Productivity software such as the Microsoft Office 2000 Suite of applications and Corporate Time calendaring system are found on the desktops of many University of Maryland employees. Courses offered in this series will enable newcomers to learn the application basics quickly in order to become efficient users of the technology. Those who have worked with the software for a while, or who have experience with earlier versions, will be able to become power users with the help of experienced trainers from the Office of Information Technology and some of the region's top Information Technology training companies. Please note that the courses listed below are indicative of the depth and breadth of content available from University vendors and OIT staff. All courses may not necessary be offered each semester.

In addition to participating the scheduled training classes, University groups can request a training class at a time convenient to them. However, if an OIT training facility is not available at that time, a facilities fee may be levied over and above the cost of training in order to accommodate charges imposed by the owners of non-OIT computer labs.

Enrollment is limited to faculty, staff and graduate students (with departmental sponsorship) of the University of Maryland. Where noted, some classes are also made available to members of the University System of Maryland. Students and alumni are welcome to take Peer Training classes. Call (301) 405-2941 for further details.

Introduction to the Electronic Workplace

This course is geared to the very basic learning needs of those new to Windows and Web computing technologies. Upon successful completion of this course novice participants should be able to:

• Identify components of the Windows work environment.
• Use a mouse to point to and select elements on the screen.
• Use the Start menu to find applications and files on the computer.
• Use the Taskbar to work between multiple open windows.
• Open, Save, and Exit from a file.
• Understand what the Internet and World Wide Web are.
• Identify the tools found in Netscape communicator.
• Browse the web, create a Bookmark, and search for information.
• Log into ARES and browse components of this website.

Prerequisites: there are no prerequisites for this course.

Survey of Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign is a powerful desktop publishing program. With it you can create documents of many types, from single page advertisements and flyers, to complex multi-page publications. In this course you will learn the basics of creating documents with InDesign, including:

• Navigating the environment.
• Setting up a document.
• Creating and manipulating text.
• Importing and threading text.
• Working with graphics.

Prerequisites: there are no prerequisites for this course.

Corporate Time Web-based Client

The web-based version of this application very closely mirrors the current PC-based client. Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• View their personal calendar in three formats;
• Block periods of time in their own calendar;
• Propose a meeting to another individual or a group of people;
• Create repeating meetings;
• Set up access rights for others to view their calendars

Prerequisites: you must have a Corporate Time Account in order to register for a class. To learn more about how to obtain an account, visit the OIT Help Desk CorporateTime Documentation site.

Corporate Time for Client Designates

Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• manage all aspects of their own calendars as detailed in PC-based client class noted above;
• understand how to set up designate access right;
• manage the calendars of other Corporate Time account holders from within their own calendar environment (including proposing, declining, and following up on meetings)

Prerequisites: you must have a Corporate Time Account in order to request this training. The person for whom you will be a designate (or proxy) must also have a Corporate Time Account. To learn more about how to obtain an account, visit the OIT Help Desk CorporateTime Documentation site. Since designate activities can only be performed through a Corporate Time client (Windows or Macintosh), you should have this client installed on your personal computer. You must additionally have at least three weeks experience using your Corporate Time Account or you must first take the Corporate Time Client class.

Macintosh OS X: an Overview

This course is geared to those who are migrating from an earlier version of the Macintosh operating system, as well as to those coming from the Windows or Unix platforms. Within the scope of the course participants will:

• Learn to install the operating system and set up users and privileges.
• Learn to install fonts and applications in Mac OS X.
• Invoke the use of Classic applications and operating systems.
• Survey how to configure networked services and work with file sharing.
• Experiment with the command-line interface
• Perform administrative functions such as enabling a root account, setting up a USB printer and printing.
• Problem-solving tips and tricks will also be shared.

Prerequisites: there are no prerequisites for this course.

Introduction to FileMaker Pro (5.0)

Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• understand basic database concepts and terms;
• understand basic Filemaker Pro concepts and terms;
• define field types and create fields and import data;
• perform complex find requests such as advanced single criterion and multiple criteria searches, omitting records, and combining AND and OR requests;
• work with layouts, modify an existing layout and create a new layout.

Prerequisite: Basic familiarity with spreadsheets and a GUI (graphical user interface) environment (e.g., point and click mouse skills). While the course is taught on Macintosh G3s, the concepts covered will convey seamlessly to the Windows environment.

Intermediate FileMaker Pro (5.0)

Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• demonstrate advanced database skills;
• create a new database, define fields, AutoEntry, and create value lists;
• repeat fields and create efficient layouts;
• import records and summarize data;
• relate databases and set relations;
• understand different types of relationships (e.g., one to many, many to many);
• format with Relations and summarize relations.

Prerequisite: Introduction to FileMaker Pro 5.0 or equivalent knowledge. While the course is taught on Macintosh G3s, the concepts covered will convey seamlessly to the Windows environment.

Advanced FileMaker Pro (5.0)

Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• take full advantage of relational databases by examining data normalization and database relationships;
• perform advanced calculations like inventory tracking and use the IF and Case functions;
• learn how to merge codes and use layout techniques;
• create buttons and write scripts that control the dynamics and interactions within a database.

Prerequisite: FileMaker Pro 5.0 intermediate level course or equivalent knowledge. While the course is taught on Macintosh G3s, the concepts covered will convey seamlessly to the Windows environment.

Introduction to MS Access (Office 2000 and XP)

Students will learn how to create and use database objects, including tables, queries, forms, and reports. Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• Understand database concepts and terminology in Access 2000.
• Design and create tables.
• Enter and manipulate data in tables.
• Use Access queries to select and analyze information in a table.
• Create data forms for viewing and inputting data.
• Create reports that summarize and group data.
• Perform database maintenance procedures.

Prerequisite: Experience working in the Windows operating system (which includes familiarity with such terms as memory, files, icons, input, output and storage devices; and such skills as using a mouse to point, click and drag, launching an application, saving and opening a file). Participants should have at least 6 months experience with some other Microsoft application (experience with MS Excel is particularly helpful).

Intermediate MS Access (Office 2000)

Students will learn how to enhance their database designs by using the principles of normalization and table relationships. They will also learn how to query multiple tables for data that is used in customized forms and reports. Upon successful completion of this class participants should be able to:

• Normalize sample tables by identifying design problems.
• Establish relationships between tables by analyzing table relationships and enforcing referential integrity.
• Customize table designs by setting field properties to maintain data integrity and creating indexes.
• Design select queries by using multiple tables to calculate, group, average, and concatenate values and to show top values.
• Customize form designs by creating calculated fields, combo boxes, and unbound controls.
• Interact with data through a browser by creating and using data access pages.
• Customize report designs by grouping, sorting, and summarizing data, and by adding subreports.

Prerequisite: Familiarity with Access basics (e.g., creating and editing tables, entering data, Table Wizard, queries, and generating simple Reports).

Advanced MS Access (Office 2000)

Students will use advanced capabilities of Access to work with improperly structured data, perform summary operations on data, create macros to automate tasks, enhance forms and reports, and use Access data in other Office applications. Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• Make select queries more versatile by using parameters; and use action queries to update data values and add or delete records.
• Generate different query types by creating various types of joins between tables; use crosstab queries to summarize data.
• Use advanced form features including properties, functions, and design tools to facilitate data entry and improve acuracy in forms; display table information that has a one-to-many relationship by creating forms that contain subforms.
• Automate simple tasks by creating macros to open forms and control form properties.
• Make forms more functional by using macros to provide user interaction and automate data entry.
• Make reports more concise and easier to understand by using properties and functions in report controls; create mailing labels.
• Use Internet-related Access tools by inserting hyperlinks and using the Web toolbar.

Prerequisite: Intermediate competency with the Access tool (e.g., importing and attaching data, creating forms and subforms, customizing forms, querying multiple tables).

Designing a Relational Database

Introduction to MS Excel (Office 2000)

Students will learn basic worksheets skills and how to work with data in worksheets. Upon successful completion of this class participants should be able to:

• Understand the disadvantages of paper spreadsheets and the advantages of electronic spreadsheets by exploring both.
• Create a basic worksheet by entering text, values, and formulas.
• Create formulas by using Excel’s built-in functions.
• Move and copy data by using shortcut menus, drag-and-drop editing, and toolbar buttons.
• Change the appearance of worksheet data by using a variety of formatting techniques.
• Prepare a document for printing by using the spell checking feature and a variety of printing options.
• Use the three-dimensional aspect of the Excel workbook environment by creating formulas that refer to cells on multiple worksheets.
• Save an Excel workbook as a Web page.

Prerequisite: Experience working in the Windows operating system (which includes familiarity with such terms as memory, files, icons, input, output and storage devices; and such skills as using a mouse to point, click and drag, launching an application, saving and opening a file). Training received through the Electronic Workplace Readiness Training Program, plus one month continued experience, is sufficient.

Intermediate MS Excel (Office 2000)

Students will learn the skills and concepts necessary to create charts and to use the list-management capabilities of Excel 2000. Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• Create charts that graphically represent worksheet data.
• Modify charts.
• Customize charts by applying formatting.
• Enhance worksheets and charts by using the drawing tools to add graphic objects.
• Sort information in a list by using the Data, Sort command.
• Locate information quickly in a list that meets specified conditions by using the Advanced Filter feature.

Prerequisite: Familiarity with Excel basics (e.g., entering, correcting, formatting and charting data).

Advanced MS Excel (Office 2000)

Students will learn techniques for analyzing and manipulating data in Excel. Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• Customize toolbars and create styles and templates.
• Create decision-making functions.
• Analyze worksheet data by creating pivot tables.
• Compare and contrast workbook files and file links.
• Outline and consolidate worksheets; analyze worksheet data by using the Scenario Manager.
• Display and protect worksheet data by locking cells.
• Record and modify macros by using the Visual Basic Editor.
• Create and work with interactive Web documents.

Prerequisite: Intermediate competency with the Excel tool (e.g., working with charts and chart sheets, sorting, filtering and querying data).

Introduction to Microsoft Outlook

Students will learn the fundamentals of using Outlook 2000 to coordinate mail, appointments, events, meetings, tasks, and contacts. Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• Identify the elements of the Outlook application and explore outlook components.
• Send, receive, and act on mail messages.
• Use additional message-handling options, insert text into a message, and create multiple Signatures.
• Create personal folders and organize Outlook 2000 folders.
• Create, edit, and categorize single appointments and recurring appointments, and create events.
• Create, send, and manage meeting requests.
• Create, edit, and assign tasks, and create and edit contacts.

Prerequisite: Experience working in the Windows operating system (which includes familiarity with such terms as memory, files, icons, input, output and storage devices; and such skills as using a mouse to point, click and drag, launching an application, saving and opening a file). Training received through the Electronic Workplace Readiness Training Program is sufficient.

Advanced Microsoft Outlook

Students will learn how to sort, filter, and group items; use and create Outlook templates and forms; and share information by using public folders and Net Folders. Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• Manage and organize Outlook items by sorting, filtering, and using the Advanced Find feature.
• Display custom views and create custom forms.
• Set rules in a folder by using the Rules Wizard.
• Create custom toolbars and menu items to add to the Outlook Bar.
• Share contacts with other users and send a fax to a contact.
• Automatically record items associated with contacts in the Journal by setting options.
• Create and use templates and forms.

Prerequisite: Experience working in the Windows operating system, Introduction to MS Outlook or equivalent knowledge.

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint: Creating Effective Presentations (Office 2000)

Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• Survey use of PowerPoint Office 2000 wizards and toolbar commands for creating sharp, professional-looking presentations.
• Create an outline of slide content.
• Incorporate clip art and graphics.
• Enhance a computer-driven presentation with the use of slide transitions and animations.
• Generate audience handouts and speaker notes.
• Run a computer-driven "show".
• Understand style and formatting techniques that will add power and appeal to your presentation.

Prerequisite: Experience working in the Windows operating system (which includes familiarity with such terms as memory, files, icons, input, output and storage devices; and such skills as using a mouse to point, click and drag, launching an application, saving and opening a file). Training received through the Electronic Workplace Readiness Training Program is sufficient.

Intermediate MS PowerPoint (Office 2000)

Participants will learn to take their presentations beyond simple bullet structures to be more inclusive of other graphical components. Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• Import and modify pictures.
• Integrate tables and spreadsheets from other Microsoft applications into a presentation.
• Incorporate video (and audio) files into a computer-delivered presentation.
• Post your presentation to the World Wide Web.
• Some time will be provided to work on independent projects.

Prerequisite: at least three months active experience with basic MS PowerPoint tools (such as those discussed in the Creating Presentations with MS PowerPoint class).

MS Project 2000 for Windows: Creating a Project (Level 1)

Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• identify the steps involved in project planning and become familiar with project management software by learning how to use the Microsoft Project 2000 desktop;
• build a project Work Breakdown Structure by entering proejct tasks, creating an outline, and entering task durations;
• create and modify task relationships by linking tasks and attaching task constraints;
• staff a project by creating a company calendar, entering the resource pool into the Resource Sheet, assigning resources to tasks, and entering resource costs using the cost table;
• work with different views and tables by customizing the Calendar View, formatting the Gantt Chart, and modifying standard, default tables;
• resolve time and resource conflicts;
• sort and filter project data effectively using the Sort dialog box.

Prerequisite: Experience working in the Windows operating system (which includes familiarity with such terms as memory, files, icons, input, output and storage devices; and such skills as using a mouse to point, click and drag, launching an application, saving and opening a file). Training received through the Electronic Workplace Readiness Training Program is sufficient.

MS Project 2000 for Windows: Managing a Project (Level 2)

Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• create a baseline plan;
• track an active project;
• manage future tasks;
• work with resource scheduling;
• consoliate projects;
• work with data in other applications;
• create, edit, and add hyperlinks to HTML files;
• modify the Microsoft Project environment.

Prerequisite: 1 month experience with MS Project 2000 or training in the Creating a Project (Level 1) content.

Introduction to Visio Professional

Students will learn to create several types of diagrams using Visio Professional (such as floor plans, organization charts, directional maps, and more). As you create these drawings you will learn shortcuts to enhance your productivity and use unique tools designed for each type of drawing. Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• identify the various types of drawings you can create using Visio;
• drag shapes from Visio stencils and resize, rotate, align, and transform them;
• create a directional map;
• locate a master shape in the stencil library;
• create an organization chart manually or generate one from a text file;
• apply title, borders, backgrouns, and color schemes to enhance Visio documents;
• create an office floor plan to scale.

Quick Start to Microsoft Word (Office 2002)

Students will learn the basic skills necessary to begin using Word 2000. Upon successful completion of this course participants should be able to:

• Create and save a document; open an existing document; and use simple editing techniques.
• Navigate in a large document by using the mouse and keyboard.
• Edit a document by using copy, cut and paste techniques.
• Apply and remove character and paragraph formatting.
• Adjust margins and insert pagination.
• Use Word’s proofing tools such as the speller and thesaurus.

Prerequisite: Experience working in the Windows operating system (which includes familiarity with such terms as memory, files, icons, input, output and storage devices; and such skills as using a mouse to point, click and drag, launching an application, saving and opening a file). Training received through the Electronic Workplace Readiness Training Program is sufficient.

Intermediate Microsoft Word (Office 2000)

Students will learn how to create and control section breaks, tables, merges, styles, templates, macros, and Web pages. Upon successful completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Use section breaks to format a document and format text in columns.
• Create, modify, and use tables as page-layout elements and sort table data.
• Create, modify, and use styles to affect the appearance of text.
• Create and use templates, and create a fax template.
• Merge a document with data to create multiple variations of a document.
• Create, modify, and use macros.
• Discuss Internet and Web features, create and edit a Web document, and preview a Web document in a browser.

Prerequisite: Familiarity with Word basics (e.g., creating & saving documents, formatting text & paragraphs, etc.).

Advanced Microsoft Word (Office 2000)

Students will learn how to apply styles, create forms, use form fields, add graphics, work with large documents, share documents, and prepare documents as Web pages. Upon successful completion of this course, participants should be able to:

• Use advanced techniques for working with styles.
• Create and use templates and forms.
• Enhance documents by drawing in a document and using clip art and WordArt.
• Manage long documents by adding a table of contents, an index, bookmarks, cross-references, and odd and even headers and footers, and by adjusting margins for document binding.
• Manage document changes by creating different versions of a document, tracking document changes, adding comments, and accepting or rejecting document changes.
• Prepare a document fo an intranet by inserting hyperlinks, sound, a movie clip, and scrolling text into a web page.

This course meets the Microsoft Proficiency Guidelines for Word at the Expert level.

Prerequisite: Familiarity with intermediate uses of Word (e.g., how to create styles, templates, and macros, etc.).

Tips and Tricks for Managing E-mail with Netscape Messenger

Learn to streamline electronic mail processes through more efficient use of Netscape Messenger. Learn to:

• create folders
• track inbox messages and display message relationships
• filter messages, including potential "spam" mail
• create message templates
• add the University Directory Server to your Address Book

Prerequisites: An electronic mail account and general familiarity with the Netscape Web browser.

Tips and Tricks for Managing E-mail with Outlook Express

Learn to streamline electronic mail processes through more efficient use of Outlook Express. Learn to:

• create folders
• track inbox messages and display message relationships
• filter messages, including potential "spam" mail
• create message templates
• add the University Directory Server to your Address Book

Prerequisites: An electronic mail account and general familiarity with the Netscape Web browser.