I received this from the Digital Literacy program director of the CIT Department earlier this week:
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"Many of our students are very anxious about Excel. We all know that. I'm sure all of us address this in different ways, but especially with our distance learning, the issue may be more intense. As a starting point for Excel, I always give my students a primer that is aimed at reducing F.E.A.R....false expectations appearing real. Many of the students are much more confident to jump into Excel once they get a short 'pep talk' about what Excel is. If you have a live session, you can do this in your lecture. For online, I use a video. You can also use a video even if you have a web remote course. You can create your own primer video if you would like, or feel free to use mine. The students routinely comment how the primer video reduces any fear of Excel and they start the unit with greater confidence.
This can also be considered part of narrowing transactional distance. Communicating with students and constant dialogue really helps to foster persistence." |
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With my absence for today's class session, Saturday, 10/17/2020, I will not be able to give my short 'pep talk' but the program director does a much a better job :-) His 20-min video is an excellent primer for Microsoft Excel but not a substitute for the Cengage lessons and projects! What is your impression (e.g. Cengage, primer video, your prior experience) of Microsoft Excel so far?
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I have previous experience using Excel, but not in a fashion that I would say is advanced. I understand basic operations, but when it comes to specific formulas/functions or conditioning formatting settings, that is all brand new to me. I appreciate the primer video's slow approach and explanation to the basic, yet key functions of Excel. The CIT Director makes a valid point when he says, "Think of Excel as a visual calculator... Only way to learn Excel is through practice." Currently, I have a positive impression of the Cengage lessons of Microsoft Excel, and although daunting, I am positive that with practice I will be prepared to conquer and excel (no pun intended) the MOS exam.
ReplyDeleteGlad the primer video's slow approach and explanation to the basic of Excel delivered its intended effects :-) A quick correct to your comment: the CIT Departments has multiple programs. It is the program director of Digital Literacy, not the CIT Department Director, that made the primer video.
DeleteLike Word, Excel seems to have a lot different features to make it easier. I think my fear of Excel has always been having to learn the different formulas, but now there is the formula/AutoSum function. The primer video was a nice touch, and it went over the basics learned from lesson 1 and 2 with a few extra tips. After experiencing Word with Cengage, I don't feel as intimidated by Excel because I know it will teach us what we need to know to succeed.
ReplyDeleteI am glad the primer video lessened the Excel intimidation for you :-)
DeleteThe primer video definitely set a relaxed approach to using Excel, the directors explanations helped me better understand functions/formulas I already learned from Cengage. Cengage is the heart of my Microsoft Office knowledge and it has been efficient. Previously I used Excel for work purposes, I did not really understand the functions of Excel over 10 years ago, so all the information will be mostly new.
ReplyDeleteA relaxed approach, excellent :-) I think the Digital Literacy program director will be happy to hear that ^_^
DeleteIt's not as difficult as I thought it would be. The formulas so far seem simple enough; previously in the past I have been intimidated by Microsoft Excel. I look forward to becoming more proficient with Excel and pass the certification exam.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that Excel is not as difficult as you thought :-) You will conquer MOS Excel ^_^
DeleteMy experience with Excel is very minimal so I was feeling a bit intimidated going into these new assignments but so far I think I'm doing well and I look forward to learning more.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are doing well with the Excel coursework and looking forward to learning more :-)
DeleteI have some experience with Excel from computer class last year, but if you don't use it you forget it. I have to pull out my old book when I do Excel lessons.
ReplyDelete"If you don't use it you forget it", well said :-)
DeleteThe only experience I've had was with Google Sheets. I found some similar features between Word and Excel. I think this will be more challenging than word.
ReplyDeleteI have not used Google Sheets before. After you finish the Excel lessons and projects, I'm curious how you would compare Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel :-)
DeleteI can admit that Excel has always intimidated me even back when I was first introduced to the program back in middle school. I have worked on Excel mostly at work making simple lists of clients or accounts. I sometimes use Google Sheets for lists or personal budgets. I hope at the end of these modules I will have overcome that intimidation with knowledge.
ReplyDeleteYou will learn, practice, become comfortable, and even confident with using Microsoft Excel by the time you finish your Excel coursework :-)
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