What Will I Learn in a Beginner Class for Microsoft Users?
Regardless of what proficiency level you're starting out at, you'll learn plenty about using computers and program applications from a beginner's Microsoft course. Some programs you can learn about include Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project. Read on to learn more about these class options.
Microsoft Windows Basics
In a beginner class, a teacher is going to start by covering basic computer proficiency. You'll learn basic skills, such as how to operate a keyboard and mouse, surf the Internet and set up an e-mail account. You will become familiar with accessing programs, folders and files. Some classes might also cover word processing. Certifications of completion are sometimes offered at the end of the class or the course may be part of a degree program.
Important Facts About Beginner Microsoft Classes
| Programs | Available to matriculated and non-matriculated (adult learners) |
| Prerequisites | Basic knowledge of Word and Excel or equivalent experience for some courses, project management concepts for MS Project |
| Online Availability | Some courses are blended with face-to-face and online instruction |
| Continuing Education | Opportunity to pursue future coursework in the Microsoft area |
| Median Salary (2021) | $57,910 (for Computer Support Specialists) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 6% growth (for Computer Support Specialists) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Microsoft Word
Classes covering Microsoft Word focus on teaching you how to use and operate this word processing program. At the beginner level, the course will cover basic document writing, formatting and editing. As the class goes on, you learn more techniques like text fonts, text sizes, making words bold, italicizing, highlighting, color-changing, indenting and headings. You'll also learn how to format and print documents, such as reports and letters.
Microsoft Excel
If you're going to be working in accounting, with numbers or creating graphs, then you might want to learn about Microsoft Excel, a spreadsheet application. Understanding spreadsheet terminology is usually covered first. You'll become familiar with cells, grids, rows, columns and other program features. Once you've mastered this, you'll learn to translate this data into different types of graphics and charts. In addition, you will learn how to create formulas for automatic mathematical functions within a spreadsheet.
Microsoft PowerPoint
PowerPoint is a Microsoft presentation program that allows you to display information and images in a slideshow format. Many businesses and organizations use this program to give presentations on a product or idea, so you may consider this course if you will use PowerPoint at work. You'll learn the basics of setting up a slide. You'll learn how to insert clipart or images from other computer files. You will also discover how to insert boxes of text and how to modify that text. More advanced techniques, like adding sound effects or special displays and presentations to text or images, are covered later in the course.
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Access is a database application that can be used for personal or business purposes. An introductory class teaches you how to create a database, make changes to database tables and look up data. You can expect to learn about various querying techniques you can use to combine data from multiple tables, do calculations, sort data and validate data. Later on in the course, you'd learn how to advanced queries, make and print reports, use forms and work with the program's settings.
Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project is a common project management software used by businesses. An introductory course would prepare you to make project plans, add tasks, estimate task duration and make project calendars. You'd also learn how to break down the work needed for a project, including making a task outline, determine project deliverables and setting deadlines. In addition, you can expect to learn how to assign resources to tasks without conflict and make changes to the project plan as needed.