ESSENTIAL SKILLS

Gain essential skills by learning about the Windows or Macintosh operating system, the Microsoft Office suite, and presentation equipment.

Using Projection and Presentation Equipment 

GroupWise: Managing Your Mailbox
GroupWise: Tips and Tricks  

Macintosh Basics Tips & Tricks 
Macintosh Advanced Tips & Tricks
Moving from PC to Mac

Microsoft Excel Basics
Microsoft Excel Intermediate
Statistics in Excel 

Presentations in PowerPoint, Basics
Presentations in PowerPoint, Advanced 

Microsoft Word: Time-Saving   
Microsoft Word: Tips for Solving Unexpected Formatting Problems

RefWorks Basics
Write-N-Cite Basics  

Have Your Computer Read to You and Other Accessibility Features

Tuning Up Your Windows Computer


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Using Projection and Presentation Equipment    

Be prepared for your organization’s big event! Learn how to use the built-in classroom media equipment now, and avoid stress later. This one-hour session will cover using the digital projector, VCR, DVD player, and cable TV hookup in classrooms, plus how to hook up a laptop and other equipment. You will also get an overview of using the equipment in all of the major auditoriums on campus. Lots of opportunities for hands-on practice will be given.

Prerequisites:  Basic knowledge of how to use a VCR and DVD player.

Instructor: Stephen Davis

Date:February 6th
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM
Location: Wright Hall 7

Workshop Objectives:

• Provide training on how to use the standard classroom media equipment.
• Give opportunity for hands-on practice. Explain variations in auditorium equipment.

Instructional Content and Learning Activities:

Presentation Outline (PDF)
Presentation Handout (PDF)

Related Links:

Classroom Support website
Classroom Equipment Database

To register for this workshop, click here.

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GroupWise: Managing Your Mailbox

This class will explain how to set up your GroupWise archive and create folders. Learn ways to sort your mail for moving or deleting single or multiple messages.

Prerequisites: Familiarity with the GroupWise desktop client for Windows.

Platform: PC only

Instructor: Liane Hartman

Date: February 22nd
Time: 10:00-11:30
Location: Seelye B2

Related Links:

Managing the size of your GroupWise Mailbox

Archiving your Mail

To register for this workshop, click here.

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GroupWise: Tips and Tricks

This class will explain how to quickly sort, select several messages to move, change the subject to something more meaningful to you and to color code your mailbox. 

Prerequisites: Familiarity with the GroupWise desktop client for Windows.

Platform: PC only

Instructor: Liane Hartman

Date: February 27th
Time: 10:00-11:00
Location: Seelye B2

Related Links:

GroupWise Frequently Asked Questions


To register for this workshop, click here.

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Macintosh Basic Tips & Tricks

Do you want to get to know your Mac better? This workshop will cover basic features of OS X that will make your everyday computer use easier and more streamlined. 

Prerequisites:

• Familiarity with Mac OS X.
• An interest in learning how to make better use of your Mac.

Platform: MAC only

Instructor:  Esther White

Date: February 18th
Time: 10:00-11:30
Location: Seelye B3

Workshop Objectives:

Provide demonstrations of basic features that can greatly improve your computing experience, including how to find the appropriate help documentation or instructions.

To register for this workshop, click here.

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Advanced Macintosh Tips & Tricks

Ready to go beyond the basics? Ever wonder what Automator can do, or what Folder Actions are for? This workshop will delve into those and more, including using Terminal for Unix commands, adding plug-ins and widgets, and keeping your Mac running clean and fast.

Prerequisites:

• Good familiarity with Mac OS X.
• An interest in learning how to make efficient use of your Mac.

Instructor: Bruce O'Leary

Date: February 25th

Time: 7:00-8:00 PM
Location: Seelye B3

Workshop Objectives:

• Provide specific information and demonstrations of Mac maintenance procedures.
• Provide information and demonstrations of Unix, Plug-Ins and automation options on the Mac.

Related Links:

Mac OS X Hints
OSX FAQ’s Tip of the Day
Apple’s Mac 101
Tuning Mac OS X Performance
Mac World How-To
Your Multilingual Mac
Mac OS X Unix Tutorial


To register for this workshop, click here.

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Moving from a PC to a Mac

If you are used to Windows, but considering "the switch," this workshop will help ease the transition. We'll go over navigating OS X, software, and compatibility.

Prerequisites:

An interest in learning about Mac OS X.

Instructor: Esther White

Date: March 4th

Time: 9:00-10:20 AM
Location: Seelye B3

Workshop Objectives:

• Provide demonstrations of basic functionality of Mac OS X.
• Point out differences and similarities between using Windows and Mac OS X, including software, file types, and accounts.

To register for this workshop, click here.

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Microsoft Excel Basics

This class will cover the fundamental elements of Excel. You will learn to enter and edit data, navigate within a workbook, and use basic formatting, simple formulas, and functions. Learn to create a chart from your data.

Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with the Windows or Macintosh operating system.

Instructor: Liane Hartman

Date: February 12th
Time: 3:00-5:00
Location: Seelye B2

OR

Date: February 13th
Time: 3:00-5:00
Location: Seelye B2

OR

Date: March 5th (Faculty and Staff only)
Time: 9:00-12:00
Location: Seelye B2

Objectives:  

Participants will become familiar with the following topics and procedures:

• Identify the basic elements of a worksheet
• Enter a variety of data
• Format data
• Auto Fill feature
• Basic formulas
• Basic elements of a chart

Instructional Content and Learning Activities:

Presentation Handout (PDF)

Related Links:

Microsoft Excel 2003 Online Training

Excel Help and How0-to

To register for this workshop, click here.

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Microsoft Excel Intermediate

This course is designed for those individuals who are familiar with the basic Excel fundamentals, but who want to learn a little more.   We will take the mystery out of printing worksheets; page setup, repeat of header or column rows, adding a header and footer. Learn how to link the worksheets together so as numbers change on one worksheet, related sheets update automatically.  You will also perform single-level and multiple-level sorts by using the Sort buttons.  

Prerequisites: Understanding the basics of Excel.

Instructor: Liane Hartman


Date: February 28th
Time: 3:00-5:00 PM
Location: Seelye B2

OR

Date: March 12th (Faculty and Staff only)
Time: 9:00-12:00
Location: Seelye B2

Objectives:

Participants will become familiar with the following topics and procedures:

• Page Setup
• Repeat of Header and Column Rows
• Adding a Header or Footer
• Linking cells and Worksheets
• Basic single and multiple level sorts

To register for this workshop, click here.

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Statistics in Excel

This session will provide participants with an understanding of how to use Excel for statistical analysis. Descriptive analysis such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation, some inferential statistics, and charting will all be covered. Participants will leave the workshop with a better understanding of the capabilities and limitations of Excel for statistical analysis.

Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with Microsoft Excel.


Date: February 12th
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM
Location: Seelye B3
Instructor: Thomas Laughner

OR

Date: February 26th
Time: 12:00-1:00 PM
Location: Seelye B2
Instructor: Thomas Laughner

To register for this workshop, click here.

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Presentations in PowerPoint, Basics  

This workshop is an introduction to the basics of Microsoft PowerPoint, the popular digital slideshow software. Participants will learn to create a new slideshow and add slides, choose a slide layout and create their own custom layouts, insert photos, charts, and other graphics, and choose a design template and customize their own. This workshop will also include tips on how to use PowerPoint effectively to highlight a presentation and keep the audience’s attention.

Prerequisites:

• Some basic computer experience, such as word processing and checking email.
• Participants should be PowerPoint beginners. This course will start from the very beginning.

Instructor: Caroline Moore

Date: February 4th
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: Wright Hall 233


Instructional Content and Learning Activities:

Presentation Outline (PDF)
Presentation Handout (PDF)

Related Links:

Microsoft PowerPoint website
Online Templates
Online PowerPoint Training and Tips
Advanced PowerPoint Tutorials

To register for this workshop, click here.

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Presentations in PowerPoint, Advanced

Have you ever seen a PowerPoint presentation where elements flew on and off screen, or one slide faded into the next, and wondered how it worked? This session will teach you all about using Animations and Transitions in PowerPoint to add interest and emphasis to your presentations. You will also learn tips on how to use these features for best effect, and when to stick to the basics.

Prerequisites: Familiarity with all topics covered in PowerPoint Basics.

Instructor: Caroline Moore

Date: February 11th
Time: 7:00-8:300 PM
Location: Wright Hall 233

Workshop Objectives:

• Demonstrate the use of Animations and Transitions in PowerPoint.
• Show the participants how to use built-in Animations and Transitions and how to customize and create their own.
• Provide hands-on activities for participants to try out each step of creating a presentation.

Instructional Content and Learning Activities:

Presentation Outline (PDF)
Presentation Handout (PDF)

Related Links:

Microsoft Powerpoint website
Advanced Topics: Using Motion Paths
Advanced Topics: Timing
Cool PowerPoint Animations Tutorial

To register for this workshop, click here.

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Microsoft Word: Time-Saving Tips

In this class, we will review selection techniques and learn some time-saving keystrokes for working in Word. Learn about the AutoFormat and AutoCorrect features and how to customize them or turn them off.

Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with Microsoft Word.

Instructor: Liane Hartman

Date: February 11th
Time: 3:00-4:00
Location: Seelye B2

OR

Date: February 25th
Time: 10:30-11:30
Location: Seelye B2

Objectives:

Participants will become familiar with the following topics and procedures:

• Popular shortcut keys
• Format Painter
• Auto Correct
• Smart Tags

Instructional Content and Learning Activities:

Presentation Handout (PDF)


To register for this workshop, click here.

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Microsoft Word: Tips for Solving Unexpected Formatting Problems

This class will review a variety of unexpected formatting problems and the soultions. 

Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with Microsoft Word.

Instructor: Liane Hartman

Date: February 18th
Time: 10:30-12:00
Location: Seelye B2

Objectives:

Participants will become familiar with the following topics and procedures:

• Track Changes
• Styles
• Paste Options
• Ruler
• Sections/Header/Footer

To register for this workshop, click here.

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RefWorks Basics

RefWorks is a web-based bibliographic management program that enables users to store, manage, and output (in a variety of styles) bibliographic references from various sources, including online article databases. RefWorks can help you effectively organize and manage citations while conducting research, incorporate references into word processing documents, and create independent bibliographies in a variety of styles. In order to use RefWorks, users must first create an individual account.

Prerequisites: None.

Instructor: David Podboy

Date: February 26th
Time: 3:30-5:00 PM
Location: Neilson Library Classroom

OR

Date: February 27th
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Location: Neilson Library Classroom

Objectives:

Participants will become familiar with the following topics and procedures:

• Import references directly from online databases
• Import references in a text file
• Add references manually
• Create folders
• Sort and edit

Instructional Content and Learning Activities:

Presentation Handout (PDF)


To register for this workshop, click here.

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Write-N-Cite Basics

Write-N-Cite is a feature within RefWorks which allows you to access your references while working within Microsoft Word. Write-N-Cite allows you to insert citation placeholders and when you are ready to add a bibliography to the end of the document, Write-n-Cite will create a bibliography and properly format your in-text citations based upon only those references that have been inserted into your Word document.

Prerequisites: None.

Instructor: Liane Hartman

Date: March 4th
Time: 3:30 - 4:30 PM
Location: Seelye B2

OR

Date: March 5th
Time: 3:00-4:00 PM
Location: Seelye B2

Objectives:

Participants will become familiar with the following topics and procedures:

• In-text citations
• Citation Placeholder within Word

Instructional Content and Learning Activities:

Presentation Handout (PDF)


To register for this workshop, click here.

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Have Your Computer Read to You and Other Accessibility Features

Learn about the built in accessibility features for Windows with a focus on text reading (how to have your computer "read" to you) and Adobe Acrobat "read out loud".  You'll also see voice recognition and we'll discuss how and for whom this may be helpful.

Prerequisites: None.

Instructor: Maureen Bourbeau

Date: February 25th
Time: 4:00 - 5:00
Location: Wright Hall 233

To register for this workshop, click here.

Tuning Up Your Windows Computer

Is your PC running slowly? Are you sick of annoying pop-ups and re-occurring viruses?  Avoid the frustration and learn how to protect your computer! Find out all kinds of industry tips and tricks to keep your PC operating in top form. This workshop will cover Spybot, Adware, McAfee, the Google toolbar, and preventative maintenance strategies.

Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with Microsoft Windows.

Instructor: Liane Hartman

Date: March 3rd
Time: 2:00-3:30
Location: Seelye B2


Related Links:

Windows Tune-up Tips webpage

To register for this workshop, click here.

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