Free, Online Microsoft Office Learning LaunchedReturn to Issue of Jan. 19, 2009 Kent State faculty and staff have a new resource for learning how to use key software within the Microsoft Office suite of programs. Beginning this month, Information Services' Technology Training will coordinate a series of free, online courses, hosted by Microsoft and Element K.
The courses are free to Kent State employees and provide flexibility for participants to complete them at their own pace from any computer with Internet access. A single course takes 60-90 minutes to complete and can be reviewed again. Instruction is tailored for beginners to advanced users. Core training is offered for Office 2003 programs, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook, while additional training is available for departments that already have upgraded or intend to upgrade to Office 2007. A complete list of courses is available online, along with resource guides that include course content descriptions. "This is a great benefit for employees who want the opportunity to learn new skills or improve upon their basic, existing knowledge for personal or professional development," says Julie Kennedy, training coordinator for the Division of Information Services. "Working with their supervisors, employees can chart a plan that best meets the needs of their own and departmental goals." At the Kent Campus, supervisors can allow employees to complete courses by visiting a Learning Lab in Moulton Hall. "The Learning Lab gives employees a chance to get away from their ringing phones to work without interruption for a few hours," Kennedy says. "Additionally, an expert trainer is on hand to offer immediate answers to questions." Those interested in utilizing the online learning options are required to attend one, 30-minute orientation session to set up an online learning account and register. At this time, they will learn about other free resources, including Web tutorials and e-books. "The collection of Safari Tech Books Online is a great resource that already exists but that many people don’t know about," Kennedy says. "The University Library pays a subscription for online access to these full-length technology books, and they’re available for free to the Kent State community. Users can search the books for answers to quick questions or read chapters about larger tasks with which they’re having difficulty." Sign-up events for online Microsoft Office learning will be held at Kent State's Regional Campuses in February and March. Sign-up events for employees who work during third shift are also in development. Registration for the orientation sessions is available through the Human Resources Learning Opportunities Web Site. For additional information about the training, contact Kennedy at 330-672-1911 or jkkenne2@kent.edu or visit the Web site. Return to Issue of Jan. 19, 2009  |
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