Overview

This final module of the first series explores the potential of Microsoft Office as an aid to productivity. You will learn to use key features that enable you to produce professional-looking documents but which are often overlooked by those who rely on the point-and-click approach. Specifically we show you:

• How with a little effort, the tab and ribbon system for accessing controls in key Office applications, is not as formidable as it first appears and once mastered will provide you with a more intuitive way of working than the old menu system.

• How the new look Office can aid your productivity by providing the resources you need as you need them.

• How to create and develop collaborative documents .

• Important new features offered in Word, Excel and PowerPoint that are often overlooked but which you will use constantly once you discover them.

• How to use SmartArt creatively (available in Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

• How to use Mail Merge in Word to create professional-looking custom mailings to clients.

• The advanced charting options of Excel as well as pivot tables for easy data analysis.

• How the enhanced graphics options in PowerPoint can be used to create high impact visuals that you can use in a variety of applications.

This module assumes you have basic computer skills including access to the internet. To make use of social networks you do not need to be an experienced writer or to know the intricacies of Microsoft Office. One of the delights of social networking (and of blogging) is that they are tools that almost anyone can use.

Used in a class environment this module can be delivered in three hours (express) or over six hours (or one day) with tutorials and other learning exercises included. It is a precursor to the following module which deals in depth with the blogging environment.