IT Applications (Office 365)

This course provides a comprehensive, hands-on exploration of the Microsoft Office suite, enhanced with the power of AI through Microsoft Copilot. It is designed for professionals seeking to move beyond basic functions to master workflow automation, data analysis, professional communication, and collaborative project management. Participants learn to leverage the full, integrated power of these applications to boost productivity, streamline processes, and produce high-quality work with greater efficiency.

Module 1: Introduction to Copilot and the Microsoft 365 Ecosystem

Objective: To establish a strong foundation in the modern Microsoft 365 environment, understanding app integration and the role of AI in boosting productivity.

• 1.1: The Modern Microsoft 365 Ecosystem

  • An overview of core applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).

  • Understanding cloud integration with OneDrive and SharePoint.

  • Navigating the unified interface and cross-app workflows.

• 1.2: Introduction to Microsoft Copilot

  • An explanation of generative AI and how Copilot works.

  • The role of Copilot as a productivity assistant across different apps.

  • Ethical considerations and best practices for using AI.

• 1.3: Core Skills: File Management and Collaboration

  • Effective file organization in OneDrive.

  • Real-time co-authoring, sharing, and version history.

  • Managing permissions and security basics.

Module 2: MS Word: Intelligent Document Creation

Objective: To master the creation, formatting, and automation of professional documents using advanced Word features and AI assistance.

• 2.1: Advanced Document Formatting & Structure

  • Utilizing styles, themes, and templates for consistency.

  • Creating automated tables of contents, indexes, and citations.

  • Working with sections, headers, footers, and page numbering.

• 2.2: Collaboration and Review

  • Mastering Track Changes and comments for team review.

  • Comparing and combining documents.

• 2.3: Automation with Mail Merge

  • Creating personalized letters, labels, and emails from a data source.

• 2.4: Leveraging Copilot in Word

  • Drafting, editing, and summarizing documents with AI prompts.

  • Rewriting text for tone, clarity, and conciseness.

Module 3: MS Excel: From Data to Decisions

Objective: To develop strong skills in data analysis, visualization, and automation to turn raw data into actionable insights.

• 3.1: Mastering Formulas and Functions

  • Logical (IF, AND, OR), lookup (VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP), and text functions.

  • Introduction to dynamic array formulas.

• 3.2: Data Analysis and Management

  • Sorting, filtering, and using conditional formatting.

  • Unlocking insights with PivotTables and PivotCharts.

• 3.3: Data Visualization

  • Creating professional charts and graphs.

  • Using sparklines for in-cell data visualization.

• 3.4: AI-Assisted Spreadsheets with Copilot

  • Generating complex formulas from natural language.

  • Identifying trends and creating visualizations with AI prompts.

Module 4: MS PowerPoint: Crafting Engaging Presentations

Objective: To design and deliver compelling, professional presentations using advanced visual tools and AI-driven content generation.

• 4.1: Advanced Design and Layout

  • Using the Slide Master to ensure brand consistency.

  • Working with advanced animations, transitions, and multimedia.

• 4.2: Interactive and Non-Linear Presentations

  • Creating interactive elements with hyperlinks and the Zoom feature.

• 4.3: Mastering Presenter Tools

  • Using Presenter View effectively.

  • Recording slideshows with narration and timings.

• 4.4: Designing with Copilot

  • Generating a presentation from a Word document or a simple prompt.

  • Organizing slides and generating speaker notes with AI.

Module 5: Data Management with Access, Forms, and Lists

Objective: To learn to collect, organize, and manage data effectively, from simple surveys and lists to structured relational databases.

• 5.1: Introduction to MS Access

  • Database fundamentals: tables, queries, forms, and reports.

  • Building a simple relational database from scratch.

• 5.2: Effortless Data Collection with MS Forms

  • Creating surveys, quizzes, and polls.

  • Analyzing responses and integrating with Excel.

• 5.3: Organizing Information with MS Lists

  • Creating and customizing smart lists from templates.

  • Using rules to automate notifications and workflows.

  • Integrating Lists within Microsoft Teams.

Module 6: Outlook and Calendar: Mastering Professional Communication

Objective: To optimize email, scheduling, and task management to enhance professional communication and organization.

• 6.1: Advanced Email Management

  • Automating your inbox with rules and Quick Steps.

  • Using categories and search folders for organization.

• 6.2: Strategic Calendar Management

  • Advanced meeting scheduling with Scheduling Assistant.

  • Managing shared calendars and booking resources.

• 6.3: Task and Contact Integration

  • Integrating Microsoft To Do with Outlook for task management.

• 6.4: AI-Powered Communication with Copilot

  • Summarizing long email threads.

  • Drafting professional replies with tone adjustment.

  • Preparing for meetings based on email history.

Module 7: Collaboration with Teams and OneDrive

Objective: To enhance teamwork, communication, and file management by leveraging the integrated capabilities of Microsoft Teams and OneDrive.

• 7.1: Mastering Microsoft Teams

  • Structuring collaboration with Teams and Channels.

  • Running effective meetings with recordings, transcripts, and notes.

  • Integrating other apps (Planner, Lists) as tabs in a channel.

• 7.2: Advanced File Management with OneDrive

  • Beyond storage: syncing, sharing, and secure collaboration.

  • Using version history to restore previous file states.

• 7.3: AI-Powered Meetings with Copilot in Teams

  • Generating intelligent meeting recaps, notes, and action items.

  • Asking questions about the meeting in real-time or post-meeting.

Module 8: Building Low-Code Websites with Power Pages

Objective: To learn to rapidly design, build, and publish secure, data-driven business websites without writing extensive code.

• 8.1: Introduction to Power Pages

  • Understanding the role of Power Pages within the Power Platform.

  • Exploring templates and the design studio interface.

• 8.2: Designing Your Site

  • Customizing themes, branding, and page layouts.

  • Adding and configuring components like text, images, and forms.

• 8.3: Connecting to Data

  • Displaying data from Dataverse (and other sources) on your site.

  • Creating forms to capture and store user data securely.

• 8.4: Setting Security and Permissions

  • Configuring user roles and controlling access to pages and data.

• 8.5: Go-Live: Publishing Your Website

  • Previewing, checking, and launching your site.

Project: Integrated Business Solution

Objective: Learners apply concepts from all modules to develop an integrated solution for a realistic business scenario (e.g., planning a new product launch). The project requires using Word for proposals, Excel for budgeting, Forms for market feedback, PowerPoint for presentations, Outlook for communications, Teams for collaboration, and Power Pages for a simple launch announcement site.