WordPress over the last decade has become the largest website development platform in the world. In fact this site is based off WordPress, more than 20 sites I own are based off WordPress and even large scale media empires have used the program to manage and operate their blog platforms.
It’s for that reason that Bob Hughes, the head of Clark College’s computer technology department has launched several temporary courses centered around learning WordPress.
The “Introduction to WordPress” class gives students the opportunity to learn about WordPress coding from WordPress pioneer Lorelle VanFossen.
The course must be vetted by both college and state administrators before it becomes a regular part of the schools curriculum, in the meantime Hughes calls it a “test balloon” while adding, “we’ll see how we can sculpt it into an academic offering.”
In the meantime while I applaud Clark College for realizing the importance of content management system design and implementation, the truth is the WordPress Codex is more then capable of teaching even a non-programmer how to fully work with a barebones framework to create vastly interesting WordPress pages without paying by the credit hour.
Do you think a WordPress class is a good idea or would you rather learn from the codex?
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Hello, James.
I’m a student in the WordPress class at Clark College and have attempted to build a site using the WordPress Codex alone, last quarter. I had many questions and was not very successful… but I was on my own. Today, I may be behind in my homework :) but I really do have a much better understanding of WordPress and many of its features because of this class. I’m sure you’re right about many people being able to use the WordPress Codex and produce a good website/blog; but there are others who need to be able to ask questions, see examples and have feedback from an instructor. I’ve also learned a lot of information about netiquette in this class; I think your posting policy below is nicely put and I’d like to ‘scrape’ it for my site. I will refrain, though because I’ve learned, in class, that’s not nice.
Sincerely,
Alicia Vaughn
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WordPress Codex? The name really scared me off. It sounded so technical. I have tried to learnWordPress on my own but unsuccessful. If wasn’t for the Clark College’s class on WordPress, I will never find out how easy it is to use and I’ll never know what in the world WordPress Codex is. I am thanksful the Lorelle teaches the class. I would prefer Lorelle much better than some Codex thing.
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Brainstorming with a top industry leader that has a strong passion for their students to succeed is one of the most powerful assets available. This level of mentoring is extremely valuable. Learning from the codec and be taught by an industry leader, together are the most powerful combination of resources. Lorelle is a world expert in this field, that has strong passion to pass on her talent and this will only lead to one thing, incredible success. I look forward to hearing about some of the success stories from the students of these classes in one or two years. I’ve spoken with Lorelle personally, on several occasions and it’s had a powerful impact on my drive to succeed and in providing clear direction to get there. Her passion goes way beyond WordPress. She truly belives and support the success of others. She’s an amazing lady that’s a true champion in my book. Thanks Lorelle
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Thank You Bob Hughes at Clark College: You are the reason I met Lorelle and why so many others will have a chance to learn WordPress at such an amazing level. As an educator you are a true pioneer, that empowers the success of your students and those around you. It has been an honor to be your student and I really appreciate how you treated me as your co-equal in our community.