Desktop Publishing & Design

PROGRAM OUTLINE

Instruction Sets
Your program consists of seven Instruction Sets written to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career.

Here's how it works: Your first Instruction Set will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:

You will need access to a computer to complete this program. Penn Foster recommends the following computer specifications: IBM® compatible PC, with Pentium® IV or better processor, Microsoft® Windows® XP or later as the operating system with 512MB of Memory (1GB recommended for Vista). 1.8GB of hard drive space, DVD Drive. You must also have access to the Internet and Microsoft® Office® 2007 to complete portions of this program.

Instruction Set 1

Learning Strategies
The advantage of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our website; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.

Desktop Publishing: An Introduction
Job opportunities in the field; the history of publishing; the future of desktop publishing.

Instruction Set 2

The Electronic Publishing Process
The document creation process; compatibility of hardware, software, and users; assessing compatibility.

Elements of Design
Basic design terms; transferring document design skills to online publishing and the creation of World Wide Web pages.

Illustrations
Types of illustrations used by desktop publishers; selecting, sizing, and placing art in documents; arranging and manipulating images.

Supplements:
• Glossary of Computer Terms
• Desktop Publishing Career Opportunities

Instruction Set 3

Planning and Designing Short Documents
Effectively planning and designing business cards, letterheads, envelopes, resumes, brochures, flyers, and newsletters.

Planning and Designing Multipage Documents
Using your design skills to produce books, magazines, annual reports, and other longer documents.

Supplement: Starting Your Own DTP Business

Learning Aid: DTP Design Kit

Instruction Set 4

Essential Publishing Skills
A detailed look at proofreading and editing; their importance in desktop publishing.

Computer Hardware and Peripherals
The components of a personal computer; input devices, monitors, printers, floppy disks, telecommunication devices, and microprocessors; memory; buying the right computer.

Instruction Set 5

At this point in your program, you will need to have access to an IBM®-compatible PC with the following minimum requirements: IBM® compatible PC, with Pentium® IV or better processor, Microsoft® Windows® XP or later as the operating system with 512MB of Memory (1GB recommended for Vista). 1.8GB of hard drive space, DVD Drive. You must also have access to the Internet and Microsoft® Office® 2007 to complete portions of this program.

Introduction to Windows®
The basics of PC operating systems; customizing your PC to suit your needs; making the best use of some Windows® accessories.

Using Windows®
Customization procedures; professional tips and shortcuts; using Clipboard; using your taskbar and controlling files using Windows® Explorer.

Instruction Set 6

Adobe® InDesign® Study Guide
Design professional layouts with sophisticated graphics and typography; create publications for print and cross-media publishing; learn the graphic design process from planning to design to final output.

Textbook: Adobe® InDesign Classroom in a Book

Software: Adobe® InDesign ®

Instruction Set 7

Graded Project
Final design project applying the skills learned with InDesign by creating a full-collor two-sided poster advertising a local theater production.

The Printing Process
How to bring a print publishing project to a successful conclusion; hardware and software options; preparing documents for delivery to commercial printers.

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.

Microsoft and Windows, are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

Adobe and InDesign are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.

IBM is a trademark of IBM Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.