Computers have become an integral part of both work and personal environments. Knowledge of computer systems and the ability to work with various computer programs has become an essential requirement in most professions, but we find that computer literacy in the heritage sector is not always to standard.
Our recommendation over the past few years, has been that EVERY institution MUST make the transition into digital – to become a “Digital Institution” – and must embark on this transition as soon as possible in order to remain relevant in this fast-changing digital world. One key element of becoming digital is that computer skills are a necessary part of the core skill set of the museum professional. These skills include general computer usage, access to the Internet, working with databases and digital objects, and digital communication.
Our new Computer Literacy Training Course helps to develop basic proficiency in computer use and the conceptual understanding of the digital world. We cover the use of Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email, and the Web. This course is customised to suit the needs of heritage professionals including museum staff, librarians, archivists, and oral historians.
We are planning for this course to provide the basis for a formal qualification in end-user computing such as the ICDL (International Computer Driving License).
Knowledge and practical outcomes
WINDOWS:
- Understanding key concepts relating to ICT, computers, devices and software
- Starting up and shutting down a computer
- Understanding the computer desktop, using icons and windows
- Creating and managing files and folders
- Using the file system effectively for your work including file and folder naming
- Performing backups of your data including access to cloud backup services
- Using common Windows applications
- Knowing your way around Windows
- Printing from different programs
MICROSOFT WORD:
- Creating, opening, using and editing Word documents and saving them in different file formats
- Applying different style formats to documents – such as characters, paragraphs, indents, margins
- Adjusting document page settings
- Selecting and moving text and navigate in a document
- Inserting tables, images and objects into documents
- Checking and correcting spelling and grammar
- Using the Help and AutoCorrect tools
- Understanding how to store files and folders and how to backup data
MICROSOFT EXCEL:
- Creating, opening, using and editing Excel worksheets and spreadsheets
- Entering data into cells
- Selecting, sorting, copying, moving and deleting data
- Formating and editing cells, rows and columns
- Navigating worksheets
- Appling simple formula and arithmetic functions
- Choosing and creating charts (graphs) to communicate information meaningfully
POWERPOINT:
- Creating slides (title and bullet) and selecting a template
- Modifying slide text and checking spelling
- Inserting, editing and removing tables, images, objects
- Changing text and bullets
- Exploring different view options
- Using Slide Show options (such as animations and transitions) and running the manual
- Adding notes
CONNECTIVITY AND EMAIL:
- Connectivity options and how to connect to a network
- Understanding computer security and how to protect your device
- Using a web browser and be able to search online
- Understanding crucial Intellectual Property and Copyright issues
- Creating, sending and receiving emails (Gmail) and managing email settings
Assessments
As a part of this training course we will be performing basic assessments of skills both before and after the course, and will recommend the path to full proficiency.
Who should attend
This training is applicable to anyone who would like to learn how to use a computer, or gain basic proficiency in the specific computer programs which we cover. The course is customised to suit the needs of heritage professionals and is recommended for everyone in organisations who are required to manage and use data as a part of their work.
Pricing
Prices vary depending on the hardware needed by participants. Please contact us for more details.
Advanced Computer Literacy Training Courses:
Microsoft Access (2 days)
Advanced Microsoft Access (3 days)
Advanced Word (2 days)
Advanced Excel (2 days)
Advanced Powerpoint (1 day)
Introduction to Computer Programming
Introduction to Web Design