For a list of all courses available please check out the curriculum page

Anime Studio 6 Video Class
Instructor: Dr. Eddie

Based on the newest Anime Studio Pro 6, this is a Video Class. You watch How to do the Basics. Plus Pro 6 has a new Graphical User Interface with many new and wonderful abilities.

See how to take a still image and turn it into an Action Scene! Create Active Sets and Characters, then learn to Animate them. It feels great to create a Character, add Bones, then bring it to life! We will create Aliens in Outer Space, a Corel Reef with Fish and a hungry Shark, and Sailing Ship with a Crusty Pirate and Volcanic Island, and much more! I will also show you how to create South Park and Jib Jab Style Animations in Anime Studio Pro 6.

Does it sound fun and exciting? It is! DrEddie    read More....

Cards with Flair in Photoshop Elements
Instructor: Sara Froehlich

Join me to learn about making greeting cards using Adobe Photoshop Elements. During this class we will talk about layouts, printing, and even designing gift boxes using your photos or artwork. We will also talk about resizing, resolution, and resampling. You will learn to design envelopes and do creative folds, as well as designing your cards. Besides being a great photo editor, Photoshop Elements allows your creativity to shine with composites, collages, and other artwork. Whether you just use Elements to edit photos or you use it for artistic images, you can create one-of-a-kind greeting cards with ease.

IMPORTANT: There are two versions of this course: one for Adobe Photoshop and one for Adobe Photoshop Elements. You can find course information on the Photoshop version of the class here. Self Study DIY courses

Prerequisites:

This is an INTERMEDIATE class. As such you will be expected to know the basics of using the software. You will need to know the basics of using Elements, and be proficient in using the text tool, and you must understand and be able to use layers to complete this course. If you have not completed the beginning course for your version of Photoshop Elements, you should take it before attempting this class, or have equivalent knowledge.

An understanding of your computer and operating system is required. You must know how to unzip a file and locate it and open it in Elements once you have unzipped it. You must understand the use of menus (File > Open, or any other command) and keyboard shortcuts. This means knowing how to use commands for your operating system, such as command + V means paste on the Mac and control + V means paste on the PC.

To post homework, you will have to be able to either build a simple webpage, use one of the free web hosts or photo gallery sites. Ideas for free or low cost web space can be found here: http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm

Previous class recommendations: You should take PSE3: Get Up to Speed, PSE 4: First Steps for Mac or PSE 4: First Steps for Windows before taking this class (the same computer knowledge prerequisites apply to this class as well). An understanding of layers and some more advanced concepts is absolutely essential to successful completion of the exercises in this course. PSE 2 users: If you want to attempt this class using PSE 2, you must have taken Photoshop Elements from the Ground Up. The differences between PSE 2 and the newer versions of PSE will not be covered.

Links:

Where to post homework if you need space: http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm
Elements 3 Answers from Northlite Designs: http://www.northlite.net/elements3.htm
Elements 4 Answers from Northlite Designs: http://www.northlite.net/elements4.htm
Class Syllabus and more info: http://www.northlite.net/ea_psecards.htm

Discovering Blogging with Wordpress
Instructor: Debbie Miller

In this 6 week course on Discovering Blogging with Wordpress you will learn:

1) How to Setup WordPress using cPanel

2) Setting up a FTP connection

3) Working in the Admin Panel

4) Discovering WordPress Themes

5) Working with Plug-ins

6) Tips & Tricks

This course is designed to give you a basic understanding of installing and working in WordPress so you can begin blogging right away.

Prerequisites: You will need a domain name and web hosting that uses cPanel to be able to follow this class. HTML knowledge is helpful but not required.

It is recommended that you have your web hosting account before the class starts.

If you do not have web hosting you can check out Eclectic Academy Hosting which is specifically for students of the school. Or, you can check out the resource page for other options.

MS Excel 101
Instructor: Linda Johnson

Note: This class has been updated to include Excel 2007

Learn how to use Excel to create and edit spreadsheets to produce inventory reports, invoices, budgets, customer databases, and more. Topics covered will include a walkthrough of the Excel interface, creating and editing various types of spreadsheets, using different formulas, creating charts, and basic sorting and filtering of data. For a complete syllabus for all the classes please visit Linda's class page

prerequisite: You must have either Excel 97, 2000, 2002, 2003 or 2007 installed on your computer. A basic understanding of Windows file management is necessary. No other versions of Excel will be taught in this class, including Mac versions.

MS Excel, 201
Instructor: Linda Johnson

NOW UPDATED FOR EXCEL 2007

Learn how to REALLY get the most out of your Excel spreadsheets using the more advanced features of Excel, including macros, advanced filters, named ranges, consolidation, pivot tables and pivot charts, web pages, advanced and nested formulas, Goal Seek, validation, and subtotals. Also learn how to accurately print those large spreadsheets.  For a complete syllabus for all the classes please visit Linda's class page

prerequisite: You must have either Excel 97, 2000, 2002, 2003 or 2007 installed on your computer. No other versions of Excel will be taught in this class, including Mac versions. It is highly recommended that students complete Excel 101 first, or at least have a full understanding of all of the basic Excel features taught in the 101 class, including simple IF statements. This class does not include VBA programming.

Expression Web Developer- Intro
Instructor: Debbie Miller

Expression Web Designer is Microsoft's new web editor tool for building and enhancing web sites with new design elements, such as cascading style sheets and personalized task panes.

It has been released and a trial can be downloaded now. Come join us in learning your way around EWD. It's absolutely jam packed with features you will want to try out.

Expression Web Designer gives you all the tools you'll need to produce high-quality standards-based Web sites. Specialized task panes, and tool bars that allow you precise control of page formatting and layout.

The new design tools give you greater flexibility to create sophisticated looking websites and creativity to help bring your web sites to life with remarkable CSS design layouts.

Get a JUMP START NOW in learning to navigate and explore Expression Web Designer.

Prerequisites: The Student needs to have Expression Web Designer installed before the class starts.  You can download a 60 day trial at  http://www.microsoft.com

For homework requirements the student will need to have in advance before class starts, an active domain name and web hosting account and be prepared to upload any required homework to their site.

Introduction to Mind Mapping Skills
Instructor: Tim Fulford

‘Learning how to learn is life’s most important skill’  Tony Buzan.

Mind Mapping was first ‘discovered’ by Tony Buzan in the 1970’s. Mind Mapping techniques can and do help the young and older get ‘their brains’ round huge problems or tasks which they would have normally walked away from in shear frustration. I have seen so many people start to be able to solve problems and learn things that they would have struggled with until they learnt the simple Mind Mapping techniques. This course will introduce you to the basic theory and practice of Mind Mapping. I will introduce you to the techniques and skills required to enable you to use Mind Mapping to help you unlock you thinking potential. The course will give you techniques, skills and ideas where Mind Mapping can be used (from the home, study to business). For parents you will be able to help your children study and use the same skills yourself in the home or business environment. I am passionate about Mind Mapping because I believe that it unlocks the door for so many people’s learning and development.

On completion of this course you might like to consider the second course (available later this year) which will give you more in-depth knowledge and understanding of Mind Mapping techniques.

Corel Painter 11 Video Basics 
Instructor: Dr. Eddie

Corel Painter 11 Video Basics. This Video Class explores the Basics of Painter 11.

• What are the subtle differences in the Art Brushes?
• Why is everyone so excited about the Artists’ Oil Brushes?
• What is the difference in the Water Color and Digital Water Color Brushes?
• Why do Digital Ink and Water Color need Special Layers?
• How do you use Shapes to paint perfect figures?
• How do you Clone within a single Painting or Photo?
• How do you use Cloning to make your own Paintings from Photos?
• How do you turn any Brush into a Cloner?
• How do you create Woodcuts and Mosaics?
• How do you alter your Brushes to better suit your needs?
• How do you create unique Brushes of your own?
• What is the hidden mask in Painter?

Watch my Videos Lessons answer these and many other Questions! Consisting of short Video Lessons & Mini-Projects, this is an exciting Class in Painter 11 Video Basics! See you there!   DrEddie

Prerequisites:
You must have Painter installed, and be familiar with basic Windows or Mac operating system commands, such as creating folders, saving items to folders and navigating to saved item. You also must know how to download and unzip files.

Paint shop Pro X, Level 1
Instructor: Debbie Miller

Beginning PSP X is for anyone new and just starting out with Paint Shop Pro. In this class, you'll explore the palettes, tool bars and generally become comfortable with program so that you can use it to create graphics in more advanced classes. While the program has not changed dramatically in this  latest version, the interface is slightly different and beginners will find  it easier to start with this beginning class rather than with previous versions of Paint Shop Pro.

Paint shop Pro X2, Level 1
Instructor: Debbie Miller

Beginning Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 is for students looking to learn to work in this new version.  In this class, you'll explore the tool bars, how to make tubes, create graphics and generally become comfortable with pspX2 so that you can use it to design graphics and edit photos. In this version you will see that the interface is slightly different and beginners will find it easier to start with this beginning class rather than with previous versions of Paint Shop Pro.

Prerequisites:
You will need to have a trial version, available at Download.com (NOTE: DO NOT install until after the first lesson is posted since this is only a 30 day trial) or a full version installed on your computer before class starts. Students will be required to take screen shots of their work and upload to a photo sharing site.

Painter Essentials 3 - Photos to Paintings
Instructor: Ed Wiser

This class will teach you how to take your photo's and turn them in to Painting's using Painter Essentials 3.

 This new version of Painter Essentials let's you do quick an easy cloning of your Photo's turning them into work's of art. If you are someone interested in doing something more artistic with your digital pictures then this class is for you. Over the course of six weeks you will learn techniques that will turn your pictures in to works of art. So come join the fun.

Prerequisites: You must have a working knowledge of your computer. Web space to upload your work to is helpful but not mandatory.

Painter -  Six Unique Environments
Instructor: Dr. Eddie

Using a very limited brush set, DrEddie will take you step by step in creating "Six Unique Environments" with Painter, ranging from a snow scene, a sunset, a castle, an alien plant, a deserted Island, and a jungle scene. You will learn simple yet basic tricks that can speed the creation of your paintings.

DrEddie teaches a basic approach or method to creating a painting that you can apply to anything you wish to paint. This class assumes a basic understanding of Painter.

But it is just the beginning of where DrEddie hopes to take the interested student!

Prerequisites:  A working knowledge of Painter. A website to upload your work is helpful but not mandatory.

Photoshop - Level I
Instructor: Donna Sellinger

Photoshop is the "Cadillac" of all graphics programs, It's the one used by professional graphic designers. It allows you to manipulate images, create amazing graphics with equally amazing effects.

Do you have an old photo that needs to be "fixed?" Is it faded, cracked, or otherwise damaged? Photoshop has the tools that can make that image almost better than new. You can even colorize your old black and white photo, or freshen up a faded one.

You can create your own graphics from scratch and with Photoshop's tools, do amazing things with them. So, the bottom line is you'll discover the treasure that is Photoshop. You'll learn about all the tools, how to use them – all the basics you need to get you up and running and starting to create your own wonderful images. There is a free 30 day trial version of Photoshop but, unfortunately, that's not long enough for this class. It's best to already have either Photoshop 6, 7, or CS in order to take this class. Folks who have CS2 or CS3 would also benefit from this class, as it utilizes the basic tools and they are the same in all versions.
 

Prerequisites:  Students must have working knowledge of their operating system, how to save and locate files, and how to unzip files.

Photoshop - Level 2
Instructor: Donna Sellinger

Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard image manipulation tool used for many tasks, from photo retouching to creating posters. One of the most versatile and powerful programs available to the designer, it is essential for a professional finish.

This is true not only because Photoshop is available on a wide array of platforms ranging from Mac to Windows to UNIX, but because after four generations of development, Adobe Photoshop has the most intuitive user interface, the most complete set of tools, and the largest number of reference books around.

We use Photoshop to color correct and sharpen scans. Photoshop gives us the ability to make great looking reproductions of not-so-great looking photographs. It lets us create whatever we want, from scratch and come out with amazing results.

The Intermediate class is designed to continue from the Beginning class and introduce you to more of the wonderful things you can do with this program. Armed with the knowledge of how the program works, you can now put that to use with more advanced skills.

Prerequisite: Beginning Photoshop

Power of cPanel
Instructor: Debbie Miller

CPanel is a fully featured web-based control panel that allows you to manage your web hosting space and domain name through a web interface. This easy to use interface is packed full of useful features and is provided free with some web hosting services.

Inside cPanel website owners can manage site statistics, backup their site, manage email accounts, manage their files, create message boards and more. Learn to explore your cPanel and benefit from quick tips in discovering how to use the different features in cPanel.

Enroll today and unleash "The Power of cPanel for your website!"

Prerequisites: The Student should know that they have cPanel available through their web host provider. You should already have an active website in order to take advantage of cPanel features. Be sure you can access your cPanel before the class starts.

QuickBooks, Intro
Instructor: Debbie Miller

Opening QuickBooks can be over whelming and confusing. In this 6 week introduction course you will learn how to setup a new company. How to navigate within the program. Learn to add customers and create invoices and link the billing info to your customers listed in the program. Pay Bills, Writing Checks and Receiving Customer Payments are also covered.

Prerequisites: Familiarity with your computer/operating system. Have a working copy of QuickBooks 2004 or 2005.
With each new version QuickBooks has added new features, but older features have not changed significantly. By the end of this course, you should have a basic understanding of how to work in QuickBooks so you can manage a small business.

USING THE PEN TOOL in Adobe Illustrator
Instructor, Sam Stone

There is no one tool in Adobe Illustrator that is typically used alone or to the exclusion of the many other options available when working with a project.

HOWEVER…

There is one tool some Adobe Illustrator users leave untouched when creating… This is the "Pen Tool." Many artists seem to experience a sort-of "emotional block" when they try to use the "Pen Tool" and, as a result, default to the "Pencil Tool" for their drawings.

It's the opinion of this instructor that the "Pen Tool" resides more in the "physical/mechanical" world than the "artistic," hence the difficulty artists experience trying to use it.

This is NOT an advanced course in Adobe Illustrator. It's a series of six very basic classes intended to walk the Adobe Illustrator user (whether novice or experienced) through the process of becoming more comfortable with the "Pen Tool," its several uses, and methods of coordinating it with the many other tools and capabilities Adobe Illustrator has to offer. This is a generic set of instructions intended to help the student become more familiar with the Pen Tool regardless of their edition of Adobe Illustrator.