Amelia County Public Schools
- Date Accessed: August 12, 2003
- URL: http://eclipse.achs.amelia.k12.va.us/public/
- Content: Content is only hyperlinks and graphics.
Web Standards
- HTML 4 or XHTML validation: an incorrect DOCTYPE! for HTML 2 is included with a whopping 656 errors
- Text-Browsing: All links not available in text form; [INLINE] images found at bottom of page
- Proprietary Code: none
- Editor Used: Microsoft Publisher 2000
- Number of lines of code:859
The reason for the number of errors is the declaration of HTML 2. The HTML code actually isn't too bad. The bloat of the page, and the reason for over 800 lines is due to the use of blank GIF files for the position of elements on the page.
Usability Concerns
Text for links along the left in green use a small font which is difficult to read visually. The yellow text used elsewhere for links is almost impossible to read against a light, background pattern. A link to a Word file should be identified as such, as every user does not have Word. Better yet, would be to export the Word document as an HTML document for use online.
While text links are provided at the bottom of the page, it would be preferable to use text-based buttons throughout which would negate the use of a separate links area in two places on the page.
Why is there a link to Amelia County Public Schools? Aren't I already there?
The web URL is cryptic and unnecessarily long. Fortunately, the page also answers at: http://www.amelia.k12.va.us/.
Accessibility Concerns
Imagine being read the word [INLINE] 50 times before you were aware of any content. Links are available, but use of structural HTML would help in the presentation and organization of the site. Help users out by not using transparent GIF files for spacing.
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Copyright © 2003 by John G. Hendron. All Rights Reserved.