Fall 2024 Microsoft 365 training sessions available through the Professional Development Network

From: Division of Information Technology 

The Division of Information Technology is offering a series of online courses designed to introduce users to the Microsoft 365 tools available at Virginia Tech. Each course will provide a brief introduction and discussion of the tool, explore its features and benefits, and demonstrate its various uses for collaboration within research groups, classes, and projects. Each class will be offered four times during the Fall 2024 semester through the Technology-enhanced Learning and Online Strategies’ Professional Development Network (TLOS PDN).

Course offerings include: 

Transition to Microsoft Outlook  

This session is designed to support university professionals who are new to Outlook, or who want to learn how to use it more effectively. Topics we’ll cover include email management, calendar scheduling, task organization, and effective communication. Together we will leverage Outlook’s robust features to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. This session will include hands-on time for participants to apply learning in real-time, ensuring that they leave prepared to navigate Outlook with confidence. 

• Thursday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.  
• Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Modern Work, A Microsoft Paradigm Shift  

This course covers Windows 11’s accessibility features and how to enhance proficiency with the latest versions of some of Microsoft’s popular work tools, such as Word and PowerPoint. This session will include ways to effectively use these tools for document creation, presentations, collaboration, and file management.

• Thursday, Sept. 5 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.  
• Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 

Microsoft Teams 

In this advanced session, participants will learn how to declutter their inbox using Microsoft Teams for communication and collaboration. We will explore project management tools that will enhance the opportunity to collaborate efficiently and effectively with colleagues. 

• Thursday, Sept.12 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon 
• Thursday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon 
• Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon 
• Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon   

Microsoft Copilot 

This introduction to Copilot covers the basics of artificial intelligence, the functionality of Copilot, and its potential applications in teaching and learning. Participants will explore using Copilot in a hands-on immersive experience. This course does not cover the licensed version of Copilot, Copilot for Microsoft 365. 

• Thursday, Sept. 19 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Thursday, Sept. 26 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.  
• Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. 

Please enroll through the TLOS PDN using the links above.