ESSENTIAL OFFICE SKILLS
KEYBOARDING
Using a computer, students learn correct keyboarding techniques. These include keying by touch while keeping their eyes on the copy, keeping fingers down while typing and proper ergonomics.
This section is designed to teach a student to use the ten-key pad on the computer by touch.
An introduction to the basic functions of Windows, the items on a desktop, Windows applications, and management will be covered. Students will learn to start and shut down their computer, the specialized use of a taskbar, and to work with more than one open application.
This section is designed to introduce students to the many features, purposes, and uses of Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word teaches basic word processing skills such as (1) saving and retrieving text, (2) updating text, (3) inserting and deleting text, (4) copying and moving text, and (5) finding and replacing text. Basic formatting is also learned; such as, (1) changing the text margins, (2) setting and deleting tab settings, (3) changing the line spacing, (4) adding bullets and numbers, (5) changing font size and style of text. Students learn to perform these functions using drop-down menus, icons, and the ruler bar in both normal and page layout view. Students further learn to set up letters, memos, envelopes, and labels. Students learn to use spell check and the thesaurus, as well as basic proofreading skills.
Students learn to use such functions as mail merge, templates, beginning desktop publishing, setting columns, using boarders and shading, inserting section breaks, adding headers and footers, merging labels, grammar check, auto text, and auto correct. Students learn problem-solving techniques on the computer.
This section is designed to introduce students to the many features, purpose, and uses of Microsoft Excel. Students learn the basic elements of a spreadsheet and how to create spreadsheet and how to create a spreadsheet using simple formulas for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This course teaches students how to insert and delete columns and rows; how to copy, add, and delete cell information; and how to enhance the appearance of a spreadsheet.
This section is designed to expand student’s knowledge in the many features and purposes of spreadsheets, and uses Microsoft Excel. The section is designed to teach students some of the advanced pre-written formulas to complete a variety of functions. Working with charts, maps, and databases and working with automated worksheet tasks are among the skills to be mastered in this course.
This section is designed to introduce students to the many features and purposes of databases, and uses Microsoft Access. The primary skill learned will be building a table. Students will learn to change the table design of a database, work with records in a database, learn data base forms, and retrieve databases.
This section is designed to introduce students to the many features and purposes of presentations, and uses Microsoft PowerPoint. Students will learn to switch from slide view to outline view, how to add slides and view previous slides, work in both outline and slide view, add headers and footers to a slide, save, print, and retrieve a presentation.
Students will create an E-mail account and send E-mail messages, retrieve E-mail, and send E-mail with attachments. Specialized vocabulary related to E-mail will be introduced. E-mail will be used ONLY for academic purposes.
Particulars to accessing the Internet, its terminology, and main research methods will be introduced. Students will master writing URL address, performing string searches, and doing and/or extensions to searches. The Internet will be used ONLY for academic purposes.
Students that have been introduced to the Office Suite of Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint, also learn to integrate these software packages with such activities as importing and exporting into Word or Excel, and importing an Excel graph into PowerPoint. Creation of address books, mailing labels and charting and graphing will reinforce the skills learned.
Students can access GED prep programs on the computer. These programs are designed to assess a student's strengths and weaknesses. PRE-GED Software is also available.
English as a second language (ESL) software and internet links are available to all students signed up in the ESL programs. The computer lab is available for all ESL students.
Employment programs are offered to help students improve their skills and knowledge in order to find, apply, hold, and advance in job situations. WOIS and Employment Resume templates are available, as well as a job specialist that is available at scheduled times in the lower lab at AEC 107.