WARNING:
Full-time contracts prevent me taking PHONE CALLS until JUNE 5 or Training bookings until JUNE 10. I can be contacted by EMAIL at any time.
TIME is EVERYTHING these days. Wasting your time (and getting frustrated) flaffing about trying to get things to work? Can YOU afford the time to spend a whole day on training?
My COMPUTER TRAINING is DIFFERENT and is based on 30+ years of practical experience in IT and end-user support.
OLD-FASHIONED TRAINING METHODS are too long and too expensive with class sizes as big as possible for commercial reasons. Their inflexibility too means there's no tailoring to suit YOU nor the freedom to use YOUR files and scenarios.
MY ALTERNATIVE offers class sizes of 1-4. YES, I can train YOU on your own if you want! I focus on YOUR productivity - you can even bring your own files/examples. My broad experience and flexible approach instead of a rigid script allows for discussion on any relevant topic. There will be no strangers in the room which means more concentration on topics relevant to YOU, and more fun. A Group session occurs only if YOU have chosen to bring YOUR friends or colleagues.
COMPETITIVELY LOW TRAINING FEES are due to my low overheads.
WARNING:
Full-time contracts prevent me taking PHONE CALLS until JUNE 5 or Training bookings until JUNE 10. I can be contacted by EMAIL at any time.
INFORMATION index - click ENTRIES to view
KEY PRINCIPLES common to each workshop
Simple overview
The primary work area and the 20% of available tools and features used for 80% of everyday tasks.
Strengths and weaknesses
Informed opinion on which features you should (or should not) use, and why.
Tips and shortcuts
I always show you the best and quickest way to achieve the major tasks.
Creating and editing work
Creating new work, editing existing documents, importing data from other key sources (e.g. other programs, the internet).
Printing and exporting what you've created
Relevant file types and their uses, how best to share your work, common print problems and efficiency tips, using external print companies. Real print examples used.
Self-help resources
Besides the "showbag" (described further below) you will be shown how you can get help and improve your skills in future at no additional cost.
Short Practical "Project"
To cement your new skills, and to recreate the workplace, you have the opportunity tackle some everyday tasks from scratch (help being given if requested).
PRODUCT SPECIFICS in workshops include:
MICROSOFT OFFICE 2007 or 2010
Training in Office 2003 can still be done if required.
WORD
The key Paragraph concept (paragraph formatting, styles, Table of Contents, Tabs, indents, leading, line spacing, bullets, numbering, etc.), Headers/Footers, Tables, understanding graphics and text wrapping, importing material (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, the internet), mail merging for print and email, general document design concepts for highly professional results
EXCEL
Data entry methods, drop down lists and validation, data type concepts and common difficulties and errors, formatting issues, cell referencing (relative, absolute and named), "databases" with Tables and Pivot Tables, Formulas, intro to Functions, graphs (Charts), worksheet design for productivity and accuracy, tricks for exporting to Word and Powerpoint
POWERPOINT
Master slide design, slide organisation, design and presentation guidelines, content (text, graphics, audio, movies), transitions/animations with relevant advice, exchanging material with Word and Excel, presentation tips, how to avoid embarrassing problems
ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE 3 or 5
While new features and productivity tools appear with every new release, the core principles that make these products so special have not changed for many years.
PHOTOSHOP
Pixels, colour, image size vs. file size, and the uses & importance of the major file formats. Foreground/background concept. Pixel selection methods and pixel editing. Key photo enhancements methods. Tone and colour adjustments. Layers and blending. Masks. Effects/filters. Tips for dealing with commercial printers.
ILLUSTRATOR
Vectors vs pixels. Fill, stroke, gradients. Colour handling. The major drawing tools and techniques. Text tools and using text as a design element. Paths, masks, layers and blending. Saving/exporting options. Tips for dealing with commercial printers.
INDESIGN
Multi-page document design, frames, frame attributes (fill, stroke and text), text and styles, text flow techniques, layers and blending, drawing tools and techniques, handling other source material, e.g. image files, PDFs, PSDs, Word, etc.. Tips for dealing with commercial printers.
HOW TO BOOK A COURSE - it's all about YOUR convenience
YOU nominate the day and time that YOU want ... where possible I've occasionally managed the NEXT day !
Most people are happy with and prefer 9.30am-1.30pm (traffic, work, schools etc.), Monday to Friday, but we can negotiate.
BOOKING, PAYMENT AND GUARANTEE
a) a 20% deposit is required (EFT, cheque or cash) to secure the booking
b) the remainder is payable on the day you arrive
NOTE . The training session "belongs" to the person who books and he/she is free to change the names of attendees or add others (up to the class max of 4 people) provided I am advised by COB the day before the workshop. .... How's THAT for flexibility !!
FREE "SHOWBAG"
You will receive a free set of very useful and up-to-date utilities, links and information largely unknown and unused outside technical circles. These are virus-free and have free-to-use licenses.
CONSULTING
I have customers who are self reliant but can still get stuck when "unusual" requirements appear ... especially when the pressure is on and deadlines must be met! I can help with advice or even DO the actual work for you, supplying a finished product that may become a template for future re-use. My consulting charges are shown with course fees . Travel to your location, if required, is charged. Once we have established a business relationship, I can also support you using SKYPE (sharing screens to see problems and explain solutions), which does away with travel and allows for a quick response.
I am happy to discuss any IT problem or requirement.
OTHER FREE STUFF
As I create material of general interest I am happy to make it freely available. Provided the authorship details are left intact, you are also welcome to circulate these files to others.
A recent brief heads-up (by well-known reporters) on new features found in the beta version of this successor to Office 2010
My personal experience downloading, installing and using the beta version of 2013. Important if you are thinking of experimenting with the beta version, or upgrading in early 2013 after it is released.
An 8-page PDF with pictures that can help explain why your connection to the internet can make you so cranky
Guitarists who don't like some chords or chord shapes (e.g. Eb, Bb) or have a vocal range challenged by the published chords should find this 4-page PDF opens up new musical horizons.
3 ZIPped files (<200KB). Using standard features of Excel and Word, this "system" allows you to generate detailed invoices, enter expenses, enter income, summarise for BAS, summarise for annual income tax, provide client statements, etc. No limit on quantities/volumes of invoices, items, etc.. Besides being free, you will be able to modify it as much as you want. This is NOT foolproof and requires a commitment to understanding some Word/Excel mechanics. There's an inbuilt "Guide" worksheet, plus some quick videos (2-12MB) at the end of the WORK EXAMPLES page.
Situated in the centre of the Gold Coast, I offer training in:
Microsoft Office
- Word
- Excel
- Powerpoint
Adobe Creative Products
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- InDesign
10 REASONS TO USE
CLANCYS COMPUTER TRAINING
My focus is to help you work smarter and save valuable time.
- Focus on essentials and core techniques
- Strive for efficiency
- Half-day class of accelerated learning
- Small and productive class sizes (4 max)
- Just for YOU, your friends & colleagues
- More skills for less $$’s
- Real-world problems – including yours
- Leave with ready-to-use tools, tips and techniques
- Modern facilities and ample parking
- On-going contact available if you want it (but we reckon you won’t need it!)
FEES
All prices shown are ex-GST
Workshops (Mon-Fri):
- 1 person - $199 (4-hour course)
- each extra person - $99 ea
Consulting Services - $60/hr
OPTIONS:
- Projector available for on-site training ($100/day)
- Evenings/Weekends may be available, but with 30% surcharge
- Able to travel regional, rural and interstate by written agreement
COURSE VENUE
Our facility is off Hardys Road, in Mudgeeraba (approx 5kms from Robina CBD, the Gold Coast's centre). You will be sent a detailed address and map when the booking is made.
Fast computers, 22" monitors, a large trainer's screen (rather than a projector), natural light and fresh air all contribute to a quality learning experience. If you need to stay in touch you can keep your mobile switched on, our computers have browser access to the net, or use our Hotspot connection for your laptop. Refreshments are provided ... Flat White Espresso a specialty :)
With solar power and an abundance of trees & wildlife on acreage, we are sensitive to our impact on the environment.
YOUR TRAINER - Greg Barnett
My 30+ years in the IT industry, mainly in user support, have given me a solid understanding of what causes people the most problems. My CV includes:
- senior IT positions at BHP, KPMG Peat Marwick and Bond University
- consultant to business and government
- owner of a digital print, design and services retail business for 12 years
- contract IT Trainer
- Robina Chamber of Commerce (Secretary)
- B.Sc (Hons)
- Cert IV Training and Assessment
LinkedIn Profile: http://au.linkedin.com/pub/greg-barnett/8/555/a8a
I have used Microsoft and Adobe products for many years, for many different purposes, and usually while under pressure to deliver. You will benefit from my practical perspective on how these products have evolved over two decades.
PRODUCTIVITY QUIZ
Can you spot the basic things in these sample screen shots which are likely to lower your productivity ? (Each link will open a relevant 2-page PDF varying from 200KB to 900KB in size).
VALUE in TOUGH TIMES
A modest spend on improving efficiency will quickly repay itself. For business people, training makes you more professional, effective, flexible and self-reliant. For staff, such training also improves your motivation and increases your value to any employer.
Because of confused understanding of computing tools, I have seen people reduced to tears and rage trying to get things right, especially for deadlines. Time inefficiency, missed opportunities and material wastage cost big dollars. People lose confidence, and become unwilling to try new things.
With practical training, attendees do things better and in less time. Just as importantly, you will avoid doing things that you know can cause major difficulties.
INTERESTING FACT
In the past 24 months, EXCEL remains by far been the most popular request for training. I compare MS Office products:
Powerpoint is like a show pony. Cute.
Word is like a station wagon - does a variety of roles very comfortably.
Excel is like a locomotive - if not kept under tight control, it will destroy everything in its path!