WHERE TO START? POWERPOINT TIPS
Whether you are preparing for a PowerPoint Microsoft Office Specialist Certification or a beginning user of PowerPoint, you may wonder, “Where do I start?” when trying to become more knowledgeable of PowerPoint’s presentation software.
Here are some tips that can help those on all sides of the learning spectrum.
If you are an avid user of PowerPoint and want to prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification, your first step should be to identify the exam objectives, which include creating, editing, and enhancing presentations and slide shows for the Associate Level. These objectives are broken into five teachable Domains: Manage Presentations; Manage Slides; Insert and Format Text, Shapes, and Images; Insert Tables, Charts, Smart Art, 3D Models, and Media; and Apply Transitions and Animations. A full list of the Domains’ Objectives can be found on Certiport’s Certify Website.
What is a great way to practice these Domain Objectives?
The best ways to practice PowerPoint’s Domains are through LearnKey and CertPrep.
LearnKey provides an on-demand education to prepare learners for certifications, including the Microsoft Office Specialist PowerPoint Certification by providing self-paced lessons to help you learn and practice the skills needed to demonstrate the principal features of PowerPoint.
Once you have learned and practiced, then it’s time to test that knowledge by using CertPrep Practice Tests. These tests will provide a testing experience that mirrors the experience you will encounter when taking an actual certification exam.
You can learn more about LearnKey and CertPrep here: Learn, Practice, Certify
I feel prepared. Any other tips?
Yes, Certiport has some amazing testing taking tips for those ready to take the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification, found online Here.
Are there any other places I can find tips?
For those who like to see it, learn it, or do it, YouTube might be the place for you. Two YouTube channels stand out the most when preparing for Microsoft Office Specialist Exams. Those two are Brendan Sinclair and Mike’s Office. Both have amazing educational videos on certifications that provide advice and tips for PowerPoint and many other applications, as well.
What if I am a PowerPoint newbie?
Look no further, here are some great sites to help you become familiarized with PowerPoint.
1. Microsoft Office Quick Starts will provide help and training on any of Microsoft’s products, including PowerPoint. These free training guides provide on-demand videos and lessons that stem from the very basics to the newest advanced features. To start your first lesson, Click Here.
2. Take advantage of the free lessons GCF Global LearnFree.org, where you can “Build Your Future” by learning skills to advance your knowledge. GCF offers tutorials on almost everything technology-based, including PowerPoint skills. Want to give it a try? Click Here
3. Have you heard of Open Educational Resources (OER)? These materials for teaching and learning are considered public domain and most of the time, free! One popular OER is Lumen Waymaker’s Computer Applications for Managers, which has sections on Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced PowerPoint Skills. Take a look here: Click Here
4. Ready to test your knowledge? Why not try out NorthStar Digital Literacy Assessments? On this site, you can take a free test to see which PowerPoint skills you have mastered. Try it out: Click Here
5. Feeling more confident? Try a free month on LinkedIn Learning, where you can watch on-demand videos, create a project file, take chapter quizzes, and receive a certificate of completion. What’s even more awesome, is this can be done all on your computer, tablet, and/or phone.
What’s Next?
Whether you are just starting to dabble in PowerPoint or have been a devoted presentation creator for years, many online resources are readily available to continue your educational journey. Never be afraid to take that next step after mastering the program—whatever that step may be.
View My Month of Microsoft PowerPoint Training Here:
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