How to Learn Dreamweaver Online

If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning Dreamweaver or another web design application is no different.Web design applications like Dreamweaver are tools that Web Designers use to build websites. 

If you want to learn how to create a website with Dreamweaver, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, your options are outlined here so you can decide how to learn in a way that works best for you. 

What is Dreamweaver?

Dreamweaver is a downloadable Adobe software program used for designing websites and webpages. It works with either Windows or Mac. Using Dreamweaver, designers can create their own websites from scratch or use the provided starter template pages. The program integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications, making importing content from any Adobe app easy.

With Dreamweaver, there are two different ways to design. Users without any knowledge of HTML can use live view, where Dreamweaver generates the required code and displays the content as it will look in a web browser. Users who know HTML can type their code into the program’s code editor. These users will also be able to take advantage of Dreamweaver’s more advanced design options.

This application was created in 1997 and became a popular web design tool. However, in recent years, Dreamweaver has decreased in popularity, with many designers opting for programs such as Visual Studio Code or WordPress instead. It is still used by some Web Designers, though the overall percentage of websites created with Dreamweaver is estimated to be small. Dreamweaver is most popular among people who already have Adobe Creative Cloud or want to stay within the Adobe ecosystem.

Read more about what Dreamweaver is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Dreamweaver?

Web Designers create and maintain websites. In some cases, one person is responsible for an entire website, while in other cases, several team members may work on the job. Knowing how to use Dreamweaver or another web design program can help a designer get started in the field of web design. Web Designers are needed in almost every industry since the majority of businesses and organizations now have websites. US News ranked web design number six in its list of Best Technology Jobs of 2022.

There are many different specialties within the field of web design. Front End Developers specialize in creating the part of the website that users see and interact with, such as the overall layout and individual features like logos or links. Back End Developers work on things that the user does not interact with but are essential to the website's function, like creating and maintaining the database. User experience (UX) design is another job related to web design. A UX Designer ensures that website users have the best experience possible. This includes ensuring that a website is intuitive and easy to use and that the experience is enjoyable for the user.

People with web design knowledge can also work in many other jobs. For example, some Web Designers end up as Application Designers, who develop applications for specific devices such as computers or mobile phones. Information Architects help make information on a website easier to find and understand. Visual Designers are responsible for the aesthetics of a website and work on things such as making sure it engages users. Overall, there are many ways to utilize knowledge of web design.

Live Online Web Design Training

Some people find that live online classes perfectly combine live interaction and flexibility. In these types of classes, students receive live instruction and the benefits that come from connecting with an instructor, but they have the flexibility to attend from any location that they choose. Students who choose live online classes have many more class options than in-person classes. Many also like that they can network with classmates who often live all over the country or even around the world.

Yet, attending classes online can also have some disadvantages. Students who learn at home may not have access to the same tools that students get in a live classroom setting, such as computer labs and the latest software. They may also face more distractions at home. Finally, like in-person classes, live online courses run at set times, so students still need to follow a strict schedule.

Students looking for live online Dreamweaver classes can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool, which provides a list of available options. There are no live online Dreamweaver classes at Noble Desktop, but there are plenty of other live online web design classes.

On-Demand Web Design Classes

While many prefer to learn Dreamweaver and other web design programs through live classes, some find that on-demand training is a better option. The most significant advantage of on-demand courses is their flexibility. On-demand students can study whenever they want to and from any location with an internet connection. In addition, with an on-demand course, students can get through the curriculum quickly or spread it out over a number of months. Finally, on-demand classes are typically cheaper than live ones.

However, there are some downsides to taking an on-demand class. Since students can choose when to learn and how long they want to spend learning, some find it easy to get distracted or procrastinate. On-demand classes also lack the same level of social interaction between students and teachers in a live learning environment. Overall, on-demand learning can require a higher level of discipline and self-motivation than live education.

Students who choose on-demand learning have many different options. A number of different schools offer on-demand Dreamweaver classes. 

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

Those who want to learn more about Dreamweaver and other web design programs, but aren’t ready to commit to a paid class, can find some free introductory courses online through Noble Desktop. For instance, Get Started in Web Design is an overview of how HTML and CSS are used to create webpages. 

For Dreamweaver specifically, there are some free tutorials on other websites. For instance, a YouTube search will return a number of options. Udemy is another place to find a free Dreamweaver tutorial for beginners. Students can also access Adobe’s website to access numerous free Dreamweaver tutorials.

Students who decide to utilize free online courses should be careful to check the reliability and truthfulness of their information. To assess reliability, experts advise checking the author’s credentials or researching the information source. Sometimes, online tutorials and other free resources must be updated or corrected.

Read about more free Dreamweaver videos and online tutorials.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

Dreamweaver and other web design programs can be learned in-person, live online, or on demand. Each format has different advantages and disadvantages. On-demand classes have become much more widespread recently; however, research shows that the majority of people still feel like live classes are the most effective way to learn. For example, in 2019, the nonprofit association EDUCAUSE questioned more than 40,000 undergraduate students in 118 US schools about their learning preferences. It found that 70 percent of students prefer classes that are solely or mostly face-to-face.

When discussing the benefits of face-to-face instruction, students often mention their personal connection with instructors and fellow students. Many find that this makes live instruction more engaging and effective. Students also report that they enjoy the hands-on learning, live feedback, and access to computer labs and up-to-date software that frequently come with a live class. Another benefit of this format is that it allows students to collaborate and network with peers more easily. Finally, classroom space is designed for learning, without many distractions in other places, and many students say that this makes it easier to focus on the lesson.

While not the same as in-person instruction, live online training has a number of similarities. Students in live online classes can also interact with instructors and students and get live feedback. Likewise, they can collaborate and network with peers. In fact, some students say that networking opportunities are even better in live online classes because some online classes contain students from all over the country or even the world. The main thing that differentiates live online courses from in-person ones is that no commute is required, and students can attend from anywhere with an internet connection.

On-demand classes also let students learn new skills like Dreamweaver without commuting to a classroom. These classes are the most flexible option because they are self-paced, allowing students to work through the course material as quickly or slowly as they choose. The downside to on-demand classes is that they lack live instruction. This can also mean that some on-demand classes might be outdated.

Tips to Succeed when Learning Web Design Programs Online

Find Opportunities to Interact With Others

Interaction with other students can be a valuable part of the learning experience. By talking to peers, students can gain new information and perspectives, find valuable networking opportunities, and enjoy a feeling of connection. Many online classes provide opportunities for interaction, and students can also come up with their own ways to connect with peers, such as using a virtual platform like Microsoft Teams.

Create a Dedicated Study Space

Setting up a dedicated learning space for students taking live online courses is a good idea. Creating a learning space can minimize distractions and help students focus on their classwork. It can also make it easier to disconnect when class time is over.

Treat Online Classes Like “Real” Classes

One piece of advice that many experts give concerning online classes is for students to treat these classes like “real” or in-person classes, meaning that they set aside time for learning every day. This is because many online classes allow students to work independently. While this flexibility can be beneficial, it also makes it easier to procrastinate and fall behind. 

Other Things to Look For in Online Courses

Learning Dreamweaver or another design program is a good idea for people who want to work in web design. However, there are some other helpful skills that designers may want to consider learning. The good news is that many classes teach some of these skills at the same time as the web design program.

Programming Languages

Knowing HTML, CSS, or other programming languages can be beneficial for anyone who plans to work in web design. Many people report a steep web design learning curve for those without HTML and CSS coding experience. In addition, Designers without prior programming experience may struggle to troubleshoot problems they encounter while building their websites.

Design Principles

Whether through Dreamweaver or another program, a big part of web design is creating visual elements. This means that Web Designers should have an understanding of fundamental design principles. That knowledge will help them understand how different aspects affect the viewer and how to manipulate these elements. Such knowledge will allow designers to create more effective designs. 

Design Programs

In addition to a web design program like Dreamweaver, Web Designers often benefit from knowing how to use design programs. Programs like Photoshop and Illustrator can be essential tools for designers because they are often used to create the visual elements on a website. 

Prerequisites

Before signing up for any kind of class, it’s a good idea to check whether or not there are any prerequisites. Most web design classes require basic computer skills and access to a computer. Some also require knowledge of HTML, CSS, or other programming languages. Prerequisites are available under course descriptions. However, students who are unsure about prerequisites can also contact the school offering the class.

Learn Web Design with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop teaches hands-on web design courses in a variety of formats, with something to fit every type of schedule and learning style. Every class is small and led by expert instructors. Noble also offers a free retake for all of its courses. With the free retake, students can retake a course once within a year without paying for it again. This can be an excellent way to gain additional web design skills.

One popular type of class at Noble Desktop is a web design bootcamp. Bootcamps are intensive programs that teach skills quickly and focus on preparing graduates to use those skills in the workplace. In 2020, tech company HackerRank surveyed 116,000 developers from 162 countries about coding bootcamps and found that about a third of hiring managers hired developers who gained their skills from a bootcamp. Noble Desktop teaches many bootcamps related to web design, including Visual Design Portfolio Bootcamp.

Students looking for a more in-depth web design course can enroll in Noble’s Web Design Certificate. This comprehensive program takes six weeks full-time or five months part-time and teaches students to build websites using WordPress. Students in the certificate program will also learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript coding languages and Figma for webpage layouts.

Key Insights

Dreamweaver and other web design applications are tools you can use to build a website. You can learn to use a web design application like Dreamweaver by taking an online class.

• Live online classes have the benefits that come with live instruction but also provide some flexibility.
• On-demand classes are highly flexible, but you might find it easier to procrastinate or get distracted.
• Free introductory courses can be helpful to students who are just starting in web design.
• If you plan to take an online class, you may be more successful if you create a dedicated study space, make an effort to connect with classmates, and set aside a specific time for schoolwork.
• Some web design courses include instruction in programming languages, design principles, or design programs, which can all be valuable knowledge for a Web Designer.