Basic Computer and Microsoft Office Course

Lesson 1 • Using a Mouse and Keyboard Effectively

Develops precise mouse control and keyboard technique essential for all computing tasks. Reduces errors and increases speed in subsequent software modules.

Lesson 2 • Managing Files and Folders

Teaches creating, naming, moving, copying, and deleting files and folders in File Explorer. Establishes an organised workspace for all Office documents created later.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to the Operating System

Explains the role of an operating system and orients students to the Windows desktop environment. Provides the navigational foundation for all software tasks ahead.

Lesson 4 • Powering On and Basic System Navigation

Covers startup, shutdown, restart, and sleep procedures for safe device operation. Connects proper power habits to hardware longevity.

Lesson 1 • Cybersecurity and Online Safety Basics

Identifies phishing, malware, and social engineering threats and explains how to avoid them. Protects students' data and devices throughout all digital activities.

Lesson 2 • Professional Email Etiquette

Defines standards for subject lines, tone, formatting, and response time in workplace email. Prepares students to communicate credibly in professional environments.

Lesson 3 • Navigating the Web with a Browser

Covers browser interface, address bar use, tabbed browsing, and bookmarking. Builds the web navigation skills required for research and online tools used later.

Lesson 1 • Working with Lists, Tables, and Images

Inserts and formats bulleted lists, numbered lists, tables, and images within documents. Expands document structure skills needed for reports and professional templates.

Lesson 2 • Typing, Editing, and Proofreading Text

Covers text entry, cursor navigation, selection techniques, and built-in proofing tools. Ensures accurate, error-free content before formatting is applied.

Lesson 3 • Formatting Text and Paragraphs

Applies font styles, sizes, colours, alignment, spacing, and indentation to text. Connects visual formatting decisions to document readability and professional appearance.

Lesson 4 • Word Interface and Document Setup

Orients students to the Ribbon, Quick Access Toolbar, and document view options. Establishes the workspace configuration used in every Word task that follows.

Lesson 1 • Templates and Reusable Documents

Creates and applies Word templates to standardise recurring document types. Saves time and ensures brand or format consistency across an organisation.

Lesson 2 • References, Table of Contents, and Citations

Generates automatic tables of contents, inserts footnotes, and manages basic citations. Equips students to produce academic and professional long-form documents.

Lesson 3 • Track Changes and Document Collaboration

Enables Track Changes, adds comments, and accepts or rejects revisions in shared documents. Prepares students for team-based document review workflows.

Lesson 4 • Mail Merge for Bulk Documents

Automates personalised letter and label creation by merging a data source with a Word template. Demonstrates a high-value productivity technique for administrative tasks.

Lesson 1 • Formatting Cells and Worksheets

Applies number formats, cell borders, fill colours, and column widths for readable spreadsheets. Connects visual clarity to accurate data interpretation.

Lesson 2 • Writing Basic Formulas and Functions

Constructs arithmetic formulas and uses SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, and COUNT functions. Provides the calculation foundation for all advanced Excel work ahead.

Lesson 3 • Excel Interface and Workbook Setup

Introduces the Excel grid, Ribbon, Name Box, and Formula Bar for confident navigation. Establishes the workspace understanding required for all spreadsheet tasks.

Lesson 4 • Sorting, Filtering, and Basic Data Management

Sorts and filters tabular data to locate and analyse specific records efficiently. Introduces structured data habits that support advanced analysis in the next chapter.

Lesson 1 • PivotTables and PivotCharts

Builds PivotTables to summarise large datasets and creates PivotCharts for visual reporting. Delivers the most impactful data summarisation tool in Excel.

Lesson 2 • Conditional Formatting and Sparklines

Highlights data patterns using colour scales, icon sets, and rule-based formatting. Adds in-cell sparklines for compact trend visualisation within dashboards.

Lesson 3 • Logical and Lookup Functions

Uses IF, AND, OR, VLOOKUP, and HLOOKUP to build decision-driven and cross-referenced formulas. Enables dynamic, intelligent spreadsheets for real business scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Protecting and Sharing Workbooks

Locks cells, protects sheets, and configures workbook sharing and co-authoring settings. Ensures data integrity when spreadsheets are distributed across teams.

Lesson 1 • Animations and Slide Transitions

Applies entrance, emphasis, and exit animations and configures slide transitions for flow. Teaches purposeful animation use that enhances rather than distracts from content.

Lesson 2 • Adding and Formatting Content

Inserts and formats text boxes, images, shapes, icons, and SmartArt on slides. Builds content variety while maintaining visual hierarchy and readability.

Lesson 3 • Designing Slides with Themes and Layouts

Applies themes, colour schemes, fonts, and slide layouts to create visual consistency. Connects design principles to audience engagement and professional credibility.

Lesson 4 • PowerPoint Interface and Slide Setup

Navigates the PowerPoint workspace, slide panel, and view modes for efficient slide building. Establishes the environment for all design and content tasks in this chapter.

Lesson 1 • OneDrive and Cloud-Based Collaboration

Saves, syncs, and shares Office files via OneDrive for real-time co-authoring and access. Prepares students for modern cloud-based team workflows.

Lesson 2 • Integrating Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Embeds Excel charts in Word reports, links data between apps, and attaches files via Outlook. Demonstrates cross-application workflows that multiply productivity.

Lesson 3 • Outlook Email Management

Configures Outlook inbox rules, categories, and folders to manage high-volume email. Builds on email basics from Chapter 2 with professional-grade organisation tools.

Lesson 4 • Contacts and Tasks in Outlook

Manages a contact list and uses the Tasks feature to track action items and deadlines. Consolidates communication and task management in a single platform.