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XML is quickly becoming the most popular
industry format for technical writing, web development and
many other applications. XML provides an extensible and elegant
solution to meet the demands of next generation document publishing
- including publishing on the web. XML skills are in heavy
demand. For example, the computerjobs.com
site indicates that technical writers proficient in XML earn
$19K more per year than the industry average!. The course
is ideal for anyone interested in next-generation publishing,
including web masters, web developers, technical writers/editors
and print publishers who want to gain a working knowledge
of XML and who want to use it to improve their content management
processes.
Introduction to XML Authoring
is a 6-week online course that combines instructor mentoring
via discussion groups, chat and e-mail with self-paced lessons
and three practical ‘marked’ assignments. Students
can accelerate their efforts in order to complete the course
material in much less time if they wish.
The course provides a complete overview
of authoring in XML. It provides you with a basic introduction
to the components of an XML document and related technologies.
You will learn how to create a valid (well-formed) XML document
using the XMetaL editor. The course provides an overview of
Document Type Definitions (DTDs) and DTD syntax. In addition,
the course includes an introduction to style sheet writing
(CSS properties and selectors, how CSS works with XML).
Please note: Students who plan to study
all aspects of the XML language and who wish to complete assignments
in DTDs and style sheets should consider the twelve-week Professional
XML Authoring course.
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Course Outline
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the first module, you will be formally introduced to XML.
You will learn about the components of an XML document,
and you will learn how to use elements, attributes and
entities. Along with this, you will learn how to start
building your own XML toolkit. With this module is assignment
one, where you will learn how to build a small XML document
(an XML postcard) using a plain text editor. You will
learn how to insert a DTD reference, a style sheet reference
and create a simple XML document based on the postcard
DTD. |
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This module will give you practise
in authoring XML documents using the popular XML editor
XmetaL You will be given an assignment to author a valid
XML document using the letter DTD. After creating your
letter in XmetaL, you will convert it to HTML and PDF
using the course converter.
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Using your experience from the
previous modules, you'll learn all about DTD's. You
will learn what they are, what they can do, and how
to structure them properly & efficiently. You will
also learn proper style sheet authoring techniques while
studying this module. For your final assignment, you
will create a valid XML document using the report_xml
DTD, allowing you to use a variety of elements such
as images, glossaries, hyperlinks and more.
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Course Requirements
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Students must have a working
knowledge of English and an awareness of basic software applications,
including file creation and maintenance. Please note that
this course is a prerequisite for further online-learning.com
course studies such as XSL Techniques.
Students receive a CD-ROM that contains
all course readings and software. Students receive a copy
of XMetaL, an excellent editor from Softquad. This version
of XMetaL functions for the duration of the course. Students
may purchase XMetaL after the course is finished at a special
reduced price. The course also includes an XML Converter that
converts XML documents that are authored using the course
DTDs. The converter creates both HTML and PDF files, generating
a hyperlinked HTML document.
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pentium-compatible
processor (133 MHz or faster) |
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32
MB of available RAM |
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super
VGA display, 640 x 480 resolution |
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35
MB of disk space |
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40
MB extra disk space during installation |
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CD
drive |
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an
XML-compliant browser: Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
is recommended |
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Internet
access |
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e-mail
program: such as Outlook or Outlook Express |
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Windows
XP/Windows 2000/Windows ME/Windows NT/Windows 98 |
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Further Information
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Students receive a certificate of completion
for this course. Please see certification
for details.
US $299.00 includes a CD-ROM
with all necessary authoring software and extensive reading
materials.
All of the course readings, discussions,
and assignments are conducted electronically. The instructor
works directly with each student in the course via email. In
addition, the instructor holds regular web chat sessions to
discuss topics of interest and assignments with the class as
a whole. Students may also use the online discussion bulletin
board to post messages regarding topics of interest and assignments.
Communication with your instructor
and your classmates is an important aspect of this course.
Several tools are provided to help you communicate more effectively.
The tools can be accessed from your 'student locker' page.
Students are encouraged to communicate
with each other through the course discussion group and through
regular chat sessions. Use the discussion group to share information
or to seek assistance with assignments. If you have a question
on an assignment that is of a general nature, use the discussion
group to post your question since other students will also
benefit from the response. If you need personal assistance,
e-mail your instructor.
Students are not required to attend
chat sessions; however, most students find them beneficial.
During chat sessions, students may ask questions relating
to assignments or usability issues.
The instructor will send out weekly
e-mail updates. The instructor's comments will discuss course
issues, assignments, and other information that is related
to the course. Since students are participating from locations
around the world, communication is especially important. Using
the course communications regularly will help students to
have a richer learning experience.
If you have further questions
about this course, or have special circumstances (i.e. student/corporate
group needs), we would be glad to talk
with you!
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About the author
Susan Bodnik is Online-learning.com's
instructor coordinator. In addition, she has over 5 years of experience
in teaching and developing online authoring courses. She has a
degree in English from the University of Waterloo with specialized
focus in communications, rhetoric and online learning. Susan is
also an active member in the Society for Technical Communication.
Susan adapted this course from our 12-week Professional XML Authoring
course.
About the instructor
Susan also teaches the class.
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