Computer Courses

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Adobe Creative Suite Intensive

SF EXCOM–1300–01
Instructor: Erin Lampe
Sat.–Sun., 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., June 9, 10, 16, 17
4 sessions. $310. Noncredit. Prerequisite: basic computer skills, Mac or PC
OAK EXCOM–1300–02
Instructor: Erin Lampe
Sat.–Sun., 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., July 21, 22, 28, 29
4 sessions. $310. Noncredit. Prerequisite: basic computer skills, Mac or PC
Adobe Creative Suite is the industry standard for digital imaging and publishing. This four-day intensive introduces students to Adobe's InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop, combined with an overview of Adobe Acrobat PDF workflow, Adobe Bridge, and Camera Raw.

The first day is spent learning to draw and alter vector images in Illustrator; the next day covers learning the basics of photo editing, color correction and manipulation in Photoshop. In the third session, the class puts it all together in InDesign, learning layers and multipage document setup while exploring type styles and basic layout. The final session is split between overviews of Adobe Acrobat workflow and working on personal student projects with individualized assistance.

Throughout, participants explore the tools, palettes, menus, and essentials of each application through a series of hands-on, in-class exercises designed for beginners, with optional intermediate take-home work if desired. While working on in-class assignments, students also familiarize themselves with the use of Wacom Intuos digital drawing tablets. Course topics may change to best suit the individual needs of the class.

Optional: Participants may bring USB flash drive to class for copying exercises or class work. One student per Macintosh computer.

Illustrator Basics

SF EXCOM–1102–01
Instructor: Erin Lampe
Fri., 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., June 22
1 session. $135. Noncredit. Prerequisite: knowledge of computer basics, Mac or PC
In this one-day workshop, participants learn how to use Adobe Illustrator to create high quality illustrations, logos, posters and other custom artwork. Using the various vector tools, students discover how to transform existing shapes and add color to drawn objects, as well as how to transform a scanned raster image into editable vector artwork. Participants also use layers to organize their artwork, and explore the options for exporting Illustrator files. Throughout, the class explores the tools, palettes, menus, and essentials through a series of hands-on, in-class exercises designed for beginners, with optional intermediate take-home work if desired. While working on in-class assignments, students also familiarize themselves with the use of Wacom Intuos digital drawing tablets.
Optional: Participants may bring USB flash drive to class for copying exercises or classwork. One student per Macintosh computer.

Advanced Illustrator

SF EXCOM–1106–01
Instructor: Erin Lampe
Fri., 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., June 29
1 session. $135. Noncredit. Prerequisite: knowledge of computer basics, Mac or PC
In this one-day workshop, participants learn how to move beyond the basics of Adobe Illustrator, as well as, discover the new time saving features of CS 5. Discover the power of actions, masks, symbols, and custom brushes, while learning to create custom patterns, styles and effects. Learn the best practice for using Illustrator for UI and web design, as well as, explore the 3D and perspective drawing tools to take your artwork into a new dimension.

Throughout, the class explores the advanced features through a series of hands-on, in-class exercises designed for intermediate and advanced, with optional take-home work if desired. While working on in-class assignments, students can learn to use of Wacom digital drawing tablets to push the limits of Illustrator application.
Optional: Participants may bring a USB flash drive for copying exercises or class work, as well as, jpg scans black and white line drawings to work with. One student per Macintosh computer.

Photoshop Basics

OAK EXCOM–1103–01
Instructor: Erin Lampe
Sat., 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., July 14
1 session. $135. Noncredit. Prerequisite: knowledge of computer basics, Mac or PC
Adobe describes their Photoshop software program as “the ultimate playground for bringing out the best in your digital images, transforming them into anything you can imagine, and showcasing them in extraordinary ways.” It has certainly become the standard for image creation and manipulation in many professions, including: design, photography, architecture, art, and marketing.

This one-day workshop provides an overview of Photoshop, Bridge, and Camera Raw through which participants learn to navigate through the workspace using palettes and windows such as Layers, Color Space, Masks, Text, Gradients, Adjustment Layers, Resolution, red-eye and blemish correction, the application of artistic and textural effects, as well as best practices for organizing adjustments or selections into layers for more control. Upon leaving this class, students should be able to create Photoshop images from scratch and properly manipulate, color correct, or touch up existing images, as well as export for print or the web.
Optional: Participants may bring USB flash drive to class for copying exercises or class work. One student per Macintosh computer.

Interactivity with InDesign

OAK EXCOM–1105–01
Instructor: Erin Lampe
Mon. & Wed., 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m., August 6 & 8
2 session. $135. Noncredit. Prerequisite: InDesign experience
As the landscape of publishing shifts from print to digital, learning how to create and adapt effective digital publications is essential. This one-day intensive covers how to design interactive documents or presentations using Adobe InDesign CS5.

Students learn how to add interactivity to PDF files or forms as well as how to create and publish interactive SWF files, including animation and video. The class explores how to use InDesign to create ePubs or digital magazines for online, Kindle, or iPad use. Learn the benefits of designing once in InDesign and transforming a file for traditional print as well as interactive versions.
Optional: Participants may bring a USB flash drive for copying exercises or class work. One student per Macintosh computer.

Digital Drawing and Painting: Wacom Tablet Intensive

OAK EXMED-1200-01
Instructor: Eugene Young
Sunday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., June 24 - July 15
4 sessions. $275. Noncredit. Prerequisite: Photoshop Basics or equivalent. Previous drawing, painting, or illustration experience recommended.
An ever-growing number of animators, illustrators, graphic designers, and architects are choosing the convenience and versatility of the Wacom tablet for the creation of illustrations, concept art, and storyboards. This hands-on workshop introduces the Wacom tablet as a digital drawing and painting tool using Photoshop. The first half of the course emphasizes the tablet itself, how it works, proper set up, handling and care of the tablet and stylus, and setting up an efficient digital workspace. Students build hand-eye coordination, confidence, and spontaneity with the tablet through mark-making, gesture studies, and methods for building value, texture and form. Techniques for creating custom brushes, coloring existing line art, and grayscale images are also covered.

During the second half of the course, students work on an assignment using photographs and scanned drawings to give a greater context to the skill-building exercises, while emphasizing creativity and problem solving.

Bring to first class: Digital images of your own that you would like to work with, USB flash drive or CD-R/RW for saving exercises, sketchbook, and pen or pencil. One student per Macintosh computer.

Digital Publishing

SF EXCOM–1505-01
Instructor: Peter Kuo
Mon. & Wed., 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m., July 16-August 15
10 session. $450. Noncredit. Prerequisite: InDesign experience
Students will learn the tools used to create an interactive digital publication using Adobe InDesign and the Digital Publishing Suite tools. Students will learn how to use the Interactive Overlay panel to add hyperlinks, slideshows, image sequences, audio and video files, panoramas, web content and pan and zoom images to make an interactive digital publication. Students will then use the Folio Builder panel and the Folio Producer to put together a full folio for publication. Those with an iPad will be able to download their folio and view it on their devices. Students will also learn the different publishing options offered by Adobe for individual users and enterprise users.

Final Cut Pro Editing Boot Camp

OAK EXMED-1500-01
Instructor: Maggie Simpson Adams
Tuesday & Thursday, 6 - 9 p.m., June 12 - July 12
10 sessions. $335. Noncredit. Prerequisite: Mac, Photoshop, editing experience preferred but not required.
Whether you're a filmmaker or home-movie enthusiast, this intensive editing workshop is for you! Learn the foundations of Final Cut Pro video editing by importing your footage, working with the tool bar, correcting color and audio, and applying special effects and transitions to your final video export. This class is tailored to meet the needs of both beginners and more experienced FCP users.
The class culminates in a group show at CCA’s Nahl Hall Auditorium where friends and family can view your work.

Options for Final project include:
Narrative Short, Documentary, Found Footage, Family Footage, Interview Footage with B-Roll, Sports, Holiday, Special event, Visual Poem

· Bring your footage or completed video project
· Bring Mac Compatible hard drive to the first class and each one thereafter.
· Contact Instructor before class begins with any questions or concerns. This is your class and we want to make it work for you.

Bring to first class: 2-6 DVD –RW, Mac compatible external portable hard drive.

DVD Studio Pro Boot Camp

OAK EXMED-1500-02
Instructor: Maggie Simpson Adams
Tuesday & Thursday, 6 - 9 p.m., July 17 - August 9
8 sessions. $275. Noncredit. Prerequisite: Macintosh User, Final Cut Pro and Photoshop experience strongly encouraged.
Learn DVD authorization to create your own custom professional DVD product through Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, and DVD Studio Pro. Tailored to meet the needs of both beginners and more experienced users, this course begins with polishing and exporting your video project in Final Cut Pro, followed by creating a layered DVD menu and cover design in Photoshop, and creating your final product in DVD Studio Pro. Students take home a professional looking DVD with menus, slide show, links, chapters, and a printed DVD cover.

Options for Final project include:
Video Scrap Book: Memories in Motion; Montage with Personal, Found Footage, or a Combination; Interview Footage with B-Roll, Sports, Holiday, Special event, Visual Poem, Urban Landscape, Narrative Short.

· Bring your footage or completed video project
· Bring Mac compatible hard drive to the first class and each one thereafter.
· Contact instructor before class begins with any questions or concerns. This is your class and we want to make it work for you.
Bring to first class: Mac compatible external portable hard drive.

Introduction to iOS App Development

SF EXCOM-1503-01
Instructor: Gregory Cowley
Tuesday & Thursday, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., July 12 - August 14
10 sessions. $495. Noncredit. Prerequisite: experienced Macintosh user, comfortable with Photoshop; must own an iPhone or iPod Touch
This course introduces participants to the fast growing world of app development for iPhones and iPads, by exploring the entire process of creating a simple app from start to finish. 

Topics covered include:
 - Investigating apps and their uses.
 - Conceptualizing and designing your app.
 - Using Apple's Xcode program to build the app. We also look at iOS Web Apps and other tools for creating iPhone content.
 - Work with prewritten code and frameworks, making it easier for students with little or no programming experience.
 - Getting your app onto the Apple Store and distribution methods.

iOS app development is very code intensive and it will be helpful if students have some programming background. However, this class is structured for beginners and no programming experience is required.

The students will need to bring a laptop with the most current version of XCode (free download from Apple) installed.