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DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture) is an XML-based information architecture used by organisations to create and publish technical documentation.

With DITA, content is created as small, modular topics that can be reused in different deliverables, leading to significant savings in authoring and translation costs. DITA content can be published to multiple formats, including traditional print, web-enabled output, and output optimised for mobile devices.

DITA training courses are available for both new and experienced DITA users:

		Understanding DITA - a one day tutorial. For those new to structured information, XML and DITA. You will benefit from a high-level understanding of DITA, and be in a position to begin producing DITA content (with or without a Content Management System). XML and DITA-related jargon is kept to a minimum.
		Advanced DITA training. Further DITA training tailored to your organisation's specific requirements.

DITA training can be delivered standalone, or as part of an integrated, customised solution for your organisation.

For further details, see:

		General course information
		When and where?
		How much does DITA training cost?
		Reserve a place, book a place, make payment
		Accommodation
		Cancellations

Understanding DITA - a one day tutorial

In a single day, you learn the key concepts behind structured information, topic-oriented authoring, XML and DITA, gaining a thorough understanding of how and why DITA is used.

The course is practical and 'activity-based'. Throughout the course you perform exercises to gain experience in the techniques taught. You will create your own valid DITA topics, containing various information types, and collect these in a DITA map ready for publication.

Course syllabus

Sessions include:

		Introduction to structured information and XML.
		What is DITA?
		DITA authoring overview.
		Detailed explanation of the DITA standard.
		Technical DITA content.
		Learning and training DITA content.
		Which tools can be used for DITA? - FrameMaker, Arbortext, XMetaL, other editors and converters.
		Building a DITA document.
		Getting started with the DITA Open Toolkit.
		How can you adapt DITA to your needs?

Click here for the course outline.

Who should attend?

The course is ideal for:

		Anyone who is contemplating implementing the DITA model within their organisation.
		Anyone whose organisation already adopts DITA, and wants to begin creating or modifying structured documents compliant with the DITA standard.

Delegates typically include:

		Technical authors.
		Documentation managers.
		Information architects.
		Translation/localization project managers.

The techniques taught are relevant irrespective of whether your organisation uses, or intends to use, a Content Management System (CMS).

Advanced DITA training

Duration

Following on from our Understanding DITA one day tutorial, we offer Advanced DITA training to delegates who want to take their knowledge to the next level and learn more about the advanced features DITA has to offer.

Advanced DITA training is run on an exclusive basis for each client. This means that we can run the course at a time that's convenient for you, either at our training centre in the Midlands or your venue.

We don't have a standard Advanced DITA course syllabus because of the different ways that DITA can be used once you get beyond the basics. Instead we offer training geared towards your organisation, the content you produce and the formats you publish to. Prior to the course, our trainer will contact you to discuss your setup and requirements.

We can use your own sample content as the basis for your advanced DITA training.

General course information

Expert instructors

Training in DITA and structured methodologies is a specialist area. In order to ensure that our trainers have the level of knowledge and experience required, we are providing this training in collaboration with Structured Information, who are experts in the development of structured content using standards such as DITA.

The trainers who host Armada's DITA courses are highly experienced consultants who work in the field, and so are in a position to teach you real best practice, not just theory.

Our trainers have implemented structured information solutions and delivered training to a wide range of major organisations throughout Europe and the USA.

Courseware and certificate

Delegates attending DITA training courses at Armada receive courseware and exercise materials to refer to throughout the course, and to use as a refresher following the course.

Certificates are issued to all delegates confirming that they have attended and successfully completed DITA training.

After course support

Following technical author training, delegates are entitled to 30 days email support from their trainer to help with any post-training issues.

When and where?

Scheduled technical authoring training courses (for individuals) are hosted in Bromsgrove in the Midlands; click here for our full address and map. Courses are typically run every two months; click here for forthcoming course dates.

On-demand technical authoring courses (one-to-one or for your group) can be run on a date and at a location that suits you, which may be our training centre in Bromsgrove or your venue.

How much does technical author training cost?

	Course	Scheduled (for individuals)	On-demand (one-to-one or for your group)
	Understanding DITA - a one day tutorial.	£ + VAT per delegate.	£1,195 + VAT for the first delegate, plus £50 + VAT per subsequent delegate.
	Advanced DITA training (2 days).	£POA.	£POA.

These prices are inclusive of all relevant course documentation, refreshments and a buffet lunch.

The on-demand fees quoted are for technical author training courses hosted at our training centre in Bromsgrove. Please contact us for a price for running this course at your venue, or any other options you may be considering.

Tailored training

On-demand technical authoring training courses can be tailored to meet your organisation's specific requirements. Please contact us for details.

Reserve a place, book a place, make payment

To attend a scheduled technical author training course, please reserve or book a place.

	Option	Click here
	Reserve a scheduled course place. Choose if you want to reserve a course place, making payment or providing a purchase order in the next week.	Reserve
	Book a scheduled course place. Choose if you want to book a course place, paying by credit card or providing a purchase order now.	Book
	Pay by credit card now for a course place previously reserved.	Pay

To book an on-demand DITA training course, please call Steven Smith on 01527 834783 or email training@armada.co.uk.

Payment for DITA training can be made by cheque, BACS/electronic transfer or credit/debit card. Click here for further details.

Accommodation

If you require accommodation, delegates attending technical author training with Armada are entitled to discounted rates at local hotels. See Local accommodation for details.

Cancellations

If a company or delegate cancels a DITA training course booking giving less than 10 working days notice, a cancellation fee is payable. Click here for details.