Our Courses

Office 2016/19 (Mac is now 99% identical to Windows)

 

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/import, 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 and key benefits, slices, Formulas and intro to Functions, graphs (Charts), worksheet design for productivity and accuracy, tricks for exporting to Word and Powerpoint. I do NOT cover Macros or Visual Basic.

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. Diagrams convey more information than text explanations so, if time, a 'drawing' overview with tips and tricks using the Office toolset.

OUTLOOK and Browsing

There are several short tips which you should know to allow you to soar with these everyday tasks.

 

Programs for Creatives

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.

Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro

Demand for these workshops has declined over the years as has my own usage so I have opted out of the upgrade cycles ... so little gets added to warrant the continuous expense and frustration. But if you want a general introduction, please contact me to discuss.

AVID Pro Tools

Learn the fundamentals while recording something real for yourself. Using ProTools 8, I co-wrote, produced and released an album 100% recorded, mixed and mastered at home using inexpensive equipment (https://open.spotify.com/album/41YOleyQvpSVXmq0OBccIs?si=oqWdTNw1RrKI5ybEKEjI6w). A double solo album is under development using Pro Tools 2018.

 

 

Common to each workshop:

Simple overview

The primary work area and the main tools and features used for 80% of everyday tasks.

Strengths and weaknesses

Informed opinion on which features you should (or should not) use.

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 problems and efficiency tips, using commercial print companies.

Self-help resources

You will be shown how you can remember what was covered and also get top quality help to add to your skills in future at no additional cost.

Short Practical "Projects"

To cement your new skills, and to recreate the workplace, you will be given the opportunity tackle some everyday tasks from scratch (help being given if requested). Or you can bring a project from work/home so that you leave the workshop with a real 'solution'.

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TOTAL FLEXIBILITY

You pay for my TIME. Therefore it is up to YOU to make the most of it. I can go as slow as you want, repeating the basics until you are totally comfortable. Or I can steer you quickly though the features I know will make you a valuable asset in any environment. Create a list of specific issues or workfiles to discuss or to workshop how to improve.

Some people may simply be brushing up their skills after some time out of the workforce, or perhaps have languished on an older software version. Others have a list of their own topics that they want to explore.

Many people want to use the time to improve or try out two or more programs. The most common combo requested is Word and Excel.

We can even switch topics/programs without any notice. Remember, I use these programs on a regular basis so I'm comfortable dipping in and out of things to suit your requirements.

TRAVEL TO YOU

I'm happy to discuss bringing the workshops to you, anywhere in Australia and New Zealand. This requires substantial discussion of requirements and dates. It is better value for you to amortise travel costs by either training a lot of people in one or many sessions, and/or to cover several different programs while I'm there.