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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 Professional
XML Authoring course is ideal for anyone interested in next-generation
publishing, including web masters, web developers, technical
writers/editors and print publishers who want a real working
knowledge of XML and who want to learn how it can improve
their content management processes.
Professional XML Authoring is a 12-week online
course that combines instructor mentoring via discussion groups,
chat and e-mail with self-paced lessons and five practical
‘marked’ assignments. Students can accelerate
their efforts in order to complete the course material in
much less time if they wish.
Students will get both the tools and
the training to create XML documents which can be used as
a single-source to generate PDF, HTML, Word RTF and other
files. This course covers all aspects of XML authoring including
but not limited to processes and methods, DTD and document
structure, XSL and CSS style sheet languages.
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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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module will teach you everything needed to know about
XML editing. You will learn how to use XMetaL to author
XML documents easier and faster. You will also be given
your second assignment which is to create a valid XML
document using the report_xml DTD, which supports a variety
of elements such as Web links, a glossary, bibliography,
graphics and much more. You will convert your XML document
to HTML and PDF using the course converter. |
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foundation for an XML document is a DTD (Document Type
Definition). The DTD functions as a blueprint for the
XML file, indicating how the elements in the XML file
fit together. This module provides you with the background
to start building your own DTDs. You will also be given
your third assignment which is to create your own DTD,
along with an XML file based on your DTD. You can choose
to author the DTD of your choice. Some students work on
DTDs that are used in their workplace. |
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module will teach you about CSS and XSLT style sheets.
You will learn how you can use CSS to format your XML
data in a browser, and how you can use XSLT to transform
your XML file to HTML. You will also be given your fourth
assignment which is to create a CSS and/or XSLT style
sheet using the XML file created in the third assignment. |
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will learn about information systems in this module. You
will also be given the fifth and final assignment where
you will create an XML-based information system using
a DTD, XML file and style sheet. |
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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.
Students receive a CD-ROM that contains
all course readings and software. Students receive a copy
of XMetaL, an excellent XML 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
DTD. The converter creates both HTML and PDF files, creating
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 $499.00 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.
"The PXA course is extremely well structured
and designed... You can customize the level of work you want
to apply (from basic to advanced) and hence the level you
want to achieve by the end of the course. I wrapped a real
life experience around the assignments and it was a tremendous
learning experience! I now have no problem participating actively
in meetings dealing with XML subject matter (either on a business
or technical level). In all, I rate the Online-learning.com
XML course 9.5 out of 10." - Corrine (Federal Government)
"Excellent materials and assignments!
I really liked the blend of weekly assignments, online quizzes,
and two assignments. I also LOVE all the graphics included
in the course materials. The numerous quizzes and tutorials
were excellent. The content was clearly written and is a skillful
distillation of the vast amount of XML info. Yeah!" -
Allison
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
Richard Lander is a project manager
with Microsoft where he supervises a wide range of development
activities. He has spent several years working with the XML family
of languages and holds a degree in Rhetoric and Professional Writing.
About the instructor
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.
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