Congrats on wanting to learn. I would do the cam now since all is apart and you will do it all over again for nothing. First-get a factory manual and start reading. Next best is Motor manual or Chilton's, Haynes,etc. I swear by factory service manuals-worth every penny. Try
http://www.factoryautomanuals.com. Install cam and new lifter set using lots of assembly lube and be sure to check cam bearings for wear before installing cam. Then timing chain and gears. There are timing dots on the gear set so that you time the gears properly. All motors are a bit different,that's were the manual comes in.Observe torque values on all fasteners. Replace pushrods and rocker arms, timing cover, and intake using new gaskets and seals. Don't scrimp here. Install distributor this way- pull spark plugs and put a compression checker in #1 cylinder. Rotate engine until pressure builds in #1 indicating compression stroke. You should see the crank pully coming around to Top Dead Center or "0" on timing cover. Or just stick your finger in the hole and feel the compression. With the valve covers off you will see cylinder #1 exhaust open and close then #1 intake open and close. There is your compression stroke. When you are at TDC on #1 cylinder-go ahead and install the distributor in it's proper orientation with the rotor pointing to #1 post on the distributor cap.Be sure you engage the oil pump shaft properly-if it fights you turn it with a big screwdriver to meet the distributor shaft properly.If you did the cam you need to run the motor at 2000 rpm to break it in so the timing must be set properly to do this. I use a priming tool (old distributor cut down-turned with a 1/2" drill) to get oil to all the critical places. Then I get someone to crank the motor with all plugs out while I hold a timing light and set the timing dead on. THEN I try to start the motor and if all is well with oil pressure,etc,run it at 2000 rpm for a half hour to break in the cam. Check cam manufacturer's instructions here-they may differ. Check water temp during this as it is easy to overheat. If you did not do the cam just time it and you are done. That's the Reader's Digest condensed version. Get a manual and research the job so there are no surprises you can't deal with. GOOD LUCK!!