A step-by-step, fully illustrated guide to using Microsoft Word (part 2 of 3 - intermediate). The activities include: working with tables to display information; the Draw Table tool; formatting a table; using tabs to layout text and images; special tabs; form letters; mail merging; creating address labels; and creating, using and saving templates. All files required for the activities are available as a free download through a link at the bottom of the title page.

A step-by-step, fully illustrated guide to using Microsoft Word (part 3 of 3 - advanced). The activities include: application and adaption of styles and style sets; outline view; creating a tables of contents; bookmarking, page numbering, cross referencing and hyperlinks; indexing a document; comparing and combining documents; recording and using macros; data entry forms; and document protection. All files required for the activities are available as a free download through a link at the bottom of the title page.

In this unit we will explore typography, the appearance and lay out of text and how it can be used in Adobe Photoshop. Step-by-step instructions are suitable for Photoshop CS4, CS5, CS6 and CC, and on a PC or Mac. To do this we will investigate: •• typography terminology • categories of typefaces – serif, san serif, decorative, other • type style and type size • alignment and direction • type tools in Photoshop • choice of typeface • paragraph type in Photoshop • the use of white space • leading, tracking and kerning • type special effects, filters and masks in Photoshop • typographic hierarchy.

This unit looks at aspects of the design process and includes assessment items leading up to a major project. To do this we investigate: • the design-process model of discover, define, develop and deliver • research and information gathering • the creative process from ideas and drafting through to prototype • conduct a mini project • persuasive visual statements – visual communication, aspects of image communication and typographic hierarchy • implement a major project utilising the design-process model.

In this unit we will explore typography, the appearance and lay out of text and how it can be used in Adobe Illustrator. Step-by-step instructions are suitable for Illustrator CS4, CS5, CS6 and CC, and on a PC or Mac. To do this we will investigate: • typography terminology • categories of typefaces – serif, san serif, decorative, other • type style and type size • alignment and direction • type tools in Illustrator • choice of typeface • the use of white space • leading, tracking and kerning • typographic hierarchy.

An investigation into artificial neural networks (ANNS) that looks at: • what a neuron is and how the brain uses neurons to learn and to process information • how artificial neurons work and how they can mimic natural neurons • building a simple brain from neurons • how to train an artificial neural network • calculations involved with artificial neurons • programming and training an ANN simulator, then using it to determine new output • the role and applications of ANNs. This unit contains 6 classroom-tested activities to reinforce concepts, including the use of an ANN simulator.

This unit looks at a formal way of going about structuring a solution to complex programming tasks using the Software Development Cycle. It also investigates some of the more useful ways of handling data in a 3GL such a C++, Java, Pascal or VB, by looking at: • using pseudocode • arrays • sorting • records • string handling • file handling • the software development cycle • structured programming • module testing • programming projects.

This investigation looks at: • what a 3GL computer program is; compiled and interpreted programs • the basic constructs needed to make a program • pseudocode, flowcharts, Nassi Shneiderman Diagrams, and structured development charts • the role of sequence in programming • using variables to store values; types of variables; declaring variables; naming conventions • constants and comments • selection: conditions and logical operators • nested selection and case statements • iteration: definite and indefinite, pre-tested and post tested • subroutines: procedures and functions • passing parameters by reference or value • scope: local, module/unit, and global • recursion. This unit contains 8 classroom-tested activities to reinforce concepts, including the development of programs from algorithms.

Structured Query Language (SQL) is the most widely used database query language in the world. In this investigation we look at: • the basic syntax of SQL • selecting columns and rows from a table • special operators: IN, BETWEEN, LIKE, etc. • updating an SQL database • subqueries and diagramming subqueries • processing of data in queries: arithmetic operators, functions, sorting, grouping • joining tables, including same-table joins • relational algebra terminology. This unit includes six classroom tested activities involving over 100 query questions (with answers) to reinforce the concepts learnt. The three databases used are avaialble as a free download on the title page.

Object-role modelling is a proven, teachable, method of developing database tables in optimal normal form. In this investigation we will look at: • problems with flat-file databases: redundancy, inefficiency, update anomalies and data loss • optimal normal form and object role modelling • universe of discourse and UoD experts • elementary sentences: entities, reference mode, labels and roles • developing conceptual schema diagrams • arity and ternary relationships • surplus and derived entities • uniqueness constraints: many:1, 1:1 and many:many • the normalisation process • constraints: mandatory, entity, frequency, equality, exclusion, external, and subset. This unit of work contains 10 classroom-tested activities to reinforce the concepts developed, as well as a fully worked exemplar of the CSDP (conceptual schema design process).