidiary of a company, who is using SF for learning, and the subsidiary is forced to use it, even though they want another system.

SF, a long time ago (okay many moons) acquired Plateau, which honestly, was one of the worst UI/UX systems out there – but it was quite popular. SuccessFactors took that baby, revamped it, and when I saw it, I was impressed.

SAP SuccessFactors is long in the tooth. The front UI is boring. I’ve seen that look – design wise. Okay, the entire system’s UI/UX is dated and brutal. Where is the innovation? The analytics for a company owned by SAP (who makes a lot of $$$$) should have a rocking UI/UX and metrics to show for it. What’s funny – is that SuccessFactors learning is a cash cow. It was one reason, why they pushed it for large enterprise over Litmos (when they were under the SAP window) – even though Litmos had/has large enterprise clients. Yes, SAP SF is a HCM for all intent purposes, and SAP is using Lucy.ai – to what level I am still trying to extract. I know SuccessFactors is going to disagree with my perspective. I can live with that. But anyone who sees the UI/UX cannot in good conscience think – they nailed it!

  • Wisetail – Very nice folks but another system whose UI/UX isn’t good. The whole statement they have an LXP in their system is not accurate. They had a couple of items; they also were missing quite a bit – just like Taylor who can’t seem to hit a baseball. Yes, they have big name clients – and hey, I am happy for you – but to me, the UI/UX isn’t good.
  • Litmos – The back end is a bit long in the tooth as well. While they are adding new functionality, the equally have stated that they are going to do a revamp of the UI of the system. I respect recognizing that you have a problem. The metrics side – seriously, how could a system that when they rolled out was cutting edge and unique, turn into, well what it is today? According to a few folks at Litmos, the SAP ownership wasn’t good. The R&D investment really wasn’t there – hence the current challenges. They are owned now by another entity. Maybe they can turn it around, maybe not. The UI/UX is the first step.

Other failures – Isn’t anyone paying attention?

  • Repeat. Wash Cycle. Repeat – The front end with the playlists – recommend, suggested, tied to your skills, job role, preferred. I do not personally have an issue with the playlist angle – my problem is that it is so dated. Where is the UI/UX wow factor? You could take a look at 30 learning systems, and at least 20 have the same design with how it appears. Some are static – which means you can’t move one playlist up or down – as the learner themselves. Others, the admin can do it by group, or entire system. Ho-hum. The first whereas the learner can do it – should be the #1 here – you pitch personalized – that is pretty personalized. I see the UI/UX on the front end with the playlists on mobile apps that appear far better. The content streams better, looks better in appearance.
  • Tear down the wallpaper. Why do bar charts still reign? Worse them and pie charts often have lots of tiny text squished together on the X and Y-lines. If you hover over the specific chart bar, sometimes you can see one data point. If you are going to stay with wallpaper from the late 90s (I was referring to 1890 – I kid), at least have it so that if I click that specific bar or pie slice it opens up another window for more details or say detailed tied solely to that one point. Vendors will retort that this is doable via a report. Fantastic, but I am not asking for it in a report, I’m asking for it visually on the screen whereas I can further ascertain what it all means. It’s called learning intelligence. Not learn by numbers or is that paint by numbers? I always forget.
  • Stoic Profiles – Is it just me or do we really need to know what department blah blah works in at the company, or their specific department or role? Why not add some interesting information – like interests, or level of expertise on some specific skill – which I see more and more, but even then, it is from my perspective – the person on the profile. I’d rather see interests – not just work related, but general. Add a mini calendar – that people can schedule times – if that profile person is defined as an expert or a coach or a mentor and offers folks the ability to see what time – sessions are available or when that person will meet provide a group session or something like that? Go beyond what is the same, same, same, every time. And leave the department to someone who still enjoys reading the yellow pages – the huge book. Uhh for you youngsters you can find them in a library – a building that houses these things called books, among other items. Dewey!
  • Fun – Fun – and engaging. Wait, Engaging? Attempting to tap into what is popular with audiences across the board in the consumer world? Yes, Tik Tok for now, Instagram still, FB for a few, LinkedIn, well you get my point. A lot of the world uses WhatsApp as their primary for calls, communicating – so why do I rarely see it as a way to connect via the learning system? Go on a site – heck even mine, and you will see under “Contact us” the green WhatsApp logo. I know of only a few vendors whereas you can send content with the WhatsApp option.
  • Systems at the university level and definitely corporate world – are museums – tread carefully, look the brand, be the brand (even if it is internal only). And you expect people to want and stay in the system, and do other things, then jump in, take their assigned course and leave? Oh, we will have VILT in there – see, they are staying! Ask yourself, would you want to stay around in the system – and try out different things? Be honest, and not based on you buying this and pitching it to others. I love that vendors add labs or as Pluralsight calls it, “Playgrounds”. Brilliant – you gain access to the playground to practice, whether it is tech skills (in their case) or could be any skill (not just tech in your playground) and so on. Even the terminology – playground elicits something far better and endearing I believe, than “sim”.

Bottom Line

Chris Taylor has a strong possibility of actually achieving near perfection. Since he did actually have a hit at some point this year, true perfection of .000 (which is similar to zero) isn’t attainable. Rats. Nevertheless, he can work towards that dream, so many of us Dodger fans want – ideally on another team.

You as the vendor can understand it is not about who you already have using your system, but about getting new people, and even within the company to look objectively and differently and say, “Hey, why not this?” OR “Sure, we haven’t done it before, and yes, no one has asked for it, but nobody asked for the Eiffel Tower, or Mt. Rushmore, or the Great Wall of China, or amazing art, architecture, plays, even a small playground near your home.”

They say we can learn from our failures. I believe that wholeheartedly.

For vendors here is that chance. Learn from what is not working, not because you heard it from someone else, but you, yourself can see it.

And if that is something you are not comfortable with doing,

Contact our friend, Chris Taylor or one of the 50 worst soccer players (according to that site above).

They are probably comfortable helping you.

Especially since one can’t hit a baseball, and the others?

Can’t play soccer.

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Does your homepage include those 6 important elements?

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Does your homepage include those 6 important elements?

6 Essential Homepage Must Haves - Does your homepage include those 6 important elements?

When someone lands on your website, the first thing they’ll see is your homepage. So, it’s important to make it count and capture their attention within the first few seconds. That way, you can keep them engaged and interested in what you have to offer. Don’t worry, though—I’ve got your back! Here are the homepage must-haves that you need to know.

6 Homepage Must Haves

In this post, I’ll show you six elements that you should definitely include on your homepage for the best results. It is best to have them all however, even a few of them may improve your site conversion rate.

#1 Welcome section

When it comes to your website, the top section is the most important. This is the first thing visitors will see, so it’s crucial to make a great impression. Use this space to promote your awesome product or service, or to introduce yourself with a friendly hello! Remember to keep it short and sweet, and make it catchy so your visitors will be hooked right away. Large graphics or background videos are more than welcome here.

Welcome section example from Clara WordPress Theme
Welcome section example from Clara WordPress Theme

#2 Easy access to the important stuff

Let’s think about the three most important things you want your website visitors to see. It could be anything from your amazing products or services, to your latest blog posts, or even your social media pages. Just make sure that these items are placed at the top of your page, either as buttons or in their own dedicated section. This way, your visitors won’t miss out on what’s most important to you!

#3 Newsletter Opt-in

If you want to start building your mailing list immediately, it is advisable to include a newsletter opt-in on your homepage. To increase the number of people joining your list, it is recommended to offer a bonus for signing up.

You might want to check this out:

#4 Social Media

Don’t forget to promote your social media! It’s a great way to connect with your audience and grow your online presence. If you’re worried about your website looking too busy, just add some simple social media icons with your profile links. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a social media widget, like the Instagram one? It’s a fun way to show off your latest posts and keep your visitors engaged!

#5 Recent posts or testimonials

If you’re looking to build trust with your website visitors, there are a couple of things you can do on your homepage. One of them is to showcase some testimonials from happy customers. Another is to keep your website fresh by featuring your recent blog posts or products.

Whether you’re a blogger, a business owner, or both, feel free to include both elements on your homepage. By doing so, you’ll show your visitors how you work and what you can offer them.

#6 Short bio or introduction

One last thing before we wrap up – make sure to introduce yourself! If you already did it in the welcome section, maybe add a little bit more to it and include a photo towards the end of your site. It’s always great to put a face to the name.

Need some help?

Did you know all 6 of those homepage must haves? Or maybe you are just starting building your dream we

If you ever need a hand with styling your homepage sections, just give me a shout! I’m always happy to help, whether it’s by creating custom designs or bringing your own ideas to life.

Contact me via social media or contact page for free design consultations!

Word of the Day: archaic

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Word of the Day: archaic

The word archaic has appeared in 73 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on Nov. 28 in the Opinion essay “Knowing When ‘They’ Means One” by John McWhorter:

Earlier English had “thou” for addressing one person, with “you” used only in the plural. (Actually, the subject form was “ye,” with “you” as the object form.) But by the 18th century, in standard English “thou” was relegated to the archaic, and “you” referred to both singular and plural. However, many speakers felt that saying “you were” to a single person — using the plural verb — was unnatural and therefore said “you was.”

Can you correctly use the word archaic in a sentence?

Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.

If you want a better idea of how archaic can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.

If you enjoy this daily challenge, try our vocabulary quizzes.

Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.

The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com. Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary. See every Word of the Day in this column.

Enhancing Learning Through Storytelling

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Enhancing Learning Through Storytelling

By Carolina Kuepper-Tetzel

Imagine you are enrolled in a life sciences course and learning about stochastic molecular motion in biological systems (i.e., how molecules move in random ways within cells and other parts of living things). You are given the option to study the topic using either a) expository instruction which focuses on explaining the topic, b) a narrative instruction where the explanation of the topic is embedded into a story-like narrative that offers additional background information (e.g., about the lives of the researchers who discovered the phenomenon), or c) a narrative blurb that is then followed by expository instruction. Here are examples of the three options:

Expository instruction: “The thermal energy leads not only to rotations or vibrations, whereby covalently bonded atoms move back and forth relative to each other, but also to translational movements, which move molecules from one location to another. This allows molecules to move very efficiently through the cell. In addition, individual molecules collide with each other and constantly change their direction of travel. As a result, molecules embark on a random path through the cytosol that allows them to move quickly from one side of the cell to the other…”

Narrative instruction: “Maud quickly realized that the thermal motion of particles that Robert Brown had seen in his light microscope also resembled the random motion of molecules in cells. Although the interior of the cell is very densely packed, all the particles rotate, vibrate, and move continuously through the cell without a destination. With meticulous care, Maud prepared experiments in her lab in Berlin to study the interaction of enzymes and substrates. She worked day and night, and when she finally had her data, everything suddenly seemed so clear: products were formed more quickly when more substrate was present…”

Narrative prior to expository instruction: “Historical background: Maud quickly realized that the thermal motion of particles that Robert Brown had seen in his light microscope also resembled the random motion of molecules in cells. With meticulous care, Maud prepared experiments in her laboratory in Berlin to study the interaction of enzymes and substrates… Theoretical findings: Cells contain countless different enzymes and molecules, often in very small numbers. The enzymes are responsible for catalyzing thousands of reactions of substrate molecules per minute…”

A recent experiment by Tobler et al. (1) investigated the effects of these three instruction methods on transfer performance in students and whether the effects depended on students’ prior knowledge. The researchers also examined a variety of learning mechanisms such as cognitive load, situational interest, cognitive engagement, and self-efficacy. Before revealing the results, let’s take a look at the potential benefits and pitfalls of using narratives and storytelling methods for learning.

What is HTML? Common Uses & Defining Features

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What is HTML? Common Uses & Defining Features

There’s a good chance you’ve heard the term HTML before — maybe you’ve even dabbled with the markup language as a means to edit your MySpace profile back in the day. HTML and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) came on the scene in the late ’90s and are considered the backbone or “power couple” of the internet, because they enable developers to build and structure web content.

When people are just starting out learning how to code, HTML and CSS are typically the first languages that they start with. HTML has a simple, text-based structure that’s easy for beginners to learn and understand. But what does HTML actually mean? HTML is an acronym that stands for HyperText Markup Language. Markup languages are different from programming languages. Whereas programming languages help us modify data, we use markup languages to determine how elements are displayed on a webpage.

Here’s an example:


 
  Page Title
 
 
  
Heading

  
Content

So, what is HTML used for? Web Developers use it to organize, format, and display a web page’s content. Read on to learn more about how HTML works, how HTML5 improved its functionality, and the different careers that use it.

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How does HTML work?

HTML is usually stored in files that use the .htm or .html extension. A website can include hundreds or even thousands of these HTML files kept in various directories.

When you visit a web page, its server sends its HTML files to your browser. Your browser then reads the HTML in the files and displays it. Some web applications don’t use static HTML but generate it in response to specific actions on their servers. In the free beginner course Learn HTML: Fundamentals, you’ll learn how HTML is used to create the structure and content of a web page and get to know the most important HTML elements.

We can also add other types of content, like CSS and JavaScript files, images, and videos, to add more features to a web page. CSS allows us to add stylistic elements (like colors) to a webpage. JavaScript enables interactivity. Together, these three languages form the foundation of web development.

Think of HTML elements as the building blocks of a web page. Elements are defined by their opening and closing tags and can be nested within other elements. Web developers use elements to structure a web page into sections, headings, and other content blocks. Here’s an example:


 
Heading

 
The main content

 
    
   
  • List item one
    • 
   
  • List item two
    •

In the HTML example above, the first element we see is

, which wraps around the other elements. Div is one of the most common HTML elements and is a simple way to separate a page into sections. For example, if you wanted to create two columns on a web page, you could use div elements to define them.

Nested inside the div, we see an

element. H1 elements define the main heading of a web page. The text within a heading will usually be larger and bolder, depending on the styles applied to the page.

The

tag creates a paragraph element. There will usually be a margin after the element, again, depending on the styles.

Finally, we see a few sets of nested elements. The

    tag creates an unordered list, which does nothing until you nest at least one set of list elements (

  • ) within it. A browser would render these elements as something like this:

    • List item one
    • List item two

    The HTML elements listed above are some of the most common, but we can use others to add images, tables, and other elements to web pages.

    What is HTML5?

    HTML5 is the latest version of HTML. The update improved the language’s functionality, enabling the use of features that previously required additional software like browser plugins. It also added the ability to create applications using HTML that function offline. Here are some of the tags that HTML5 added to the language:

    • : The video tag allows developers to embed and stream video from a browser without needing a plugin like Flash or Silverlight
    • : The audio tag is similar to the video tag in that you can use it to embed and stream sound files from a web browser.
    • : The canvas tag defines a section in the HTML used to draw graphics using JavaScript. It can even handle 3D graphics and animation using WebGL.

    The features listed above are only some of the many brought about by HTML5. It was one of the biggest changes in the language’s definition and made way for today’s modern dynamic web pages.

    What is HTML used for?

    Now that we understand HTML’s tags and elements and the updates brought about by HTML5, let’s take a closer look at what the language can do.

    Structuring web pages

    With tags and elements, we can define the headings, paragraphs, and other contents of a web page. Browsers come with a built-in stylesheet that visually differentiates these elements. Content surrounded with

    tags will have a large, bolded font and its own line. Surrounding text with

    tags will make it bold and slightly smaller than the

    elements, and so on. Without these tags, the text on the web page would all look the same.

    Navigating the internet would be much harder without HTML. Imagine having to manually enter the URL of every web page you wanted to visit. This would be our reality without anchor tags. HTML’s anchor tags allow us to link pages to and from each other using the href attribute. Here’s an example:

    Google

    As you’ve probably guessed, the code snippet above creates a hyperlink to Google. You can also use hyperlinks to link to a specific section of a webpage.

    Embedding images and videos

    HTML also allows you to not only embed images into a webpage but also adjust their width, height, position, and even the way they’re rendered.

    In the past, developers would use Flash to embed videos into a webpage. But, with HTML5’s addition of the tag, that’s no longer necessary.

    Along with embedding videos, you can use other HTML attributes to adjust video controls, timestamps, thumbnails, autoplay, and more.

    Improving client-side data storage and offline capabilities

    HTML5 also improved the language’s offline capabilities. Websites use cookies to store data about users that can be retrieved later when they revisit the site. Cookies work well for small data like authentication tokens and usernames, but HTML5’s addition of localStorage and IndexDB enabled browsers to store more complex data.

    Plus, the application cache and cache manifest files you can reference from HTML allow users to browse a website while offline by retaining data on the user’s machine. This allows your web app to continue functioning even if a user’s connection drops.

    Game development

    While you can’t create video games purely with HTML, the element makes it possible to build video games in your browser using CSS and JavaScript. In the past, you could only do this with Flash or Silverlight. But with modern HTML, you can create both 2D and 3D games that run in your browser.

    Interacting with native APIs

    Another feature of HTML is that it can interact with your operating system, not just with your web browser. These features make it possible to drag files onto a web page to upload them, full-screen a video, and more.

    What careers use HTML?

    As the language of the internet, every aspiring web developer needs to know HTML. Front-End Engineers use HTML (along with other languages like CSS and JavaScript) to design the structure and layout of web pages and applications. Similarly, Mobile Developers use these languages with frameworks like Ionic and React Native to build mobile applications.

    Back-End Engineers also need to be proficient with HTML. Even though the other languages in their tech stacks may generate HTML for them, they still need to understand HTML structure to keep everything running smoothly.

    We also use HTML outside of the internet, like in intranets and internal applications. So, even if you’re coding for offline purposes, you should still learn HTML. It can even be beneficial for non-technical teams, as some marketers use it for blogs and emails.

    Learn more about HTML

    You can find out more about HTML and its many uses in our Learn HTML course. In this course, you’ll learn everything you need to know about HTML’s basic syntax while creating your first web page.

    If you’re interested in a career in web development, check out our Front-End Engineer Career Path. We’ll teach you how to build web applications using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, help you develop a portfolio, and prepare for future interviews.

    This blog was originally published in April 2021 and has been updated to include additional HTML courses.

Word of the Day: garner

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Word of the Day: garner

The word garner has appeared in 314 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year, including on March 22 in “A Rock Fell From Space Into Sweden. Who Owns It on Earth?” by Christina Anderson:

The iron rock’s journey from the depths of space ended with a thud in a dense pine forest, about an hour north of Stockholm, around 10 on a November night four years ago.
Unusually, its trajectory was caught on several cameras in the region used to track meteoroids. That led to a weekslong hunt and an even longer court battle over an unusual question: Who owns an unearthly object that falls to Earth?

… In addition to their scientific value, meteorites are prized by collectors. In the global market of private collectors, one like this could garner tens of thousands of dollars, Dr. Holtstam said.

Can you correctly use the word garner in a sentence?

Based on the definition and example provided, write a sentence using today’s Word of the Day and share it as a comment on this article. It is most important that your sentence makes sense and demonstrates that you understand the word’s definition, but we also encourage you to be creative and have fun.

If you want a better idea of how garner can be used in a sentence, read these usage examples on Vocabulary.com. You can also visit this guide to learn how to use IPA symbols to show how different words are pronounced.

If you enjoy this daily challenge, try our vocabulary quizzes.

Students ages 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, can comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff.

The Word of the Day is provided by Vocabulary.com. Learn more and see usage examples across a range of subjects in the Vocabulary.com Dictionary. See every Word of the Day in this column.

The Ultimate Guide to Building Job Market Skills through Online Learning

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The Ultimate Guide to Building Job Market Skills through Online Learning

Three out of four companies provide online learning opportunities for their employees. This just highlights the importance of continuous skill development in the corporate world. 

With economic shifts, tech advancements, and changing workforce dynamics, the job market continues to change. For one, remote work is more common than ever after the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifty-eight percent of job holders in the US have the option to work remotely at least one day a week, which also shifted companies’ hiring practices.

Traditional education methods are still valuable. However, they can fall short in meeting the demands of modern industries in terms of flexibility, accessibility, cost-effective learning, and up-to-date, relevant content. 

The Rise of Online Learning Platforms

Understanding the Popularity of Online Learning

The popularity of online learning is driven by its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, technological advancements, personalised learning experiences, relevance to market needs, and widespread adoption by employers. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, online learning is poised to play an increasingly central role in skill development and career advancement.

Some benefits of online learning compared to traditional methods are as follows:

  • Flexibility and convenience: Learn at your own pace and schedule, accessible from anywhere, reducing the need for commuting.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Lower overall costs by eliminating expenses related to commuting, housing, and physical textbooks. Many online courses are free or low-cost.
  • Technological enhancements: Interactive and engaging learning experiences through video lectures, quizzes, and virtual classrooms. Personalised learning with adaptive technologies.
  • Broad access to resources: Access a diverse range of courses and expert instructors worldwide, often not available locally.
  • Improved career opportunities: Up-to-date knowledge and certifications that enhance employability and career advancement.
  • Enhanced learning environment: Comfort of learning from home, with the ability to review recorded sessions as needed for better comprehension.

Identifying In-Demand Job Market Skills

Analysing Market Trends

To identify current and future skill demands, you start by analysing market trends through industry reports from reputable sources. These reports can offer insights into emerging skills and trends. 

Next, make sure to regularly check job boards such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor to see which skills are frequently mentioned in job postings. This gives a practical view of what employers are looking for right now. 

Additionally, engage with industry professionals and join relevant LinkedIn groups to gain firsthand insights into in-demand skills and upcoming trends. Following thought leaders on social media and blogs can also keep you updated on the latest industry developments.

Furthermore, reliable job market data can be found in various sources. For example, government and educational institutions like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) provide comprehensive labour market data and projections. By leveraging these diverse sources, you can effectively stay ahead in the evolving job market.

Key Skills in Demand

Some skills are more in demand than others. Some examples are:

Furthermore, you can always extend your skills through education. Some notable examples are the Research.com online SLP programs and more. That said, soft skills are just as important. Some examples are:

  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Emotional intelligence and adaptability

Balancing both skill sets helps you stay competitive. 

Choosing the Right Courses for Skill Development

Course Selection Criteria

When you select a course, you would want to make the most out of your investment. First, examine the course content. It should cover the specific skills you want to learn. Plus, it should be up-to-date with industry standards.

Another important factor is the credibility of your instructor. They must be experienced professionals and educators from reputable institutions.

Peer reviews can help shed more light on the quality and effectiveness of a course. So, always look into feedback from previous students.

Best Practices for Course Completion

Discipline and strategic planning are crucial for online learning since you will mostly have to study at your own pace. That is why it’s important to set clear, achievable goals firsthand. You need to define what you exactly want to accomplish by the end of the course. From here, break it down into smaller manageable milestones. 

Next is time management. Allocate specific times for studying each day or week and stick to your schedule.

To stay motivated and engaged, you can opt to participate actively in course forums and discussions. Regularly review your progress and adjust your study plan as needed. Also, don’t forget to reward yourself for reaching milestones to maintain motivation.

Leveraging Online Learning for Career Advancement

Building a Learning Plan

Creating a personalised learning roadmap can help you stay focused and organised. Here’s how:

  1. Identify your career goals and the skills needed to achieve them.
  2. Map out a series of courses and learning activities that will help you acquire these skills. 
  3. Integrate learning into your daily routines by setting aside dedicated time for studying and applying new knowledge.

Applying New Skills in the Workplace

To demonstrate and utilise new skills, look for opportunities within your current role. For instance, you can volunteer for projects that require the skills you’ve learned. You can also propose new initiatives that showcase your capabilities. 

Practical application not only reinforces your learning but also demonstrates your value to your employer. As much as possible, seek feedback from your colleagues and supervisors who can further refine your skills and help you identify areas for improvement.

Tracking Progress and Outcomes

Effectively tracking progress and outcomes is crucial for measuring the success of your online learning efforts. Several tools and methods can help monitor skill development. Learning management systems (LMS) provide built-in analytics to track course completion, quiz scores, and participation. Additionally, some platforms offer progress-tracking features that show your advancement through course modules.

Setting benchmarks is another important step. Measurable metrics can include completing a certain number of courses, obtaining specific certifications, or mastering particular skills. Regularly review your progress against these benchmarks to ensure you are on track.

Also, monitor the return on investment (ROI) of your learning efforts by assessing both tangible and intangible benefits. Tangible benefits might include promotions, salary increases, or new job opportunities. Meanwhile, intangible benefits could be increased job satisfaction, improved confidence in your skills, and enhanced professional reputation.

Embracing Lifelong Learning

In today’s dynamic job market, the importance of continuous education cannot be overstated. Industries and technologies evolve rapidly, and staying competitive requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Continuous education allows professionals like you to keep your skills relevant and adapt to new challenges and opportunities. 

By committing to lifelong learning, you not only enhance your career prospects but also enrich your personal growth and adaptability.

In conclusion, tracking your learning progress and embracing continuous education are essential strategies for maintaining and enhancing your professional skills in a rapidly changing job market.

How I Went from Translator to Engineering Apprentice in 7 Months

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How I Went from Translator to Engineering Apprentice in 7 Months

Learning to code so that you can land a job in tech can feel daunting. That’s why we’re sharing inspiring stories from Codecademy’s community — to show how people like you (yes, you!) can embark on a learning journey and end up with a totally new career. We hope these stories serve as a reminder that there’s no single path to a more fulfilling work life. 

Today’s story is from Lizzie Gardiner, a 29-year-old Engineering Apprentice, living in West Yorkshire, England. Read more stories from Codecademy learners here — and be sure to share your story here. 

Why I chose to learn to code 

“About a year ago, I was reaching a point where I wasn’t really enjoying working as a translator anymore. Being self-employed has its own challenges, no matter the role. But I also wasn’t enjoying the translation industry itself. I had a friend who also did a linguistics degree, and she was now in cybersecurity. She was talking to me about it, and I thought it sounded really interesting. It seemed like there was actually quite a lot of overlap. 

I thought I would give coding a try and see what I thought. That’s when I came across Codecademy. Before signing up for any of the paid memberships, I did some of the free lessons. I thought, ‘I can see myself liking this.’ 

Learn something new for free

I did the quiz on Codecademy where it matches you up based on your skills. Since I was saying I had an analytical mind, it pointed me towards back-end development with Python. When I decided to take coding more seriously, I looked into it a bit more and read in many places that HTML and CSS are good starting points. So, I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll leave Python for now and move on to that.’ 

I initially signed up for the Full-Stack Engineer career path and got about halfway through. Then I thought, ‘I’ll be done in half the time if I only focus on front-end,’ and I could start looking for jobs on that basis. But I’m still very interested in back-end development, so I’m planning to complete the rest as well.”

How I made time to learn 

“I think I was quite lucky because I was self-employed, which meant I could work coding into my day. However, for the first six months, I was doing translation work as well. I love lists and planning, so I kept track of everything in a spreadsheet. I monitored how much time I was dedicating each day, and I projected my completion date based on that pace. I think it’s helpful to have a goal and know what you’re working towards. 

I tried to code every day, and it helped that I enjoyed it. Even if I was doing it in the evening, it didn’t feel like a chore because I found it fun. That’s a big thing: if you’re forcing yourself through it, that’s probably not a positive sign. I think the ‘little and often’ approach is effective, and building the habit is key.” 

How I saved up money to switch careers 

“I was trying to decide between a paid bootcamp and Codecademy. Bootcamps are really expensive because you have to pay for them and you can’t work at the same time. I was adding up all my savings, wondering if it was even feasible. I had already done a little bit of Python and liked how Codecademy worked, so I thought it seemed like a no-brainer. I could do it in my own time, and it was a much smaller cost. 

At first, I was a bit wary because there wouldn’t be a tutor, and I would be on my own. But with the forums and everything, I ended up being very happy with the decision. Cost-wise, it might not be an easy option for everyone, but compared to bootcamps and other options out there, it’s much more accessible.”

Have you tried our AI Learning Assistant yet?

The AI Learning Assistant gives you instant, personalized coding guidance integrated right into your courses.

How long it took me to land a job 

“I realized that a lot of the new-grad schemes are advertised in November with a closing date in December, and they start the following September. I probably missed the boat on some of them because the deadlines had passed. However, I decided to apply to some anyway in November, even if I didn’t feel quite ready yet. Towards the end of December and into January, I started taking it more seriously. I focused on looking for things I was interested in and worked on my CV.”  

I always thought I hated networking, but I realized it doesn’t have to be a scary thing.

Lizzie Gardiner

Engineering Apprentice

How I got in the door 

“I was in a mentoring program for women in tech, which included weekly Zoom meetings. We were matched up with mentors, and there were talks by women in tech on various topics. This program provided a chance to connect with many different people. One of those people shared a job advert on LinkedIn, and that’s how I found it. So, networking is key.” 

Want to learn about tech organizations for women in tech?

Check out this list of organizations helping girls, women, and non-binary folks break into tech.

How I nailed the interview 

“It was quite an informal process, actually. First, it was just a CV and cover letter submission. Then there was the first interview with the hiring manager and one other person. It was very much like a chat, discussing what you’re like as a person and some basic questions about your background, but it wasn’t very intense. 

The second interview was with the head of IT and other department heads. There was a small technical test, but it wasn’t the data structures and algorithms stuff I’d been practicing. It was like a take-home test in that sense, as we could plan it in advance. They seemed more interested in how we thought rather than a specific answer. Everyone who got hired had very different answers. There were also some interview questions as part of that.” 

How I evaluated the offer 

“My main criteria were: Is this somewhere where I’ll still be able to learn? I’m still quite new to this, and I don’t want them to expect me to know everything immediately. I’ve only been learning for a year, and there’s so much to tech.  

The fact that [the platform Pega] was something new was cool because I could try out this low-code system and see what it’s like, which appealed to me straight away. The key one was being able to keep learning and having support, whether that’s a specific mentor or a structured training program. That’s all worked out, so it was quite an easy yes. Also, being a small company feels nicer because you can know everyone, rather than being just one person among a huge crowd.” 

How day one and beyond went 

“There are eight of us who started at the same time, and we’re still in the initial learning phase. Most of us have a coding background, but Pega is a new language or system, so we’re getting our heads around that. The logic element is still there, and the problem-solving aspect remains, even if the actual syntax and way of doing things are different. 

It’s been really good. The job is fully remote, which is convenient — even though when you’re learning something new, there are benefits to being in an office with people. With screenshare and other tools, everyone’s very willing to help and chat. The culture is great.” 

What I wish I knew before I started learning 

“I’d say definitely practice the technical interview prep. It’s great that interview prep is part of the [Codecademy] career path. I did one, but I hadn’t appreciated how different they are from the rest of our work. It’s definitely worth practicing those as much as possible. Even if you have loads of stuff in your portfolio, it doesn’t matter if you can’t pass the tech test, as you won’t get the chance to show anyone your portfolio.  

Other than that, networking is crucial. I always thought I hated networking, but I realized it doesn’t have to be a scary thing. In my head, it was always about going to events in person and trying to sell yourself, which didn’t appeal to me. But a lot of networking I’ve done has just been connecting with people on LinkedIn and chatting with them. I found that many people are willing to offer help, especially women in tech, because there’s still a disparity. If you approach someone who’s been through it, they’re often willing to offer advice. I wouldn’t have gotten this job without networking because it was only because someone shared it.” 

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