I think by using dreamweaver panel - it is easy and faster.
I don't agree. With DW's code hinting, you can do whatever you need in no time. I never use the CSS Editor. There are too many choices in the Editor which you don't need most of the time. For beginners, I think the CSS Editor is confusing. You won't learn much using it.
First learn the CSS Box Model. Everything else is based on this.
http://www.w3schools.com/css/css_boxmodel.asp
Positioning:
You do not need any positioning. Default CSS (static or unspecified) is all that is required for 98% of what you'll be doing.
Learn CSS positioning in 10 Steps
http://www.barelyfitz.com/screencast/html-training/css/positioning/
Display & Visibility:
http://www.w3schools.com/css/css_display_visibility.asp
Stacking Order with Z-index (only used with positioned elements):
http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/09/15/the-z-index-css-property-a- comprehensive-look/
Nancy O.