Reference no: EM132337566

Advanced Desktop Publishing

Aim/Goal: This module is designed to enable students to develop their skills using a publication software in the office: MS Desktop publishing.

General Objectives:

1. Understand the difference and importance between a word processors and desktop publishing in the office

2. Develop student skills using a Desktop Publishing software.

Revise the concept of word processors and compare them to other computer applications available to design brochures, cards, pamphlets and posters.

State the importance of using the right software in the office to design documentation, depending on the task and aim.

Explain the concept of dtp and its impact in a modern office

Identify basic competencies in using desktop publishing concepts to produce a simple publication:

Emphasise the impact of using DTP in a modern office and show examples of publications.

Explain the advantages of using desktop publishing applications in the office to produce quality documentation.

Practice with an appropriate software for the tasks (eg. dtp or a page layout software).

Highlight the main differences between dtp software and word processors (eg. text flow, image control, purpose).

Group students to explore, compare and discuss the impact of quality publications in a modern office.

Apply the principles of standard page layout and text properties using dtp software, to produce quality results:

• Setting page size/orientation and margins

• Create quality and attractive text areas/text frames

• Set up column widths/spacing according to marketing standards

• Use of serif/sans serif fonts to create impact on the audience

• Use multiple font sizes applying accessibility standards

Means by which text/images can be imported and placed in a publication from different sources.

• Import text file(s) from different sources

• Import image(s) from different sources

• Enter headings and use of line or border feature to produce quality and impacting messages.

Manipulate text and images to balance page

• Apply alignment and justification

• Set paragraph spacing and/or first line indent

• Move/resize image

• Fit headline text to page width

• Balance columns Manage publications and print composite proofs

• Create new publication

• Save master page/template

• Save publication

• Print composite proof(s)

• Close publication

Explain the advantages of using desktop publishing applications in the office to produce quality documentation.

Practice with an appropriate software for the tasks (eg. dtp or a page layout software).

Highlight the main differences between dtp software and word processors (eg. text flow, image control, purpose).

Explain the use of master pages, templates and equivalent to produce quality documents. Student practice on how to set page size and margins, in such a way that impact the audience with quality outputs.

Show the use and control of text frames or equivalent, applying international accessibility standards.

Explain the difference between serif and sans serif typefaces and show how to select them, to produce quality output. Explain how to set and amend text sizes and apply standards. Show how to test the quality and assess the standards.

Explain how text files and images can be imported. Show how to enter small amount of text.

Explain the basic graphic capabilities of dtp software and how to use lines and borders to separate  areas of text. Explain the use of left and centre alignment and of full justification in a desktop publication.

Show the importance of common dtp conventions such as first line indents and demonstrates how to use them consistently.

Practice the manipulation, move and resize of images. Show how to place correctly and accurately text in columns and how to adjust text size and spacing in order to achieve this.

Explain the document management techniques for the chosen dtp software and the differences from generic document management terms (eg. master pages).

Demonstrate how to print composite proofs from the chosen software using default print setting.

Set individual and group tasks to produce portfolio of documentations that include: brochures, pamphlets, posters, and any other publication that could help the business to have a positive impact in its businesses.

Group students to compare and discuss portfolios and select the ideal set of publication for a selected business. Promote creativity in the design and production of documents.