The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Do you need to know the foundations of Crystal Reports XI? Do you want to create reports that sizzle from one or more data sources ASAP? This series will show you how to create, format, and deliver reports that get results in no time. You will learn everything from the basics of getting around in Crystal's report design environment to the subtle nuances of effective report formatting and data visualization through charting and mapping.

Features:
* Flash and audio provide animated, interactive Lesson Introductions, Activities, and Simulations.
* Audio accompanies each lesson page throughout the course
* Activities allow learners to apply course concepts in an interactive questioning environment.
* Exercises allow learners to practice in the actual application being studied.
* Simulations teach learners to perform specific tasks in applications through guided, multi-step exercises.
* Find-A-Word allows learners to look up an unfamiliar term in the Glossary, on the Web, or in a dictionary. In addition, it lets them find other occurrences of the term in the same course.
* Search text enables learners to rapidly search all text within a course to easily retrieve information required.
* Courses challenge the learner with a variety of question formats, including multi-step simulations, true/false, multiple choice, and fill-in-the-blank.
* A skill assessment generates a customized learning path based on the results of a pre-test.
* A glossary provides a reference for definitions of unfamiliar terms.
* Bookmarking tracks a learner''s progress in a course.

Navigating the Design Environment
Time: 2.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides an overview of the report design environment including sections, toolbars, menus, and explorers.
Objectives:
* Explain the function of report sections.
* Identify the program's five main toolbars.
* Describe available menu commands.
* Utilize the program's explorer dialogs.
Topics:
* Report sections
* Toolbars
* Menus
* Explorers

Selecting Just the Right Data Source(s) for Your Report
Time: 2.0 hour(s) 
Summary:
This course provides an overview of working with data sources, including database drivers, data source selection, and data objects.
Objectives:
* List commonly used database drivers.
* Select one or more data sources for a report.
* Add data objects to a report.
* Join data objects.
Topics:
* Database drivers
* Selecting a data source
* Adding data objects
* Joining data objects

Report Wizards and Do It Yourself
Time: 1.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course explains how to make a connection to OLE DB or ODBC databases using Xtreme Sample Database 11 in Crystal Reports XI along with how to use the Standard Report Creation Wizard.
Objectives:
* Use the report wizards to create a report.
* Create a report without the use of a report wizard.
Topics:
* Report wizards
* Do it yourself reporting

Selecting and Organizing Your Report Data
Time: 1.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides an introduction to selecting and organizing report data in Crystal Reports XI.
Objectives:
* Describe the different types of field objects.
* Add groups to your reports.
* Reorder groups.
* Create a drill-down report.
Topics:
* Understanding field objects
* Grouping report aata
* Creating drill-down reports

Manipulating Your Report Data in Meaningful Ways
Time: 2.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides an explanation for filtering data on given criteria, sorting data based on field values, and summarizing and subtotaling data.
Objectives:
* Apply basic and advanced filters.
* Sort records.
* Apply grand totals.
* Apply group totals.
* Apply a group selection and sort.
* Create a running total.
Topics:
* Basic filters
* Advanced filters
* Sorting records
* Grand totals
* Group totals
* Group selection
* Running totals

Letting Formulas and Functions Do All the Work
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course provides an introduction to formula creation and the use of functions in Crystal Reports XI.
Objectives:
* Use the Formula Workshop and Formula Editor.
* Create arithmetic, date and time, and string formulas.
* Discuss type conversions, control structures, and variables.
Topics:
* The Formula Workshop
* Arithmetic formulas
* Date and time formulas
* String formulas
* Type conversions
* Control structures
* Variables
* Functions

Creating Dynamic Reports with Parameters
Time: 2.0 hour(s)
Summary:
In this course, you will learn to add parameter fields to provide a single report that can service very specific reporting requirements and also accommodate a large audience of business users. You will take a closer look at using parameters in your reports, as well as how parameter fields can be created and implemented.
Objectives:
* Explain the value of parameters.
* Create and implement basic parameter fields.
* Create and implement dynamic and cascading parameter fields.
* Use parameters with record selections and Top N selections.
Topics:
* Parameters 101
* Creating parameter fields
* Implementing parameter fields
* Using parameters with record selections
* Using parameters with Top N selections
* Dynamic and cascading parameters

Formatting Reports that Function and Sizzle
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course explains how to format your report using various tools in Crystal Reports XI.
Objectives:
* Position and size report objects.
* Modify object properties for formatting purposes.
* Use the Format Editor.
* Combine and layer report objects.
* Configure report page and margin properties.
* Link reports.
* Create ToolTips.
* Add lines, boxes, and watermarks to your report.
Topics:
* Positioning and Sizing Objects
* The Format Editor
* Modifying Object Properties
* Combining and Layering Objects
* Linking Reports
* Creating ToolTips
* Lines, Boxes, and Watermarks

Making Reports Sections Work for You
Time: 2.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course examines the modifiable properties of report sections along with ways to apply them in professionally styled reports.
Objectives:
* Differentiate report sections.
* Describe key functions of the Section Expert.
* Change the background color of a report section.
* Use the Fit Section command.
* Manipulate a report section's general properties.
* Use multiple sections within a section area to enhance a report.
Topics:
* The Section Expert
* Section Color Properties
* Section Common Properties
* Using Multiple Report Sections

Visualizing Your Report Data with Charts and Maps
Time: 3.0 hour(s)
Summary:
This course teaches you various charting and mapping techniques, including using the Chart and Map Experts, as well as manual chart and map formatting.
Objectives:
* Insert a chart into your report.
* Modify your chart using the Chart Expert and other chart-related dialogs.
* Insert a map into your report.
* Modify your map using the Map Expert and other map-related dialogs.
Topics:
* Basic Charting Options
* Advanced Charting Options
* Basic Mapping Options
* Advanced Mapping Options