Spring 2009
Saturdays: May 9, May 23, and June 6
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The Web-Savvy Editor Workshop

"The Web" is a broad term that encompasses everything from writing to editing to marketing to HTML. This three-day workshop focuses on:

1. How editors edit online content.
2. How editors use the Web to be more efficient and proficient in their jobs.
3. The role of the "Web content manager."

The workshop is supplemented with a workbook for in-class activities, lessons, resources, and more.

Day 1

Web Jargon
Working on the Web
Online resources for editors
Washington's "Plain Talk" on the Web
Editing online content, part 1

Day 2

Introduction to HTML
Working with content management software
Making PDFs Web friendly
Search engine optimization and Google
Editing online content, part 2

Day 3

Collaborative tools
Web 2.0 defined
RSS feeds
Creating your own Web site
Launching and managing a Web Style Guide

About the instructor

I have been involved in online content management as an editor, writer and producer since 1999. I am employed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction as the agency's Web manager. Prior to joining OSPI, from 1999 to 2008, I worked as the Web manager for an education firm, SmartPros Ltd.  I am a member of the Northwest Independent Editors Guild and the Olympia Communicators Group. I have a degree in Education from Western Washington University. I was an English teacher in my former life.

Why I teach this workshop

My own introduction to the Editing certificate program was as a student back in 2003-04. I was a self-taught editor, writing and editing for a Web site. I enrolled in the Editing program because I wanted to know more about the art of copyediting. At that time, the program gave little mention of Web editing; I thought it might be a knowledge gap worth filling for future students. The Web only keeps growing, after all! Thus, the two workshops that I currently teach -- The Web-Savvy Editor and MS Word for Editors -- were born in the winter of 2005. As you spend more time with me in this workshop, you'll understand why editors are an essential component of the World Wide Web. I'll define "Web savvy" and show you how to stay on top of trends so you can consider yourself "savvy" well after this class.

More workshop details

In this workshop you'll learn how to edit and improve online content using Web standards that have gained common acceptance. In-class assignments will give you a lot of practice. You'll be introduced to Web jargon and tools and the basics of HTML coding. The homework involves a one-on-one instructor evaluation of your work.

The workshop also discusses how you can use online resources to make your job as an editor (in any facet) easier. Learn how to maximize Google and why "search engine optimization" is such a hot-button issue for editors. Know where to turn for specific information and where editors convene online. Find out how to start your marketing Web site. Get a list of 75 Web sites you can reference -- including all those "top sites" recommended by Copyediting.

We touch on browsers, emerging technologies, and publishing software. Guest speakers will provide expert insights.

The information provided in this workshop is a culmination of years of research; while you can certainly learn all of this yourself on your own time, it will take you a long, long time! This workshop aims to give you the "need to know" info in three class sessions.

Questions?

Please email me if you have questions about whether this workshop is right for you.