CompUSA, the vendor selected by the Lab to provide on-site computer training classes, is now offering an "XML: An Introduction." XML, or Extensible Markup Language, was created by the World Wide Web Consortium and has been endorsed by hardware and software manufactures, as well as research institutions, as a replacement for HTML.

Unlike HTML, which labels elements of a Web document for appearance based on a specific browser, XML tags store information in a neutral way, independent of systems, applications or devices.

A little more clarification:
HTML is a "structural language." That means you can only describe how you want text or an image to appear structurally, e.g., plain, bold, subscript, flush right. It is also a "fixed language," because you can only use code commands that already exist.

XML, however, is "extensible." That means you can create new commands or markings as they suit your needs. Also, XML lets you define words by their intent or context, rather than merely by their appearance.

The daylong class (course number CIS0110 XML) will teach students how to create well formed and valid XML documents. Prerequisites are HTML Level 1 and Level 2 classes or equivalent knowledge.

Delivery method: Instructor-led, group-paced, classroom-delivery learning
model with structured hands-on activities.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the differences between HTML, SGML and XML.
  
• Create well-formed XML.
  
• Create valid XML.
  
• Create a DTD.
  
• Display XML documents in a browser using CSS.
  
• Display XML documents in a browser using XSL.
• Link to files outside of an XML document
  

To enroll in the course, go to the Employee Self-Service site, log in and select the Training Enrollment option. The XML class, along with other computer-related courses, can be found under the Computer Applications category.