Overview
This course will help you develop the skills required to use microcomputer applications effectively in a business environment. Using a hands-on approach of “learning by doing,” you will learn to use many of the Microsoft Office 365 suite of products (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and develop skills in using software designed to meet today’s business needs.
The textbook is a comprehensive MS Office tutorial and reference. It goes somewhat beyond the learning expectations of an introductory course; therefore, this course does not cover all the chapters in the textbook. After you have gained some experience and proficiency in using the software through the lessons in this course, however, you will be able to continue learning and developing new skills independently.
Outline
This course has been organized into 13 lessons, as follows:
- Lesson 1: Office Fundamentals
- Lesson 2: Introduction to Word
- Lesson 3: Document Presentation
- Lesson 4: Document Productivity
- Lesson 5: Research and Collaboration
- Lesson 6: Introduction to Excel
- Lesson 7: Excel Formulas and Functions
- Lesson 8: Excel Charts
- Lesson 9: Excel Datasets and Tables
- Lesson 10: Introduction to PowerPoint
- Lesson 11: Effective Presentation Development
- Lesson 12: Presentation Enhancement
- Lesson 13: Presentation Refinement
Learning outcomes
After completing this course, you will
- be familiar with concepts and terminology common to desktop applications used in business.
- be proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software.
- have practical knowledge of common business situations in which desktop applications are used and have a foundation for further independent learning.
Evaluation
To receive credit for this course, you must complete three assignments and achieve a minimum grade of D (50 percent) on each assignment.
There are no examinations in this course.
The table below summarizes the evaluation activities in this course:
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Word | 30% |
| Assignment 2: Excel | 40% |
| Assignment 3: PowerPoint | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Poatsy, M. A. (Ed.). (2023). Exploring Microsoft Office 365: Introductory 2021. Pearson Education, Inc. ISBN13: 978-0-13-760239-1.
Other Resources
All other learning resources will be available online.
Software Requirements
This course was designed to be completed using a PC-based or Mac version of Microsoft Office 365 that includes the three main applications covered in this course: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Students are expected to have basic operating systems and file management skills prior to taking this course, though one lesson on Microsoft Office is provided that can help students to fill this gap, if needed.
As an AU student, you are entitled install Microsoft Office 365 on up to five personal computers/computing devices. For further information, go to https://www.athabascau.ca/support-services/about/technical-support/office365-for-students.html
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the CMIS 245 challenge registration, you must complete three assignments and achieve a minimum grade of D (50 percent) on each assignment.
The assignments are based on activities from the course textbook. Therefore, you must acquire a copy of the textbook to complete the challenge requirements. A copy of the textbook is available for purchase via the Pearson website. A link to this site will be provided once your challenge request has been approved. You can also acquire a print textbook on your own if you wish.
Challenge for credit course registration form