HNG - HiperNet Group

Advanced Courses

Web Mastery

Unlike so many of the inventions that have moved the world, the Web truly was the labour of one man. It's the work of Tim Berners-Lee's alone. He designed it. He loosed it on the world in 1990. And since, he more than anyone else, has fought to keep it open, non-proprietary, and free.

It's hard to overstate the impact of the global system he created. Nobody really knows how many machines are now connected but most would agree it runs into millions.

To provoke such human interaction in an age where few folks exchange more than the time of day with neighbours across the landing was nothing short of a miracle. From the start technical protocols were simple and easily digested by all the operating systems. Bill Gates, remarkably late on the scene, recaptured market share with free browser software.

 

Until that moment such all round altruism in an industry renowned for in-built proprietary attitudes was entirely unknown. It was quite a shock. The new buzz-words 'freeware' and 'open-source' made a welcome debut. Suddenly the Web provided simple and ubiquitous communication - largely for free. No wonder it spread like chicken-pox.

When they began it's doubtful either Tim Berners-Lee or J. K. Rowley knew just how well their proteges would work - but they did. Looking back it's difficult to choose who had the more powerful magic, the Web or Harry Potter. The Web was designed to be accessed easily by everybody everywhere - and it worked. Growth continues to be both unparalleled and uninterrupted since its inception less than two decades ago.

But there has been metamorphosis. The simple static pages of the 1990's are now unfashionable and boring at best. New dynamic protocols swarm with the splash and sparkle of designers at a fashion week. Many emigres from the print world have finally adapted to the entirely different demands of virtual publishing.

Broad band is removing many size restraints but web design still remains a subtle balance of art and science where good design and layout practices must be learnt. Skill is required using the powerful tools of today if quality and effective style is not to be abandoned in the thrust for hi-tech slickery. No longer is it acceptable to just stick up a bit HTML and a couple of graphics. A careful study plan is now an absolute necessity for success.

The course is comprehensive but any section may be taken as an individual unit depending on your experience, current knowledge and requirements. However each section leads naturally into the next and any section assumes a good overall acquaintance with the preceding sections. To truly be a competent Webmaster one needs to follow from the beginning through to the end.

Basic sections 1 to 5 (except section 4) are based on a text by Jennifer Neiderst, internationally renowned teacher and author on web design. Section 4 is based on a text by Robin Williams who has written over a dozen best-selling and award winning books.

Dreamweaver and Fireworks are based on a text published by Wiley. These texts and all software are supplied for use with these courses at no extra charge. Flash MX 2004 section is based on the Web Wizard's Guide to Flash.

Online server space is included with section 14 with an exclusive offer 50% reduction for one year on our servers - with a free domain name of your choice - after successful completion of the course.

The included texts, software and server space represent a considerable and exclusive saving of almost a thousand Euros to Click-it-Academy students.

Section 1 - Getting Started - 1 week

This section provides answers to the common questions people have when getting started in web design. It lays a foundation for understanding the medium, before jumping into the nitty-gritty of tags and file formats.

Where do I start? - Answers the big questions: where to start, what you need to learn, what you ned to buy, and so on.

How the Web Works - Introduces the Web, URLs, servers, browsers, and the anatomy of web pages.


Getting Your Pages on the Web - Provides a step-by-step demonstration of how to upload web pages . Hosting services and domain registration are also dealt with here.


Why Web Design Isn't Like Print Design - A summary of the unknown factors that affect the web design process, as well as tips for coping with them.


The Web Design Process - Takes you through the steps of creating a web site, from conceptualisation through to final testing.

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Section 2 - Dreamweaver Introduction - 3 weeks

This focuses on HTML tags and their uses. Provides complete instructions for tagging by hand, and also offers tips on using popular web authoring tools that can do the job for you.

Creating a Simple Page Shows how to create a basic web page, and includes explanations of how HTML works and the tags necessary to structure a document.

Formatting Text Explains all the tags and attributes used to control the display of type in web pages.

Adding Graphic Elements Explores the HTML tags relating to adding graphics and horizontal rules to the page.

Adding Links Focus on the tags used for adding hypertext links to a page.

Tables Provides a thorough introduction to tables: how they're used, how they're tagged, and how they can go wrong.

Frames Covers the structure and creation of framed documents, including explanations of frame-related HTML tags as well as tips and tricks for using frames effectively.

Colour on the Web Explains the options for specifying colours for HTML elements.

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Section 3 - Professional Web Graphics - 2 weeks

This section covers what you need to know about creating graphics for the Web. It provides background information on graphic file formats, overviews of available tools, practical tips for graphic production an optimisation.

All About Web Graphics Introduces important concepts that apply to all web graphics: appropriate file formats, image resolutions,production tips and more.

Creating GIFs Discusses all aspects of creating graphics in the GIF format, including transparency, optimisation tips, and the web palette.

Creating JPG and PNGs Describes the processes of creating and optimising these formats.

Animated GIFs Looks at the creation and optimisation of animated GIF images.

Fireworks MX2004 - Use and Practice Introduction and use of this industry standard graphics creation software.

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Section 4 - Graphic Design - 1 week

Proximity Efficient organisation of related information. Grouping related items together for effective layouts that both work and look good.

Alignment Avoid messy layouts - Inter relational visual connection of objects

Repetition Thumping home the message so that it sticks - nicely. Unification of all design parts to give a professional finish.

Contrast Stimulating effective visual interest.

Designing with Type Getting the font types to live happily with each other. Concordant, conflicting and contrasting relationships.

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Section 5 - Form and Function - 1 week

This section returns to take an intermediate level look at the big-picture issues of what makes a web site work well and look professional.

Web Design Techniques Uses a combination of the skills acquired in earlier sections to create a number of common web design elements.

Building Usable Web Sites Introduces the basic principles of information design, interface design, and navigation.

Web Design Do's and Don'ts Provides a rapid-fire list of tips for what to do and what not to do in web design.

How Do they Do that? An introduction to advanced technologies so you can recognise them when you see them.

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Section 6 - CSS - Cascading Style Sheets - 1 weeks

Introduction to CSS Basic information about the concept and great benefits of this relatively new technology.

Introduction and Use of Style Master Pro The easy way to produce professional and reliable cascading style sheets.

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Section 7 - Macromedia Flash MX 2004 - 3 weeks

Getting Started with Flash Explains the role of Flash on the web, defines vector graphics, how to set up the Flash IDE, set preferences and use the help files.

Creating Graphics Introduces the drawing tools, covers selecting and manipulating artwork, managing object colour. Using layers effectively, importing images and the creation and modification of text.

Flash Animation Introduces the Timeline. Covers adding frames and keyframes, creation and editing of symbols. Shape and Motion Tweens with onion-skinning.

Interactivity - Basic Actions Simple frame actions, button symbol creation and building pull-down menus.

Adding Movies and Sound Importing sounds into the Timeline, modifying audio settings on play-back. Optimisation of download size and sound quality. Control of audio with actions.

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Section 8 - Javascript Rollovers and Menus - 1 weeks

Simple Scripting Introduction to JavaScripting and how to add it to web pages.

Rollovers and Menus Simple but effective eye candy for web pages.

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Section 9 - Dreamweaver MX 2004 Intermediate - 4 weeks

Review Session Ensuring that those coming straight to this section are up-to-speed with the basic layout and use of this version of Dreamweaver - Tables, text, images, links, site structure, FTP and navigation.

Rollovers and Menus Using Dreamweaver to handle Javascript rollovers and links.

CSS Cascading Style Sheets in Dreamweaver.

Using Templates and Libraries Using templates to get you into overdrive.

Adding Dimension with Layers Adding powerful and flexible elements.

Dynamic HTML (DHTML) Simple animation.

Making Menus Pop-up, drop down and fly-out menus.

Adding Forms and Behaviours Collecting information from your visitors.

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Section 10 - Adobe Photoshop - Introduction - 3 weeks

Getting Started with Photoshop - Start a Photoshop session - Identify different elements of the Photoshop screen - Open an image file - View the image using different screen modes - Save an image into the native Photoshop file format - Navigate through Photoshop - Get help - Exit Photoshop

Working with Images - View and change image size and resolution - Change the canvas size - Crop an image - Undo and redo commands - Use the History palette - Create a snapshot - Use the History Brush

Selecting Image Areas - Use the Rectangle and Elliptical marquee tools - Use the Lasso tools (Lasso, Magnetic Lasso, Polygonal Lasso) - Save a selection area - Use the Magic Wand tool - Modify a selection area - Create a Quick Mask

Manipulating Selections - Feather a selection - Rotate a selection - Skew an object - Scale an object - Change the perspective of an object - Remove the background from an image - Move and copy an image

Working with Image Modes - Select an appropriate image mode to edit and output a picture - Work in greyscale, bitmap, indexed colour and RGB modes - Convert an image to CMYK, Duotone and LAB modes

Working with Colour - Select a colour from the colour palette or the image - Use web-safe colours - Replace one colour with another colour - Use the painting tools - Fill a selection with colour - Use the Clone Stamp tool

Working with Layers - Create, name, hide and delete a layer - Move and copy a layer - Merge and flatten Layers - Add text to a layer - Apply transformations and effects to a layer

Working with Filters - Use the Sharpen tool - Remove dust and scratches - Apply different distortion effects - Add a Lens Flare effect - Apply different texture effects - Apply other types of effect

Adjusting Images - Use the Info Palette - Adjust an image using the Variations tool - Adjust the brightness and contrast of an image or part of an image - Control the overall image tone - Change hue and saturation

Saving Completed Images - Save an image for use in print applications - Save an image for use on the web

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Section 11 - PHP - Introduction - 4 weeks

Installing Apache Server on Windows An essential part of PHP

Getting Started with PHP Starting engines and checking out the territory.

Language Basics The simple stuff that mustn't be missed.

Working with Arrays Making the code do the work so you don't have to.

Working with Strings Essential stuff for interactive communication.

Working with Files Save it so it's there for another day.

Creating and Processing Forms The gateway to communication with your visitors.

Managing Cookies and Sessions Leaving markers for a friendly interface.

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Section 12 - - Dreamweaver MX 2004 Advanced - 8 weeks

Upgrading to XHTML Moving up from a static site

Revising CSS and Creating the Presentation Layer Just in case we forget CSS

Dynamic Web Sites Web server options and setting up the environment.

Passing Data Between Pages HTTP protocol, Hyperlinks and Cookies

Sending eMail from a Web Form SMTP services, objects, methods and properties.

Building a Tour Price Calculator Example Putting it all together for practice.

Databases on the Web Database theory and design, security and MySQL.

Filtering and Displaying Data Populating page layouts dynamically.

Building Search Interfaces Building interfaces and revising queries.

Authenticating Users Registration and login pages.

Managing Content with Forms Using session variables to track users.

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Section 13 - Adobe Photoshop - Intermediate - 8 weeks

Photoshop's Environment - Raster and Vector Graphics - Photoshop Environment Elements - Navigating in Photoshop - Exercises

Sizing Images - Image Size and Resolution - Cropping - Exercises

Selecting Image Areas - Rectangular and Elliptical Marquee Tools - Slice Tool - Blur/Sharpen/Smudge Tool - Dodge/Burn/Sponge Tool - Path Selection Tool - Text Tool - Hand Tool - Notes Tool - Lasso Tool - Polygon Lasso Tool - Magnetic Lasso Tool - Magic Wand Tool - Saving and Loading Selections - Modifying Selections - Combining and Using Multiple Tools - Moving an Image Selection - Exercises

Colour and Painting - Selecting Colours - Painting Tools - Shapes and Lines - Erasing - Other Colour Tools - The Clone Stamp Tool - Filters - Exercises

Layers - Floating versus Fixed Selections - Undoing Previous Steps - Copying Selections - Creating Layers - Transforming Layers - Copying Layers Between Images - Working with Layers - Saving Images in Photoshop Format - Exercises

Blending & Compositing - Removing Fringe Pixels from a Selection - Opacity and Blending Modes - Feathering Edges - Exercises

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Section 14 - Web Server Admin - Introduction - 3 weeks

FTP Revision and File Permissions - Up-to-speed checks and CHMOD

Email - Online and Offline - Email admin, forwarders, and autoresponders.

Script Installation - CGI and PHP scripts, boards, chats and other goodies.

DNS, Add-On and Sub-Domains - Registration and administration of domains.

Password Protecting Files and Data- Restricting access and security control.

MS FrontPage Extensions - Installation, repair and removal.

META tags and Search Engine submission - Be found on the Web.

Site logs and Hit Analysis - Check out who came and what they looked at.

Shopping Carts and Payment Systems - IBILL. PayPal and the rest.

PHP Support Ticketing - A simple one-admin support system by email.

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Section 15 - Adobe Photoshop - Advanced - 8 weeks

PHOTO REPAIR - BLACK AND WHITE

PHOTO REPAIR - COLOR

COMPOSITING

ACTIONS

PHOTOSHOP FOR THE WEB

INDEXED COLOR

WEB PAGE LAYOUT

IMAGEREADY FEATURES

ANIMATION

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Web Mastery - PHP/MySQL

A close cousin to our sectioned Web Mastery course is Web Mastery with PHP and MySQL. This course is more suited to those seeking to Web design on a professional basis. It is a complete, integral course that for maximum benefit requires linear study, from start to finish.

It uses Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004 and PHP/MySQL as its base technologies - both bang-up-to-date proven industrial standards.

As most of us associated with the Web know only too well, it's changing - fast. HTML is no longer a new technology, and most established organisations are no longer seeking attractive Web presence sites, that is, sites that establish a static presence on the Internet but do little else. They already have sites, and in many cases, these sites have been around for several years. Web developers and designers today increasingly face a different set of problems than they did a few years ago.

- Rather than creating brand new sites, today's developers and designers need to maintain existing sites in the face of changing standards, new technologies, and evolving content.

- The variations among different browsers, now including assistive technologies for the millions of users with impairments, have become so pronounced that it is no longer acceptable to simply check the page in both Netscape and Internet Explorer.

- Modern Web sites sites should respond to users' needs, which often means that web sites react on-the-fly to user interaction.

- Today's designers and developers often need to build content manager systems, which facilitate the movement of site content maintenance from IT departments to non-technical business users by creating Web forms that post content.

Needs such as these raise a series of practical questions.

- What is the fastest way to update the look or structure of a site?

- How can one design a site so that a non-technical content expert can contribute to it?

- How does one develop a site that customises itself to the needs and interests of the user?

- And finally, how does one accomplish all these goals at the same time?

In response to these issues, a whole new series of technologies have appeared as solutions to Web development problems: cascading style sheets (CSS), ColdFusion, ASP, SQL, database servers, XHTML, DHTML, XML, Web services, ADO, CDO, JavaScript, Flash, PHP, Java, .NET, XSLT, and more.

Web development software such as Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004, has kept up so that developers can create sites using any of these technologies just mentioned. But for the HTML jockey of yesteryear, this onslaught of technical solutions may seem as problematic as the problems they purport to solve.

Increasingly, mastering many of these technologies is part of the core skill set of today's Web developers. The goal of the Web Mastery (PHP/MySQL) course is to set you well on the way to that goal.

The course follows a central project which transforms a static Web site into an interactive, easy to maintain, and standards-compliant site. The site is a fictional travel tour operator, called Newland Tours.

By the time you are done, site visitors will be able to home in on content they are looking for quickly and easily. In addition, the non-technical users who own the site will be able to update it without having to know any HTML code. These are ambitious but attainable goals; and thanks to Dreamweaver's tools and equipment, they are easier to achieve than you might think.

The course is based on Jeffrey Bardzell's Training from the Source book. All texts and software are included in the course which normally takes between 22 and 26 lesson hours to complete. The fee payable is for the complete course - 600 euros, 50% payable at start and then 100 euros at the end of each month for the next three months (minimum recommended time to complete the course). A formal certificate is awarded on successful completion.

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