Cheryl Kautz | Grand Rapids Community College

Courses taught are listed below along with the catalog description and other information.

CO 252
Advanced Photoshop (online and face-to-face)
See Photoshop Tips, Tricks & Tutorials.
This course builds on existing Photoshop skills, follows steps a designer would take to complete real-world projects, and explores the more advanced production techniques including: workflow automation; color manipulation with the Curves adjustment utility; advanced compositing; blending techniques; recognize the differences of CMYK and RGB color models; understand and manipulate resolution for the web and for print; animate gif images for the Web; tricks, techniques, and alternative methods to create eye-catching photos; learn to clone effectively and strategically; advanced techniques to create interesting type; and learn how to use Smart Objects to save time and apply non-destructive transformations and filters. This course is designed for students studying digital graphics communication and wanting to use the latest Photoshop special effects to create professional quality designs and images for students’ portfolios. Prerequisite: Grade of C- or better in CO152 or equivalent.

CO 205 (online)
Advanced Windows Operating System (online and face-to-face)
This course is an advanced level operating system class in which students explore and practice the more complex and advanced features of the current version of Microsoft Windows operating system. Hardware, software and general systems concepts are presented as well as practical applications of Windows Functions.

CO 155 (developed for online)
Word
Students will build on word processing software in a hands-on environment. Integration of Word documents with other Office suite programs will be included. It is recommended but not required that students take CO 101 or BA 145 before taking this course.

CO 152
Photoshop
See Photoshop Tips, Tricks & Tutorials.
This course provides a solid foundation in the features and tools of Adobe Photoshop, software for creating and manipulating bitmapped graphics. Topics include the Photoshop interface, design principles and copyright rules, working with layers, channels, cloning tools, filters, blend modes, adjustments, color techniques, painting tools, type, and various selection methods. Students will gain knowledge and experience working with layer masks and clipping groups; pen and shape tools to create paths, shapes, and selections; and use non-destructive approaches to manipulate images. Students will also automate workflow with actions and increase efficiency with commonly used keyboard shortcuts. In addition, slices will be used with the Web & Devices dialog box to create and optimize images for the Web.

CO 148
HTML Essentials
See CSS & HTML Tips, Tricks & Tutorials.
HTML Essentials (hyper text markup language) is the study of the rules that define the layout of text within a web page. The course covers the hyper text markups defined in XHTML (extended hyper text markup language), DHTML (dynamic hyper text markup language) and CSS (cascading style sheets). In a hands-on environment, students will design web pages using XHTML, DHTML, CSS and a text editor like Notepad. Students will publish to a web server and learn how to maintain their web site. Markup languages run on all operating systems, Window, UNIX, etc. It is
recommended but not required that students take CO105 or CO 205 before taking this course.

CO 146
Web Design
See CSS & HTML Tips, Tricks & Tutorials.
Prerequisite: CO 148 – Students will learn the basics of web design, development and publishing including how to design and program a web page, how to set up a site and publish it to the internet. In a hands-on environment, students will design web pages using HTML and Macromedia Dreamweaver software, implement simple graphics and be exposed to design technique principals. In addition, students will publish to a web server and analyze web
site functionality. Students should have experience with the Internet, a knowledge of fundamental computer literacy and knowledge of the Windows operating system.

CO 140
Microsoft Power Point (online)
Students learn to create attention holding presentations using computer software designed for this purpose. As "information age" workers, students focus on the effective communication of ideas and information. Using a common design, students produce overheads, interactive slide shows, handouts and speaker notes. It is recommended but not required that students take CO101 before taking this course.

CO 105
Windows Operating System
See Windows 7 Tips, Tricks & Tutorials
Students learn operations and basic features of a Windows Operating System to enhance productivity when using a computer to run applications. Students will control windows, manage programs, work with directories, files and folders, use accessories, transfer data between applications, manage printing, perform disk maintenance and customize the desktop environment.

CO 101
Intro to Computer Applications
This course is a general understanding and operation of current software applications via personal computers. Projects are completed using word processing, graphics, spreadsheets, database management and electronic presentations. Productive ways that computer systems can be used are also demonstrated. On-line training and
assessment are also incorporated in this environment.

CO 003
Fundamentals of Computer Operations
See Gmail Tips, Tricks & Tutorials .
This developmental course is designed as a foundation for those with little to no computer experience. Students are
introduced to skill sets such as computer terminology, hardware vs. software, email, operating systems, the internet, and software applications such as word processing. It is presented in an environment conducive to the basic theoretical aspects of computer usage with a focus on practical application. Basic keyboarding is also incorporated; however, students are advised to take BA 130 for more detailed instruction. Overall, students are prepared to achieve a competency level necessary to use computer systems for both personal and academic
needs, as well as prepare for the next higher level course.

BA 145
Computer Applications in Business
Students learn to solve typical business problems using the computer as a management tool. Students become familiar with current methods of information processing by employing word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and database software. The preparation of business documents is emphasized throughout the course. Recommended: BA 133 Word
Processing 1 or BA 133 Challenge Exam.

BA 130
Computer Keyboarding
On the computer, students develop basic touch keyboarding skills including proficiency in keyboarding alpha characters, top-row numbers, symbols, ten-key numeric pad and special function keys. Designed for business, Data entry, and personal applications. (An introduction to word processing is included.).

CLS 100
Introduction to College: New Student Experience
This course is designed to assist new students with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be successful in college and life. Topics include learning styles, critical thinking, information management skills, GRCC history and services, study skills, values exploration, academic planning, career planning, civic engagement, and diversity.