Lesson 1: The Basics of PowerPoint
PowerPoint books, help resources, and web links
PowerPoint Books:
There are two recommended books for this course. However, this course will be tailored to the “Microsoft PowerPoint 2000 Step by Step” book. This book costs $29.99, but is well worth the money because it is also a self-study kit. This self-study kit contains a CD-ROM, which allows you further study at your own pace. Real-world examples are provided in the book as a learning guide.
I will cite the book for lesson specifics, but will also add my own tips from my own PowerPoint experience. For example, Microsoft applications provide more than one way to accomplish a task. The multiple methods to complete a task can be confusing to a novice user. I will guide you in the method that is the easiest to use.
You can install the practice files from the CD-ROM, however this is not a requirement of the course. If you have specific questions regarding this installation, please post a message on the class discussion board.
PowerPoint Help Resources
Guess what? Just like other Microsoft applications Microsoft PowerPoint has “Help” resources at your fingertips. We’ll discuss the help index, Office Assistant, and on-line help in the next lesson. These features are often underused and are highly valuable when you are stuck on a question or are experimenting with new features.
Web Links
What would a Microsoft application be without various web links? Whether you are looking for PowerPoint templates, downloading clipart, or viewing a presentation, there is a vast supply of web link resources at your disposal.
Topics for Discussion
1) What is your current knowledge of PowerPoint?
2) What type of presentation are you looking to create? (ie: Office, school, meeting, etc.)
3) Have you used Microsoft Applications in the past, such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel?
*Please feel free to post any questions you have.
