LCT0101 - Everyday Microsoft Skills Badge
Course Description
Get comfortable using your computer and essential Microsoft applications in this beginner-friendly course. Designed for those new to Windows 11 and Microsoft Office, this course provides a practical introduction to everyday digital skills.
You’ll learn how to navigate your computer, manage files and folders, and use core Microsoft 365 applications—including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Through hands-on practice, you’ll create simple documents and presentations, organize information in spreadsheets, and send and manage email.
By the end of the program, you’ll have the confidence to complete common computer tasks for both personal and professional use and you'll earn a digital badge.
Course Outline
Session 1: Windows 11 Fundamentals & Getting Started
- Understanding the operating system
- Windows 11 layout: Start Menu, Taskbar, File Explorer
- Mouse and keyboard basics
- Opening, closing, and switching between programs
- File management: creating folders, saving and naming files
- Introduction to Microsoft accounts—why they matter and how to set one up
- Getting started with Office on the web
Session 2: Microsoft Word
- Basic interface (Ribbon/Panel structure)
- Creating and editing documents
- Basic formatting: font choices, bold, italics, underline
- Paragraph formatting: alignment, line spacing
- Intro to Styles (structure, format, outlines)
Session 3: Microsoft Excel
- Tabular data (spreadsheet format)
- Layout: formula bar, rows, columns, and cells
- Entering and formatting data
- Common functions: SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN
- Autofill and Flash Fill for confidence-building
- Basic keyboard shortcuts: copy/paste, undo
Session 4: PowerPoint & Outlook
PowerPoint:
- Creating slides, adding text and images
- Organizing a presentation
- Basic design tips
- Slideshow basics and tools
- Email structure: To, CC, Subject, Body
- Writing, sending, and replying to emails
- Adding attachments
- Inbox basics: opening, deleting, spam awareness
Learner Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Navigate a Windows 11 computer with confidence
- Manage files and folders using File Explorer
- Create and format basic documents in Microsoft Word
- Organize data and use simple formulas in Microsoft Excel
- Build and present a basic slideshow in Microsoft PowerPoint
- Send, receive, and manage email using Microsoft Outlook
- Access and use Microsoft 365 applications online with a Microsoft account
Scholarship Opportunity
This workshop is part of a scholarship program through the Strengthening Workforce Skills program, funded by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB)'s Noncredit Strategies at Work grant.
Apply here to find out if you are eligible for a scholarship. Funding is limited.
Related Classes:
Computer Skills for Beginners (LCT0092)