ELITE's Microsoft Essentials Series

This hands-on, small-group workshop will provide a basic overview of Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365. The slower pace and the in-person setting are designed to make even the newest users feel welcome. After completing this workshop, you should have the basic skills you need to feel comfortable enrolling in any of our virtual core Microsoft Essentials classes.

Outcomes will be adjusted based on participant need and may include:

• Access and distinguish between desktop and web applications
• Compare and contrast Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
• Navigate the interface and perform basic tasks in Word and other core applications
• Download and organize files using OneDrive and your computer hard drive
• Perform basic tasks necessary for participating in upcoming virtual workshops via Zoom, such as splitting your screen to manage multiple simultaneous applications
• Identify resources for further learning

This hands-on, small group workshop will provide a solid foundation in the use of Microsoft PowerPoint. Whether you want an overview of the basics, are looking to become more efficient, or have used PowerPoint for years and just want to update your knowledge of newer features, this course is for you. Even experienced users can benefit from valuable tips, tricks, and timesavers along the way.

To fully participate in the workshop, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of PowerPoint. To more easily follow the facilitator’s examples and instructions, it is also best to join from a device with two screens. See the FAQs section of this website for more details on technology requirements.

Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:

• Access PowerPoint via the desktop application and via Microsoft365.com (prior to workshop)
• Identify the best uses for PowerPoint
• Navigate and customize the latest PowerPoint environment
• Create blank presentations and presentations from templates, including Montgomery College templates
• Save, organize, locate, and open presentations both locally and on the cloud
• Share and collaborate on presentations in real time using the cloud
• Insert and modify slides
• Cut, copy, paste and format text
• Add bulleted and numbered lists
• Use themes to change the design of a presentation
• Insert and modify images     
• Use intelligent design features to change the design of a presentation 
• Apply transitions between slides
• Manage slides (change view, add notes, add sections)
• Check spelling, grammar, and accessibility
• Print your slides and customize printing
• Present your slideshow

To register for this workshop, see Upcoming Workshop Dates and Registration Links.

This hands-on, small group workshop is designed for those familiar with the basics of Microsoft PowerPoint and who wish to advance their skills. You do not need to have taken PowerPoint Essentials, but you should already know how to navigate the interface comfortably, insert and modify slides, and use basic design features.

To fully participate in the workshop, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of PowerPoint. To more easily follow the facilitator’s examples and instructions, it is also best to join from a device with two screens. See the FAQs section of this website for more details on technology requirements.

Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:

• Identify basic design principles for better presentations
• Format slide backgrounds
• Create your own custom theme
• Reuse slides from other presentations
• Insert and modify images
• Align, order, and group objects
• Animate texts and objects
• Use the morph transition
• Insert audio and video
• Insert and modify tables
• Insert and modify charts
• Create SmartArt graphics
• Edit slides using the Slide Master
• Insert hyperlinks and Zoom to link to slides 
• Hide and unhide slides
• Use various features of the presenter view
• Record presentations and export as video
• Create and print a workshop handout

To register for this workshop, see Upcoming Workshop Dates and Registration Links.

This hands-on, small group workshop will provide a solid foundation in the use of Microsoft Word. Whether you want an overview of the basics, are looking to become more efficient, or have used Word for years and just want to update your knowledge of newer features, this course is for you. Even experienced users can benefit from valuable tips, tricks, and timesavers along the way.

To fully participate in the workshop, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of Word. To more easily follow the facilitator’s examples and instructions, it is also best to join from a device with two screens. See the FAQs section of this website for more details on technology requirements.  

Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:

• Access Word via the desktop application and via Microsoft 365 (prior to workshop)
• Identify the best uses for Word 
• Navigate and customize the Word environment
• Create blank documents and documents from templates, including Montgomery College templates
• Save, organize, locate, and open documents both locally and on the cloud•
• Share and collaborate on documents in real time using the cloud
• Add, delete, move, cut, copy and paste text using the mouse, keyboard, and keyboard shortcuts
• Format text using Font and Paragraph
• Format text using Styles and Themes to increase accessibility 
• Change the page layout including page orientation, paper size, margins
• Add, modify, and sort bulleted and numbered lists
• Insert, modify, and format tables
• Insert and modify images
• Automatically check spelling, grammar, and accessibility
• Use the Find and Replace features
• Print documents and customize printing

To register for this workshop, see Upcoming Workshop Dates and Registration Links.

This hands-on, small group workshop is designed for those familiar with the basics of Microsoft Word and who wish to advance their skills. You do not need to have taken Word Essentials, but you should already know how to navigate the interface comfortably and perform basic tasks such as those described in the Word Essentials outcomes.

To fully participate in the workshop, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of Word. To more easily follow the facilitator’s examples and instructions, it is also best to join from a device with two screens. See the FAQs section of this website for more details on technology requirements. 

Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:

• Change line and paragraph spacing 
• Insert columns
• Add page, section, and column breaks
• Insert page numbers
• Insert headers and footers
• Insert a table of contents
• Use hyperlinks to link to websites and places in a document
• Add a watermark
• Use format painter
• Insert Word Art
• Insert shapes and SmartArt graphics
• Insert charts
• Use track changes and comments for collaboration
• Use mail merge to send customized emails to a list of recipients
• Manage and insert citations
• Inspect and protect documents 
• Convert a Word doc to a PDF

To register for this workshop, see Upcoming Workshop Dates and Registration Links.

This hands-on, small group workshop will provide a solid foundation in the use of Microsoft Outlook. Whether you want an overview of the basics, are looking to become more efficient, or have used Outlook for years and just want to update your knowledge of newer features, this course is for you. Even experienced users can benefit from valuable tips, tricks, and timesavers along the way.

To fully participate in the workshop, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of Outlook. To more easily follow the facilitator’s examples and instructions, it is also best to join from a device with two screens. See the FAQs section of this website for more details on technology requirements.  

Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:

• Access your email via the Outlook 2019 (or the Microsoft 365 desktop app), mobile app, and Microsoft 365 web app
• Identify best uses for Outlook 
• Navigate and customize the latest Outlook environment
• Create, send, forward, and reply to emails
• Format text and appearance of emails
• Create an email signature in accordance with Montgomery College guidelines
• Send, receive, and collaborate on attachments
• Set up an auto reply (out of office (PDF, ) ) 
• Search and filter email
• Ignore email conversations
• Clean up your inbox
• Set categories, flags, reminders, or colors to organize your inbox
• Organize mail using folders
• Add and organize contacts
• Use the Montgomery College global address book
• Create tasks and manage a to-do list using To Do
• Navigate and customize the calendar
• Schedule appointment and meetings
• Search for calendar items

To register for this workshop, see Upcoming Workshop Dates and Registration Links.

This hands-on, small group workshop is designed for those familiar with the basics of Microsoft Outlook and who wish to advance their skills. You do not need to have taken Outlook Essentials, but you should already know how to navigate the interface comfortably and perform basic tasks such as those described in the Outlook Essentials outcomes.

To fully participate in the workshop, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of Outlook. To more easily follow the facilitator’s examples and instructions, it is also best to join from a device with two screens. See the FAQs section of this website for more details on technology requirements.  

Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:

• Recall or replace a sent email
• Set up rules to organize mail
• Schedule send for a later date
• Track emails with read and delivery receipts
• Change security and priority options
• Use advanced HTML formatting features, including stationery
• Insert pictures, shapes, icons, SmartArt, and charts
• Format hyperlinks
• Add polls and voting buttons to emails
• Create contact groups
• Import calendars from other email accounts
• Share your calendar
• Add calendars from within Montgomery College
• Do more to organize your time with Microsoft To Do
• Use and customize the Editor feature
• Insert business cards
• Archive to manage file size

To register for this workshop, see Upcoming Workshop Dates and Registration Links.

This hands-on, small group workshop will provide a solid foundation in the use of Microsoft Excel. Whether you want an overview of the basics, are looking to become more efficient, or have used Excel for years and just want to update your knowledge of newer features, this course is for you. Even experienced users can benefit from valuable tips, tricks, and timesavers along the way.

To fully participate in the workshop, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of Excel. To more easily follow the facilitator’s examples and instructions, it is also best to join from a device with two screens. See the FAQs section of this website for more details on technology requirements.  

Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:

• Access Excel via the desktop application and via Microsoft 365 (prior to workshop)
• Identify the best uses for Excel
• Navigate and customize the latest Excel environment
• Create blank worksheets and worksheets from templates
• Save, organize, locate, and open worksheets both locally and on the cloud
• Share and collaborate on worksheets in real time using the cloud
• Insert, delete, and modify content in cells
• Modify columns, rows, and cells
• Format cells for readability and accessibility
• Work with multiple worksheets
• Use basic formulas
• Freeze rows and columns
• Sort data
• Filter data
• Format data as a table
• Check spelling and accessibility
• Print workbooks and customize printing

To register for this workshop, see Upcoming Workshop Dates and Registration Links.

This hands-on, small group workshop is designed for those familiar with the basics of Microsoft Excel and who wish to advance their skills. You do not need to have taken Excel Essentials, but you should already know how to navigate the interface comfortably and perform basic tasks such as those described in the Excel Essentials outcomes.

To fully participate in the workshop, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of Outlook. To more easily follow the facilitator’s examples and instructions, it is also best to join from a device with two screens. See the FAQs section of this website for more details on technology requirements.  

Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:

• Identify practical applications for Excel data analysis and visualization tools 
• Create formulas and use advanced built-in functions and filtering  
• Import and export data for analysis and post-processing 
• Create PivotTables and PivotCharts
• Use VLOOKUP to quickly find information in large workbooks 
• Configure input data types with data validation 
• Use charts to summarize and visualize data  
• Merge or separate text into columns using delimiters
• Protect sheets and ranges to customize collaborative editing 

To register for this workshop, see Upcoming Workshop Dates and Registration Links.

This hands-on, small group workshop will provide a solid foundation in the use of Microsoft Teams. Whether you want an overview of the basics, or are looking to become more efficient, this course is for you. Even experienced users can benefit from valuable tips, tricks, and timesavers along the way.

To fully participate in the workshop, participants should be able to access both the desktop and web versions of Teams. To more easily follow the facilitator’s examples and instructions, it is also best to join from a device with two screens. See the FAQs section of this website for more details on technology requirements.

Outcomes will be adjusted based on a participant survey and may include:

• Access Teams via the desktop application, Microsoft 365, and the mobile app (prior to workshop)
• Identify the best uses for Teams
• Navigate and customize the Teams environment
• Use the chat feature for one-on-one and group communication
• Share and collaborate on files
• Schedule meetings, participate in meetings, and follow up after a meeting
• Organize and use channels for focused conversations
• Add apps to chats, channels and meetings
• Create a team using templates or build a team from scratch
• Manage team settings
• Make and manage calls

To register for this workshop, see Upcoming Workshop Dates and Registration Links.

These workshops are designed for staff and faculty who wish to improve their skills with Microsoft Office. 

Participants should have basic computer skills prior to taking a course, but do not need to have specific experience with the application. Participants may be experienced with an application but are hoping to fill in some gaps in their knowledge. 

Often, we muddle through the technology we use, doing only what we need to get the job done. Taking the time to update our knowledge of features and grow our skills can be a wonderful gift to ourselves and the students we work with. By attending our workshops, you will be able to do more, save yourself time, and make your work life easier.

No, participants may choose to take an Essentials Plus workshop without taking Essentials if they feel that Essentials Plus is a better fit based on the workshop outcomes. If you are not sure which workshop is right for you, you can contact us by email: Megan Calvert or Anna Donohoe.

Yes! All upcoming workshops related to technology are listed in Workday.

1. Log into Workday and navigate to Learning.
2. Click on Discover on the left-hand menu.
3. Under “Explore the Learning Catalog” click on Browse Learning.
4. From there, you can search for keywords or select Technology Training and Cybersecurity from the left-hand menu.

Yes! Please refer to the Essentials Plus workshop descriptions for more information. If you’re not sure which level is best for you, refer to the detailed descriptions above to decide which topics you would most like to focus on.

You will need to make sure you have a desktop or laptop with a high-speed Internet connection and Microsoft Office downloaded and installed onto it. Please make sure you are using the current version of Microsoft Office. 
You should plan to join the workshop from the same computer that has Microsoft Office installed so that you can share your screen for assistance.

We strongly recommend that you have two full-sized screens to use during the workshop, one so that you can view the instructor’s demonstrations and one so that you can follow along on your own device.

For example:

• You have a laptop with an external monitor connected to it. Many staff and faculty members have been provided with this set up by the college.
• You have a laptop or large tablet you can place beside another computer to view both at the same time. You should join the Zoom call for the workshop from both devices and place one call on mute. 
  If you do not have access to such a setup or need assistance, please contact the IT Help Desk or your workshop facilitator. 

Yes! Splitting your screen is a good solution and will allow you to see two or more applications side by side on the same screen. It is easy to do and only takes a few minutes to learn. Here are some instructions for how to split your screen depending on your device:

• Splitting a Screen in Windows 10new window
• Splitting a Screen in Windows 11new window
• Splitting a Screen on a Macnew window

As a college employee, you can access Microsoft Office in multiple ways:

• Office 2019/Office 2021: College-issued computers will have Office 2019 or Office 2021 installed on them. These versions are fixed and, unlike applications downloaded with a Microsoft 365 subscription, are not updated regularly with new features.
• Microsoft Office for the Web: You can access Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams for the web by visiting www.microsoft365.comnew window and signing in with your MyMCID@montgomerycollege.edu and your MyMC password. Note that your college email address that uses your first and last name will not work.
• Downloading Office via Microsoft 365: Once you’ve signed into Microsoft 365, you will see a button in the top right corner of the screen that says, “Install Office.” You can install Office for free on up to 5 devices, including personal laptops and smartphones. This will install a version of Office that is connected to Microsoft 365 and is regularly updated with new features.

• Mobile Apps: On a smartphone, you can also go directly to the Google Play store or App store and download Office. Then, sign in with your MyMC ID and password as described above.

There is a lot to learn about Microsoft Office, and we are excited to share it! Please see the descriptions above for details on what you will learn in each workshop.

Definitely! We love this cloud-based version of Microsoft Office, and we think you will too!

We encourage all participants to have access to both Microsoft 365 and the installed desktop version of each application. Although the desktop version generally offers more features, there are some features only available in Microsoft 365. We will spend time in each workshop comparing the interfaces to understand the differences. You will also learn more about sharing and collaborating on cloud-based documents.

To learn more about Microsoft 365 for College employees, visit Office 365 for Employeesnew window on the Montgomery College website.

These apps have limited functionality, but they are great for working on the go. Some workshops will briefly look at the mobile app, but others will not.

The Microsoft Essentials and Microsoft Essentials Plus workshops are taught by Megan Calvert and Anna Donohoe, both Instructional Designers with ELITE.

Megan Calvert has experience teaching and designing curricula for digital literacy at various levels and holds certification in CompTIA A+, a basic computer support specialist certification. She is a huge fan of technology and its power to improve teaching, learning, and productivity.

Anna Donohoe has a background in adult education and computational linguistics and holds an MSc in Artificial Intelligence. She is passionate about technology access and has been teaching people how to use computers and software since age fourteen.

Workshop participants with a question or need related to the workshop will be offered the option to sign up for “Office Hoursnew window.” Office Hours are not meant for a general audience, but instead are designed to help you prepare for the workshop beforehand or practice and apply the skills from the workshop to your specific work needs.

If you would like help with Microsoft Office unrelated to the workshops, we suggest you contact Montgomery College ITnew window or book an appointment with the Digital Learning Centernew window. Note that the DLC is designed to support students, but they are happy to serve staff and faculty as well. 

The best way to learn is to play around with each application! If you would like more guided instructions, we recommend the following resources:

Microsoft Office Supportnew window: Why not go straight to the source? Microsoft provides free, high-quality, and regularly updated videos and job aids for learners at all levels.

GCF Globalnew window: GCF Global is a non-profit organization that offers a series of fun and easy-to-use tutorials on Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

LinkedIn Learningnew window: MC employees can access this excellent resource to learn many different subjects for free. Just click to sign in with your Montgomery College email address and search for the course you are looking for.

Yes, please! Your feedback will help us enormously to make sure we are meeting the needs of faculty and staff. You can use this survey to provide inputnew window (scroll to the bottom for a general suggestion) or contact Megan Calvert or Anna Donohoe.