Information Technology

Student Computing Services

2009 Course Catalog




Adobe Photoshop CS4 Advanced Techniques Tutorials

Type: Digital Media Editing

Software Tools/Features Covered

Filters, overlays, masks, vector/rasterized graphics, and basic Photoshop tools *Note* Tools/Features covered in this class vary by semester. For additional information, contact training@scs.wsu.edu

Class Description

This class is the second in the Photoshop series offered by SCS, and expands upon the topics and tools covered in the Intro to Photoshop CS4, which is a class that gives users a basic overview of Photoshop and its tools. The specific tutorials and examples used in this class vary by semester.

In the past, students have been taught to manipulate features such the layer mask, organizing and working with numerous layers, layer styles, filters, advanced marquee techniques, been guided through the creation of a realistic looking juicy green apple from scratch.



Another past tutorial guided students through the properties of vector based image creation using the pen tool. The tutorial walked students through the process of creating unique firework displays.



Adobe Photoshop CS4 with Digital Photography Applications

Type: Digital Media Editing

Software Tools/Features Covered

Description of Class

This class is under development. Check back soon to see the new additions to the class!



Advanced PHP: MySQL

Type: Web Design

Software Tools/Features Covered

PHP, Linux, Apache, MySQL or Postgres

Class Description

Without a database, a website cannot store information. Thus, with PHP and MySQL's powers combined, we can build upon our PHP knowledge and use the SQL language to access data.



ASP.NET

Type: Web Design

Software Tools/Features Covered

Visual Studio, IIS

Class Description

This class teaches the basics of how dynamic websites work, and how to use Microsoft's tools to build them yourself. In particular, we cover the syntax and features of the C# language and the ASP.NET framework.



Audacity: Digital Music Editing

Type: Digital Media Editing

Software Tools/Features Covered

Waveforms, adding/removing tracks, editing tracks, applying effects, plug-ins, and outputting audio files

Class Description

Audacity is a free, open source sound recording and editing program. It is, in many ways, equivalent to iMovie and Final Cut, but focused on audio, instead of video. The Audacity class will cover everything a new user needs to know to begin using the program, from downloading and installing it, to the use of the program. Students will learn how to interpret waveforms, cut sections out of audio files, and rearrange the parts of a file. Advanced skills covered in this class include cross fading tracks as well as how to download additional functions for Audacity.



Intro to Adobe InDesign CS4

Type: Digital Media Editing

Software Tools/Features Covered: program interface, selection tool, direct selection tool, type tool, rectangle tool, eyedropper tool, hand tool, zoom tool, rulers/guides, fill/stroke, picture import, character/paragraph styles, master feature

Description of Class: Adobe InDesign CS4 tailors to the unique and often detail-oriented nature of designing professional tabloid layouts. Competitor programs include QuarkXPress, Microsoft Publisher, Scribus, and Adobe Pagemaker. InDesign's unique features provide advanced typography settings, import and edit of bare images, an array of options for designing custom objects, pre-designed document layouts, and a customizable workspace. SCS’s Intro to InDesign CS4 Class introduces the student to the workspace and the palettes, menus, and tools required to design a basic tabloid style document. Tutorials cover features including type editing and formatting, page numbering, graphic import and manipulation, incorporation of shapes in the document, and the master feature.


Intro to Adobe Photoshop CS4

Type: Digital Media Editing

Software Tools/Features Covered: marquee tool, move tool, selection tools, crop tool, eyedropper tool, brush tool, paint bucket tool, eraser tool, type tool, hand tool, zoom tool, Navigator Palette, Layers Palette, image size, color adjustments, filters

Description of Class: Adobe Photoshop CS4 is a digital editing program that provides the user with a unique layer-based interface for manipulation of graphics. Photoshop CS4 provides tools for in-depth graphical manipulation that output professional quality images, including numerous filters and features tailored toward the detail-oriented user. Intro to Photoshop CS4 serves to orient new users with Photoshop’s workspace, palettes, and menus. The class covers most basic tool functions, common graphical manipulation techniques (resizing, cropping, brightness/contrast adjustments), accommodation of different file types when opening or saving files, and enhances the user’s understanding of palette and tool function through an interactive tutorial project.



Intro to HTML

Type: Web Design

Software Tools/Features Covered

Manipulating HTML through the use of a web browser and Notepad++.

Class Description

The HTML I class is an introduction to Hypertext Markup Language, the language used to write modern Web pages. Students will learn how to create a page in a text application. Then, they will add text to their page, perform basic text formatting, add simple Web content in the form of hyperlinks and pictures, and add basic layout elements like lists and tables. The end result of class participation should be a simple, fully-functioning Web page, suitable for the Internet.



Intro to iMovie

Type: Digital Media Editing

Software Tools/Features Covered

Scissor editor, transitions, video effects, sound effects, and title inlays

Description of Class

iMovie is a digital video editing program that allows users to import video clips from VHS tapes, DVDs, and home videos! Intro to iMovie will teach students to use video editing tools to create video segments and pair them with sound clips and effects that are built into the program. As far as video editing programs go, iMovie is a great introduction to the video editing world.



Intro to Mac OSX

Type: Operating Systems

Software Tools/Features Covered

Navagation, programs, settings, features, and the Mac interface.

Class Description

The Intro to Mac OSX class is designed to teach uses new to Macs or computers in general how to use the Mac system. It covers basic navagation of the operating system which inculdes the locations of programs and user files as well as how to search for what the user wants. Tools embeded into the interface are explains and demoed so that the student can get a feel for them as well. This class also explains how to find your network files if you have used any PCs in the SCS labs prior to using an SCS Mac.



Intro to Microsoft Access

Type: Productivity Software Training

Software Tools/Features Covered

Navigation, adding, manipulating and presenting data.

Class Description

This training class is an introduction to Microsoft Access 2007. This class will cover the basic concept of the database, its structure, and the types of databases commonly used. The practical portion of the class will be a hands-on tutorial, covering the primary aspects of database use: planning, creation, population, relationship management, and usage through queries and reports.



Intro to Microsoft Excel

Type: Productivity Software Training

Software Tools/Features Covered

Navagating Excel, formulas, functions, formatting charts, and uses for different charts.

Class Description

This training class will help participants become accustomed to Excel 2007, and the chart types it offers. The participant will also develop skills in modifying charts, formatting techniques, and applying Smart Art Graphics. As well as charts, the course covers formulas and functions. This includes the use of formulas for basic operations, relative, absolute, and mixed cell references, an introduction to functions, a list of functions useful to the average user, and ideas for how to use both forms and functions in a practical context.



Intro to PHP: Building Dynamic Websites

Type: Web Design

Software Tools/Features Covered

PHP, Linux, Apache

Class Description

This class teaches the basics of how dynamic websites work, and how to use free and open source tools to build them yourself. In particular, we cover the syntax and features of the PHP language.



Linux

Type: Operating Systems

Software Tools/Features Covered

Ubuntu, Firefox, Pidgin, OpenOffice

Class Description

This class teaches how to install Linux and what free, open source software to use in place of Windows programs.



Microsoft Outlook 2007 and Outlook Live

Type: Productivity Software Training

Software Tools/Features Covered

Maximizing the features of Outlook, including the manipulation and use of mail, calendar and contacts. We’ll also cover the web-based client of Outlook Live!

Class Description

This training class will help users become accustomed to Outlook 2007 and Outlook Live. The class will cover synchronizing Outlook 2007 with another service for improved management, learning to compose, transact and manage email, learning to create and maintain your calendar and to use the calendaring tool to collaborate with others, and learning to begin a database of contacts and use them as a backup and communication tool. In addition to the desktop client, we will cover using Outlook Live and utilizing its functions are features – which are similar to Outlook 2007, but with minor differences.



Network Management

Type: Computer Networking

Software Tools/Features Covered

Netcat, Python, Wireshark, ettercap, DNS servers

Class Description

This class covers how TCP/IP works and what's going on under the interwebs. We will learn the client server model, DNS, ARP, and how to take advantage of insecure networks.



OpenOffice - A Free Microsoft Alternative

Type: Productivity Software Training

Software Tools/Features Covered

Using Open Office as a replacement to the expensive, bloated and inefficient Microsoft Office.

Class Description

This training class will help users become accustomed to Open Office. The class will cover the Open Office alternatives to the suite of Microsoft Office programs. Alternatives to Word, Excel and PowerPoint will be discussed, and the differences between the suites will be explained to a transition to Open Office will be seamless and unintimidating.


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