Frequently Asked Questions

Class Questions

Are all your classes online?
No. We offer on-site training for Silicon Valley corporations. Just contact us and let us know what your specific needs are.

How do I get help in an online class?
There are live web conferences in which you can ask questions and get help from your Adobe Certified Instructor. The web conferences are hosted by GoToMeeting which allows you to talk to the instructor though a headset while he shares whatever is on his computer with you and any other classmates in the conference. You can even give him permission to see and make changes to Photoshop files on your computer. This can be very useful in problem solving an issue you are having.
Also, you can post questions to the discussion boards of the learning management system. You can even upload the files you have questions about so that your instructor or even classmates can help you via the discussion board. This way you don't have to wait for the next live web conference to get help. An overview of how online training works can be found here.

What advantages are there in taking a class online rather than in a face to face "boot camp"?
You have the convenience of learning from your own home or workplace rather than having to travel to a physical classroom. You don't have to take days off from work to attend a "boot camp" that causes you to lose some income. Learning over a three day span gives you time to practice each new skill on your own before meeting with the instructor to ask your questions. This is a more natural way to learn that helps the new skills "stick" a bit better. Since you usually find out what you don't know when you are on your own, it is ideal to give students plenty of time on their own to discover the gaps in their knowledge. Then the instructor can help you out and the new knowledge will stick a bit better.

What kind of Internet connection do I need for an online class?
The faster the better. A DSL or cable connection should be fine. Since you will be downloading and uploading some large files, faster connections will make this much more pleasant. The live web conferences require you to have a DSL or faster Internet connection speed since they involve both live video from the instructor's computer as well as live voice from all participants. Wireless broadband will not support the live web conferences since they require a lot of bandwidth unless it is 4G.

Does the price of the online class include the textbook and a headset?
Yes. We will confirm your mailing address before mailing them to you. The headset allows you to interact with the instructor with your hands free during our live web conferences. The textbook will guide you through tutorials during the class and serve as a reference after the class ends.

Will these classes prepare me to pass the ACE exam for Photoshop?
Probably not. I think a person needs a number of years experience using Photoshop to pass the Adobe Certified Expert exams. However, our courses will help provide fundamental skills that are included on the ACE exams.

Do I need to buy a copy of the software before class starts?
No. You can download a free 30-day trial of Adobe Photoshop CS5 from Adobe. However, after you take a class, you will probably want to own a copy of the software so you can put your new skills to profitable use.

Are students required to attend all the live web conferences?
No, but the live web conferences provide students with the opportunity to get answers to their specifice questions from an Adobe Certified Instructor in a live, interactive format.

Will I be graded?
Not in the tradiational A though F sense. However, if your class is paid for by your employer, your employer may be provided with a summary of your participation and the instructor's evaluation of what you learned.

How many students are in each class?
The numbers vary but usually range between one to five. The classes along with live web conferences are designed so that each student gets the personal attention needed to succeed.

Will class be cancelled if there is a small number of students?
No. Even if a class has only one student, the class along with all of its scheduled live web conferences and live support will be offered.

Do I need a PayPal account to register for a class?
No. You can pay for a class with your credit card or debit card through the PayPal billing screen. You are also welcome to call to register and then can pay with your credit card or by sending in a check to our snailmail address.

Can I mail in a check or give my credit card over the phone instead of using PayPal?
Yes. You can call to register and then can pay with your credit card or by sending in a check to our snailmail address.

Are there any discounts?
Yes, for multiple students in the same online class.
10% off for 2 students in the same class.
15% off for 3 students in the same class.
20% off for 4 or more students in the same class.
Discounts may not be combined with any other offers and may not be applied retroactively. Please contact us if you would like to register more than one student at the same time and receive the appropriate discount.

Do you offer custom training for corporate clients?
Yes. We offer on-site training for Silicon Valley corporations. If interested, please contact us with all relevant details.