WordPress Basics Online Class

May 24th, 2011 lvs

WordPress This WordPress Basics online class is designed to take you through the development of your own WordPress site. We will be doing a site on whatever “G” rated subject that you choose or you can use the material provided to make a Garden Club website/blog.
WordPress is a free, Web-based software program that anyone can use to build and maintain a website or blog. It began in 2003 as a simple open source blogging tool and was originally intended as an easy way to set up a blog. But, thanks to the efforts of a large “open source” community of WordPress programmers working to extend and improve its capabilities, WordPress has become much more than just a tool for bloggers. Today’s WordPress is really a “content management system” (CMS), which means that it can be used to run full-sized, social media-rich business websites or small, personal web sites.
What is a weblog? A weblog, or “blog”, is a personal journal on the Web. Weblogs cover many different topics. Your blog can be used to share information with relatives and friends. It can include recipes, graduation announcements, birthdays, or club news. Basically anything that you are interested in can be shared with others on your blog. You can allow others to post comments on your blog. The sky’s the limit!!
This class is for anyone that is interested in creating a personal, club, or group website and/or blog using WordPress. This class will teach you the basics of WordPress.
Lesson 1

  • What is WordPress?
  • What is a Content Management System?
  • Blogging Intro
  • Building a WordPress Site
  • The Dashboard
  • Reasons to Start a Blog

Lesson 2

  • Settings and Tools
  • The Visual Editor
  • Adding Pages
  • Themes and Widgets

Lesson 3

  • Categories and Tags
  • Adding Posts
  • Images
  • Managing Posts
  • Blogging Tips

Lesson 4

  • Comments
  • Discussion Settings
  • Moderating Comments
  • Eliminating Spam

Lesson 5

  • Image Gallery
  • Links and Link Categories
  • Menus
  • Polls

WordPress Basics online course is instructed by Yvonne Zaborac . Yvonne also teaches Build Your Website, Drupal, PHP Web Design, Podcasting, Web Accessibility, and Web Typography classes at LVS Online Classes!

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Introduction to WordPress Themes

February 9th, 2011 lvs

Introduction to WordPress Themes At the end of the Introduction to WordPress Themes online course students will have created two distinctly different child themes for their WordPress based web site.
WordPress is best known as a blogging platform but in the past year it is gaining popularity as a content management system (CMS). Web sites based on CMS are extremely easy to update and maintain. Adding or changing the content of these web sites is a simple as filling out a form. This simplicity makes a CMS based website, like those based in WordPress, an ideal choice for:
  • people who don’t have a lot of technical expertise
  • organizations with a rotating leadership like school groups, associations and non-profits
Although a very basic WordPress installation is easy to complete, it is very basic. A basic WordPress installation is not going to be sufficient for a professional presence. WordPress is very flexible and powerful -once you understand how to customize it with themes. The content of a WordPress web site comes from a database, it is the theme that displays that information for your readers.
In this introduction course to WordPress themes, we will work on modifying the default WordPress theme to reflect the branding of your group or business. Here are some examples of what you can do to make your theme truly your own.
  • Incorporate your branding colors and logo
  • Take control over how tall your header is
  • Incorporate slideshows into your theme
  • Want a left side bar, a right side bar or none
  • Create a custom footer
Best of all you can do these customizations if you understand HTML and CSS. More in-depth customization requires PHP and best achieved working with a theme framework. In the Intermediate WordPress themes we will work with a theme framework.
Lesson 1

  • What is WordPress
  • Installing WordPress to your web hosting account
  • Introduction to Twenty Ten theme

Lesson 2

  • Parent- Child Themes
  • Required elements of child themes

Lesson 3

  • Basic Theme Design
  • Importance of Color and Typography

Lesson 4

  • Suggested elements of Child theme
  • Introduction to page templates

Lesson 5

  • Power of Plugins to add features to your web site
  • Putting the final touches on your theme

Introduction to WordPress Themes online class is instructed by Bean Fairbanks. Bean has served as a small business consultant for over ten years, assisting small business owners, non-profit organizations and community groups by obtaining, organizing and presenting the information that they need to succeed. This has covered the spectrum of needs assessments, satisfaction surveys, web sites, e-commerce sites, newsletters, branding, promotional materials and of course a variety of databases.

Posted in In The Spotlight | No Comments »

Blogging Studio Online Class

August 17th, 2010 lvs

WordPress Blog

First, this isn’t a traditional online course. It is a blogging studio where we gather together to learn and support each other in creating interesting, entertaining and/or effective blogs. One of the students explained the Blogging Studio online class as…

"Bring your blog(s), a sack lunch and refillable coffee mug and a list of questions and/or issues you want cussed and discussed until solved, and settle in for five weeks of work. It is helping and learning from each other as well as from our instructor Bean and her sidekick, Anita."

You can bring your blogging questions but how do you ask questions about blogging topics that you don’t about yet? Each session we will start off with at least one tradition lesson, where Bean will provide instruction and exercises related to a relevant blogging topic that may be new to you. The rest of the session will be driven by student questions. Participation and practice will be the focus of this class. Part of the student’s learning process will include assisting other students via feedback and interaction. The instructor and assistant will provide instruction and assistance via:

  • the class message board
  • reading list
  • sharing of resources
  • short exercises
  • interaction on student blog
  • participation in relevant social networks

Blogging questions are limited only by your imagination, here are some possibilities:

Theme Customization Social Media Integration Monetization
Building Your Audience Writer’s Block Establishing Authority
Multi-user blogs Defining Your Niche Advertising Issues
Images Widgets Guest Posts

Learn more about blogging and see what past students are doing at the Blogging Class Blog

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Start the New Year with New Skills

January 2nd, 2010 lvs

What are your New Years’ resolutions? Is this the year that you are going to start that blog, build that web site or figure what in the heck Twitter is all about? If so, I have a class for you! Blogging Basics with WordPress Blogging for Fun, Fame and Fortune PHP 101 for Web Developers Advanced Dreamweaver Twitter for Business [more]

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Dreamweaver & PHP Online Classes Open For Registration!

August 12th, 2009 lvs

If you were waiting to register for the Intermediate Dreamweaver online course and the PHP online course, both are open for registration now.

Bean, instructor of the Dreamweaver and PHP classes, and her assistants have been busily updating the lessons and will have them ready for the upcoming September session.

Bean also teaches the WordPress Blogging classes, Dreamweaver Intro and the MySQL Intro online classes.

Visit Bean’s class blogs:
Blogging Class Blog
Dreamweaver Class Blog
MySQL/PHP Class Blog
All of Beans classes are listed here.
Follow Bean on Twitter.

To help Bean out with her busy schedule, Art, instructor of the Illustrator online course, will be teaching the Dreamweaver Intro class again for the September session. Art instructed the class in the May session and received rave reviews from his students:

I took the Dreamweaver Level 1 course last semester with Art. He was FANTASTIC. I couldn’t say enough good things about him. He was prompt in answering questions, and he answered them very fully, often with examples.”

If you haven’t registered yet, head on over there now – registration ends August 26th. Enrollment is limited – register now!

Remember that returning students receive a 20% discount on all classes. The discount will be reflected when you sign into your LVS account. And don’t forget to ask your referrals to list your name so that you recieve a $5 credit for each new referral!

More information on classes, educational discounts and special offers on software.

Posted in Announcements, In The Spotlight | No Comments »

Express Yourself With A Blog

March 6th, 2009 lvs

Blogging is a fantastic way to express yourself and to share information. With a blog, you can communicate with people far and near as you exchange ideas, share insights, create networks and promote your interests or your business. Although blogging, in itself, is easy – there are a lot of tricks out there to make it even easier and more effective. Taking one of the online blogging classes at LVS Online is a fun and interactive way to learn about blogging.

The Blogging Basics class is a great way to get started if you are new to blogging. In that blogging class:

  • we plan out our blogs
  • set the blogs up with WordPress
  • customize the blogs with themes
  • plug-ins and/or widgets
  • add media like images and videos
  • begin sharing our blog with the blogosphere

The Blogging for Fun, Fame and Fortune course is like an online blogging studio. Once you have the basics down, this online blogging course will provide you the tools, guidance and support to meet your blogging goals.

Each session, the content varies according to the needs and desires of the students and students contribute to the content as they share resources and experiences. In addition, the content from previous sessions is available to all enrolled students in the blogging library. For the March 09 session, we will be focusing on blog statistics and monetizing our blogs.

Bean Fairbanks Bean Fairbanks has been blogging for over six years. She has helped individuals, businesses, community groups and others successfully meet their blogging goals with fun and creativity.

Visit Bean’s class blog for frequent blogging updates.

Follow Bean on Twitter! Follow Bean on Twitter

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Get The Skills You Need

February 23rd, 2009 lvs

Employees with the most skills have a better chance of keeping their jobs during these tough times. Don’t take a chance with your career – we make training easy and affordable!

Over 100 online courses are open for enrollment.

NEW Courses for March session:

Hurry – classes fill up fast! Instructor-led classes begin March 14th, so head on over to LVS Online to enroll now!

Posted in Announcements, Registration | 1 Comment »

Skills are your biggest security blanket

February 18th, 2009 lvs

Turbulent times are disturbing and difficult, but can also present an pportunity for those that recognize the situation and act quickly. A key component of readiness is having the right skills. Develop as many market-hot skills as possible. Go beyond listing experiences; focus on skills. Skills are your biggest security blanket.

Take charge of your career development and learn how to survive in today’s work world with LVS Online Classes! Over 100 online courses are now open for enrollment.

NEW Courses for March session:

Returning students receive a 20% discount! Just sign into your LVS account and the discount will automatically be applied to your registration.

Instructor-led classes begin March 14, 2009. If you have not yet registered, head on over to the LVS Online Registration to enroll today!

Posted in Announcements, Registration | No Comments »

Registration Is Open!

February 12th, 2009 lvs

Registration Is Open At LVS Online Classes – Where Learning Is Fun!

Over 100 online courses are now open for enrollment

NEW Courses for March session:
LVS Online Classes Gift Certificate
Give the gift of LVS Online Classes to someone special for Valentines Day AND….if you refer new students to LVS, be sure to tell them to list you as the referrer to receive $5 for EACH referral!

Returning students receive a 20% discount! Just sign into your LVS account and the discount will automatically be applied to your registration.

Our Windows classes are FREE to everyone and includes instructor support!

LVS students are eligible for Corel educational version software from the Corel Education Store. This includes CorelDraw, Painter, and Paint Shop Pro! Check out the LVS News page for more information and details on special offers!

As a benefit to our enrolled LVS students, special offers are made available by famous software developers such as Andromeda, AV Bros, Extensis, Harry Heim (the PlugIn Site), namesuppressed, Nik Multimedia, and Ulead. Only registered students receive the information and discounts! Be sure to click on the “Class Information” link provided in your registration confirmation for IMPORTANT class information and special offers!

As in the past, registered LVS students are eligible to purchase some of their favorite programs at a student discount through our Academic Reseller program.

Instructor-led classes begin March 14, 2009. If you have not yet registered, head on over to the LVS Online Registration to enroll today!

Registration for the March 2009 session ends March 11, 2009.

New Course Highlights

*Abstract Painting*

This class is for people that want to learn how to “think” abstract. If you’re like me, I look at a blank canvas and have no idea where to start to make an abstract, but you really really want to be able to create one. This class will kick your creative juices into high gear and give you ideas and techniques that will enable you to think, envision and create abstractly.

This is probably the most lenient class you will ever take. Abstraction has very few rules and is perhaps the freest expression of art there is. In this vein, you are allowed to use anything you want to make your pieces. You can use paint, ink, crayons, markers, colored pencils, but it would be best if you used something that will allow you to create color in your images. The only thing is no matter what media you decide on, you must know how to use that media, as this class only teaches technique, not use of any particular media.

Visit our Graphic Design & Art Campus to learn more.

*Introduction to Astronomy*

A descriptive class (no math required) on astronomy covering history of astronomy, observational astronomy, and composition of our solar system, galaxy, and universe. First, you will learn about the history of astronomy and learn about how to view objects in the night sky. Next, you will learn about the formation and evolution of our solar system, including the composition and positions of the planets, moons, and the Sun. You will also learn about stars including their evolution and life cycle, properties and the formation of black holes. We will move onto galaxies and explore our own galaxy including the galaxies nearest to our own, progressing onto classifications of galaxies and interstellar medium. The universe as a whole will be examined by discussing the origins, expansion, theories of everything, and its fate. Finally, we will discuss the possibility of extraterrestrial life and what scientists are currently doing to search for life elsewhere. Visit our Art & Humanities Campus to learn more.

*The Art of Collage with Corel PainterX*

Collage is a wonderful way to display images and add objects that we call embellishments.

The word Collage stems from the French word coller which means to stick or glue visual objects to a central backing. Two dimensional collage is usually created with photographs, ribbons and pieces of newspapers, magazines and materials by using photography or scanning. You can use just about anything! It is only limited by your imagination!

Collage most often carries a theme whether it be a portrait of someone or a particular scene you wish to show off with added items that bring together a unique piece of art. Painting with Painter Brushe, applying textures and effects to enhance the images brings a result of a lovely creative image.

Not just images, objects and painting are applied. The effective use of Masks, Composite Methods and Effects that are available within Painter and of course not limited to outside effects.

Some may say that Collage is similar to Scrapbooking and in a small way it is. The similarity is adding images and objects to a background.

This is a six week course where you will begin with simple assemblages, leading up to week six when you create a portrait of yourself or a loved one. Visit our Graphic Programs Campus to learn more.

*CoffeeCup Software*

CoffeeCup Software was started inside a real coffeehouse in the early summer of 1996. Back then, good software to create cool Websites was really hard to find.” Since 1996, CoffeeCup Software has been making easy-to-use software. If you’re just getting started or if you already have a Website, their suite of web design and web site enhancing software will have you up and running a snazzy site in no time.

CoffeeCup Software is shareware, which means if you don’t already own it, you can download it and try it without having to pay for it. This gives you an opportunity to see if you like the program before you buy it. You can download all of the software we’re going to be learning here: CoffeeCup Software. Visit our Web Development Campus to learn more.

*Corel Painter X: Introduction to Brushes I **Revised***

Introduction to Corel Painter Brushes I is the first class of a two-part course. The class has to be divided into two due to the enormous amount of information contained in Painter’s Brushes. To help newer ones discovering Painter, the class is written with the beginner in mind.

Corel’s PainterX is the leading digital painting application software. Painter’s Brush tools offer a wide range of preset painting and drawing tools called Brush Variants. These Variants are organized into Categories, like, Airbrushes, Oils, Calligraphy, Pencils, so on and so forth.

Painter Brushes are designed with real media in mind. For example: you can select a Variable Flat variant from the Oils Category from the Brush Selector bar, and your brush will react just like an oil brush on traditional canvas. The Brush Selector bar lets you can have quick access to all Brush Categories and Variants at your fingertips, beautiful Pastels, Digital Watercolour, Oils.

One of PainterX’s great features is the creation of the RealBristle Brush with its Variants that produce a natural movement of an artist’s brush. This feature heightens the responsiveness of your brush in a totally new way. You can replicate the sensation and interaction between paint, canvas and brush. There’s no other program that can let you experience this. RealBristle brushes are featured in Class II. It is a requirement that you take Class I before commencing with Class II. Visit our Graphics Programs Campus to learn more.

*Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 – Intro*

This course provides a solid introduction to working with Paint Shop Pro Photo X2. The course will begin with the basics including workspacelayout, toolbars, palettes and then move on to imaging fundamentals. The focus of the class is to get you comfortable enough with the basics to continue learning some of the more advanced features of Paint Shop Pro Photo X2. (The class does NOT cover any of the new features in the Ulimate Version)

Learn to use some of the newest tools such as the unique makeover tools which let you whiten teeth, remove blemishes and paint on a tan. This course is a sure bet for the beginner and will get your started on making the most of your photos before you post them online. Visit our Graphics Programs Campus to learn more.

*Joomla! Fast Track*

This is a fast-paced course in Joomla! Development. Joomla! is an Open Source Content Management System that enables you to make professional and exciting web standards compliant websites very quickly with no coding knowledge. Joomla! is the perfect solution for web designer’s clients that want to maintain their own website. Clients, once logged in, can administer their site from the frontend with no knowledge of coding required. They can then add, edit or delete content at their own pace – even upload images, files, video etc – all through Joomla! Visit our Web Development Campus to learn more.

Back to Top

Check out our complete selection of online classes!

*FREE TUTORIALS*

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Registration is open for the March 2009 Session!

February 11th, 2009 lvs

Registration Is Open At LVS Online Classes – Where Learning Is Fun!

Our courses of study are for people who love to learn! Our online classes are perfect for senior learners, homeschoolers, those seeking a stress-relieving hobby, or to update your resume. Even people who have gone on to have successful careers may feel a nagging need to learn. If you love to learn, you’ll love LVS Online classes!

Over 100 online courses are now open for enrollment

NEW Courses for March session:
LVS Online Classes Gift Certificate
Give the gift of LVS Online Classes to someone special for Valentines Day AND….if you refer new students to LVS, be sure to tell them to list you as the referrer to receive $5 for EACH referral!

Returning students receive a 20% discount! Just sign into your LVS account and the discount will automatically be applied to your registration.

Our Windows classes are FREE to everyone and includes instructor support! Windows Classes


LVS students are eligible for Corel educational version software from the Corel Education Store. This includes CorelDraw, Painter, and Paint Shop Pro! Check out the LVS News page for more information and details on special offers!

As a benefit to our enrolled LVS students, special offers are made available by famous software developers such as Andromeda, AV Bros, Extensis, Harry Heim (the PlugIn Site), namesuppressed, Nik Multimedia, and Ulead. Only registered students receive the information and discounts! Be sure to click on the “Class Information” link provided in your registration confirmation for IMPORTANT class information and special offers!

As in the past, registered LVS students are eligible to purchase some of their favorite programs at a student discount through our Academic Reseller program.

Instructor-led classes begin March 14, 2009. If you have not yet registered, head on over to the LVS Online Registration to enroll today!

Registration for the March 2009 session ends March 11, 2009.

New Course Highlights

*Abstract Painting*

This class is for people that want to learn how to “think” abstract. If you’re like me, I look at a blank canvas and have no idea where to start to make an abstract, but you really really want to be able to create one. This class will kick your creative juices into high gear and give you ideas and techniques that will enable you to think, envision and create abstractly.

This is probably the most lenient class you will ever take. Abstraction has very few rules and is perhaps the freest expression of art there is. In this vein, you are allowed to use anything you want to make your pieces. You can use paint, ink, crayons, markers, colored pencils, but it would be best if you used something that will allow you to create color in your images. The only thing is no matter what media you decide on, you must know how to use that media, as this class only teaches technique, not use of any particular media.

Visit our Graphic Design & Art Campus to learn more.

*Introduction to Astronomy*

A descriptive class (no math required) on astronomy covering history of astronomy, observational astronomy, and composition of our solar system, galaxy, and universe. First, you will learn about the history of astronomy and learn about how to view objects in the night sky. Next, you will learn about the formation and evolution of our solar system, including the composition and positions of the planets, moons, and the Sun. You will also learn about stars including their evolution and life cycle, properties and the formation of black holes. We will move onto galaxies and explore our own galaxy including the galaxies nearest to our own, progressing onto classifications of galaxies and interstellar medium. The universe as a whole will be examined by discussing the origins, expansion, theories of everything, and its fate. Finally, we will discuss the possibility of extraterrestrial life and what scientists are currently doing to search for life elsewhere. Visit our Art & Humanities Campus to learn more.

*The Art of Collage with Corel PainterX*

Collage is a wonderful way to display images and add objects that we call embellishments.

The word Collage stems from the French word coller which means to stick or glue visual objects to a central backing. Two dimensional collage is usually created with photographs, ribbons and pieces of newspapers, magazines and materials by using photography or scanning. You can use just about anything! It is only limited by your imagination!

Collage most often carries a theme whether it be a portrait of someone or a particular scene you wish to show off with added items that bring together a unique piece of art. Painting with Painter Brushe, applying textures and effects to enhance the images brings a result of a lovely creative image.

Not just images, objects and painting are applied. The effective use of Masks, Composite Methods and Effects that are available within Painter and of course not limited to outside effects.

Some may say that Collage is similar to Scrapbooking and in a small way it is. The similarity is adding images and objects to a background.

This is a six week course where you will begin with simple assemblages, leading up to week six when you create a portrait of yourself or a loved one. Visit our Graphic Programs Campus to learn more.

*CoffeeCup Software*

CoffeeCup Software was started inside a real coffeehouse in the early summer of 1996. Back then, good software to create cool Websites was really hard to find.” Since 1996, CoffeeCup Software has been making easy-to-use software. If you’re just getting started or if you already have a Website, their suite of web design and web site enhancing software will have you up and running a snazzy site in no time.

CoffeeCup Software is shareware, which means if you don’t already own it, you can download it and try it without having to pay for it. This gives you an opportunity to see if you like the program before you buy it. You can download all of the software we’re going to be learning here: CoffeeCup Software. Visit our Web Development Campus to learn more.

*Corel Painter X: Introduction to Brushes I **Revised***

Introduction to Corel Painter Brushes I is the first class of a two-part course. The class has to be divided into two due to the enormous amount of information contained in Painter’s Brushes. To help newer ones discovering Painter, the class is written with the beginner in mind.

Corel’s PainterX is the leading digital painting application software. Painter’s Brush tools offer a wide range of preset painting and drawing tools called Brush Variants. These Variants are organized into Categories, like, Airbrushes, Oils, Calligraphy, Pencils, so on and so forth.

Painter Brushes are designed with real media in mind. For example: you can select a Variable Flat variant from the Oils Category from the Brush Selector bar, and your brush will react just like an oil brush on traditional canvas. The Brush Selector bar lets you can have quick access to all Brush Categories and Variants at your fingertips, beautiful Pastels, Digital Watercolour, Oils.

One of PainterX’s great features is the creation of the RealBristle Brush with its Variants that produce a natural movement of an artist’s brush. This feature heightens the responsiveness of your brush in a totally new way. You can replicate the sensation and interaction between paint, canvas and brush. There’s no other program that can let you experience this. RealBristle brushes are featured in Class II. It is a requirement that you take Class I before commencing with Class II. Visit our Graphics Programs Campus to learn more.

*Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 – Intro*

This course provides a solid introduction to working with Paint Shop Pro Photo X2. The course will begin with the basics including workspacelayout, toolbars, palettes and then move on to imaging fundamentals. The focus of the class is to get you comfortable enough with the basics to continue learning some of the more advanced features of Paint Shop Pro Photo X2. (The class does NOT cover any of the new features in the Ulimate Version)

Learn to use some of the newest tools such as the unique makeover tools which let you whiten teeth, remove blemishes and paint on a tan. This course is a sure bet for the beginner and will get your started on making the most of your photos before you post them online. Visit our Graphics Programs Campus to learn more.

*Joomla! Fast Track*

This is a fast-paced course in Joomla! Development. Joomla! is an Open Source Content Management System that enables you to make professional and exciting web standards compliant websites very quickly with no coding knowledge. Joomla! is the perfect solution for web designer’s clients that want to maintain their own website. Clients, once logged in, can administer their site from the frontend with no knowledge of coding required. They can then add, edit or delete content at their own pace – even upload images, files, video etc – all through Joomla! Visit our Web Development Campus to learn more.

Back to Top

Check out our complete selection of online classes!

*FREE TUTORIALS*

Posted in Announcements, Registration | 1 Comment »