Program Overview

Program Overview

The program in question is the Technical Communication Certificate, with a specific focus on the course TCOM270: Tools for Technical Communicators, which introduces students to Adobe InDesign.

Course Description

TCOM270 is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to design and create printed materials using Adobe InDesign. The course is structured around the creation of two simple documents: a folded brochure and a small, stapled booklet. Through these projects, students explore the various tools offered by InDesign, aiming to confidently use the software for a broad range of printed materials.

Course Details

• Location: Online
• Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by the instructor
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Tuition: $495
• Application: Can be applied to the Technical Communication Certificate

Upcoming Offerings

The course is offered at various times throughout the year. Specific details include:

• Start Date: Options include February 10, 2026, and October 6, 2026
• Schedule: Self-paced within deadlines, spanning 4 weeks from the start date
• Location: Online
• Instructor: Michael Hayward for the February 2026 session, with the instructor for the October 2026 session to be announced
• Cost: $495.00
• Seats Available: 21 for the February 2026 session and 25 for the October 2026 session

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing TCOM270, students will be able to:

• Recall and relate the complex assortment of InDesign menus, tools, and panels
• Explain the purpose and correct use of InDesign's main tools and panels
• Evaluate sample documents and their basic structure in terms of InDesign's elements
• Use InDesign's menus, tools, and panels to design and create a broad range of printed materials
• Select from InDesign's menus, tools, and panels to make changes to existing InDesign documents

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated based on:

• Assignments
• Participation in discussions

Learning Materials

No textbook is required, as all course materials will be provided online. However, recommended reading includes "Adobe InDesign CC (2019 release): Classroom in a Book" by Anton and DeJarld.

Technical Requirements

For online courses, students need a computer with audio and microphone capabilities connected to the internet. The course utilizes Canvas, and students must have access to Adobe InDesign for the full duration of the course.

English Language Requirements

To succeed in this course, students require an advanced level of written and spoken English. The recommended minimum IELTS scores are:

• Overall band score: 6.5
• No band below: 6.0
• Writing band score: 8.0

Program Application

The course can be applied to the Technical Communication Certificate. Registration for the course is available at any time, with the option to apply to the program later.