Would you be concerned if you were doing an online Web Design course in which the materials are 6 years old?

[FirstAtForty]

I have just signed up for an online WebMaster course which cost £250. It's designed to take you through the basics of setting up web pages, learning HTML, Java etc.

I have received my CD Rom which is basically all you get (apart from access to RL online tutor if you have problems) - but the date on the course material pages is 2001.

This seems worrying as presumably there has been quite a lot of change in this area since then, but it's not something I know about in depth (hence the course!) - should I ask for my money back?

I would be really pped off if I'd paid that much for a CD Rom, it's probably cheaper to buy a book and cd rom from a shop.

Yes, am thinking along those lines now.

The reason I got it is it's actually a 2 part thing which once you have completed it allows you to apply for a National Open College Network qualification. But I don't want to spend a lot of time learning out of date stuff!

tbh, html, javascript etc haven't changed a huge amount. technologies such as .net have changed the way alot of people approach web programming but you wouldn't be thinking about that level at a beginners stage.

A site built using 2001 methods will still work - is fine for a beginner/basic site

The world of professional web design/development has moved on a lot but you wouldn't learn how to become a pro with only a short course anyway.

If it's just for a small html site you're doing yourself you should be OK

Thanks to the last two posters, that's interesting to know.

I am hoping to do this professionally eventually (to complement existing skills in publishing, DTP and marketing) but appreciate that this is an entry level thing which will take time to build on.

?? The last 6 years have seen a huge change in HTML/CSS and JavaScript usage. Document structure has/is finally moving to a more semantic style, content and layout are being properly separated and JavasScript has finally grown up into something that complex and engaging interfaces can be built with.

Even at a beginner level, practices that would have been acceptable 6 years ago shouldn't be acceptable today. Inline styling, lack of thought around accessibility, content separation etc are just a few of the things that have changed.

Even at a basic level it's worth learning current best practice rather than having to relearn as you improve...

..I'll get back in my cupboard now..

The link below offers good, free introductions to web technologies..