|
XML is quickly becoming the most popular
industry format for technical writing, web development and
large document design. Using XSL, authoring professionals
can output their XML files in many formats (e.g. HTML, PDF).
After completing the course, students will be proficient in
XSL techniques in aid of single-source publishing for both
electronic and paper output. This course is designed for people
who wish or need to become familiar with the XSL formatting
language. Ideal candidates for this course would be technical
documentation specialists, web designers, web developers and
programmers.
XSL Techniques for Writers is a 10-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.
This course covers all aspects of
XSL scripting. In the first assignment, students perform simple
data queries to learn about the XPath and XSL data structures.
They then complete basic and advanced assignments using XSLT
to output XML documents into HTML. Finally, they complete
another basic and advanced assignment using XSLFO to output
XML to PDF format.
|
Course Outline
|
| In
this module you will learn the history behind XSL, what
it is, what it can be used for and why it's so popular
among top information professionals. You will also learn
how to query instances using XPath to interrogate XML
instances. You will also be given you first assignment,
which is to Query instances with XPath and XSLT. |
| This
module will teach you how to create and use XSLT Templates.
You will also learn how to create web pages with XSL.
You will also be given an assignment which is to Transform
XML to HTML. |
| In
this module you'll learn how to author style sheets properly,
and what the differences are between XSL and CSS. You
will also learn how to create web pages using XSL from
XML instances, and what the benefits are of generating
HTML from XML are. You will also be given your third assignment
which is on multiple document outputting and advanced
XML-to-HTML techniques. |
| This
module will teach you the benefits of single source publishing,
and what XSL's role is in it. You will also learn how
to create print documents, such as XSLFO and PDF's from
XML. Along with this, you'll learn about MDP or Multiple
Document Output, and how manage many files from one XML
stream. There is an assignment which deals with XSLFO
and XML-to-PDF transformation. |
| This
module will introduce you to switching DTD's, and advanced
PDF transformation. You will also learn how to create
your own converter. For the fifth assignment, you will
be completing your own XML-to-PDF transformation and converter
design. |
| This
module holds all the information you need about XSL. You
will have valuable FAQs, Introductions to XML, Introductions
to DTD's and many other references available at your fingertips
for use at any time. |
|
|
Course Requirements
|
|
Students should have a working familiarity
with XML authoring to take this course. Suggested training
includes our six-week Introduction to XML Authoring course,
or our twelve-week Professional XML Authoring course, or relevant
work experience. If you have any questions on your eligibility,
please contact the instructor at xsl@online-learning.com
Students receive a CD-ROM that contains
all course readings and software. The course CD includes a
special evaluation version of the XML authoring tool XMetaL,
a copy of the XSLT processor XT and a copy of the XSLFO processor
FOP.
|
| — |
pentium-compatible
processor (133 MHz or faster) |
| — |
32
MB of available RAM |
| — |
super
VGA display, 640 x 480 resolution |
| — |
35
MB of disk space |
| — |
40
MB extra disk space during installation |
| — |
CD
drive |
| — |
an
XML-compliant browser: Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
is recommended |
| — |
Internet
access |
| — |
e-mail
program: such as Outlook or Outlook Express |
| — |
Windows
XP/Windows 2000/Windows ME/Windows NT/Windows 98 |
|
Further Information
|
|
Students receive a certificate of completion
for this course. Please see certification
for details.
US $399.00 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!
|
|
|
About the author
Simon Lebrun is a knowledge management
consultant with KMU. He uses XML and XSL technologies to provide
information management solutions to financial institutions, Internet
service providers and telecommunication firms.
About the instructorSimon also teaches this course.
|
Home
