Course Syllabus
About the course
InDesign for Ad Design addresses the aspects of the Adobe InDesign application that pertain specifically to ad designers in the print industry. The course is comprised of five modules which you will progress through sequentially. Each module contains a variety of activities including discussion boards, instructional videos, printable handouts, opportunities to practice, and assessments with feedback.
Instructor Information:
Melissa St. Laurent
Senior Software Application Specialist
912.678.1900 (Eastern United States time)
Welcome to InDesign for Ad Design! I love Adobe InDesign. While driving 4 hours one way, after work, to an InDesign users' group meeting that would last only 2 hours before I would embark on the return journey, I realized that I was probably crazy. Just as that thought was crossing my mind, it occurred to me that in the 3 weeks leading to this trek to Atlanta, I had made 2 other trips of greater distance to listen to somebody talk about Adobe. That was the moment of epiphany...
If Adobe were a rock band, I would be a groupie!
This course has been long overdue in our corporate training program and I am so excited that you are here. I love my job because I spend the better part of each day interacting with people just like you; people who are new to the company, or veterans excited about a recent InDesign upgrade, people who are being asked to produce more with less, or those who are just eager to improve their efficiency and overall work environment. Even those are being forced to participate against their will are certain to find some benefit from this course.
As rewarding as my job is, it does keep me on the phone and in remote training sessions so the best way to contact me is via the LMS email which you can access by clicking on "Inbox" in the very top right of this screen, next to your name. In most cases, I will respond within 4 hours.
You may also use Speeqe Chat, the internal messenger which can be accessed from the left column. Discussion boards, such as Open Discussion Forum, Tech Support, and the Course Feedback and Ideas are also a great way to communicate.
Objectives
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Properly identify the InDesign tools
- Explain when each tool should be applied for designing print media
- Configure the InDesign preferences
- Apply the included features to generate designs for optimal output to a 4 color printing press
- Locate commonly used panels in the menu, as well as match the panel name to the keyboard shortcut
- Create a new InDesign library containing elements from the server and the current document
- Create master pages, adjust the panel layout, override specific master items using keyboard commands and menus
- Create and modify paragraph, character, object, cell, and table styles
- Discriminate which panels will be beneficial to print production based on functionality and will locate the panels in the menu
- Customize the panel locations and save the workspace
- Access the Preflight panel, create a new profile for print materials, automate the Preflight process, analyze the outcome, and make necessary modifications to the document
Requirements
You will need a computer with internet access, speakers or headphones. The Canvas LMS is available for use on any device with internet access. You will find it easier to complete the discussion and ePortfolio entry requirements using a device with at least an 8" screen.
You will be required to create an ePortfolio and update it at the end of each module.
Interaction with the instructor and your peers is encouraged and required in many lessons.
To pass this course it is mandatory that you achieve a minimum of 70% on all activities.You should anticipate spending 15 hours per week on the course activities, totaling 75 hours of training for the course.
Readings & Resources
There are a tremendous number of InDesign resources available. Below are a few of my favorites.
Adobe InDesign CS6 Classroom in a BookAdobe Creative Team Creative professionals seeking the fastest, easiest, most comprehensive way to learn InDesign CS6 |
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InDesign CS6: Visual QuickStart GuideSandee Cohen InDesign CS6: Visual QuickStart Guide highlights the important new features, |
Discussion Forums
With every web based learning course, there is the potential for a breakdown of communication resulting in a feeling of isolation. This course relies heavily on discussion boards as a means to prevent that disconnection. In addition to required posts for assignment submission, you are encouraged to network with your peers and instructors throughout the company. Below is an overview of the discussions that are ongoing.
Open Discussion Forum
Ask the Expert Forum
Modeled after Vygotsky's community of practice, the Ask the Expert group is intended to serve as a company wide knowledge base where InDesign users can assist each other with issues, share tips and tricks, or simply connect with other designers. Remember the efforts of those who helped you along this journey and help those who come after you.
See below for a complete list of assignments.
To begin, click on the Modules List.
Course Summary:
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