ITS is delighted to offer workshops on multimedia and productivity software packages. Please note that workshops may need to be rescheduled due to unforeseen circumstances. In addition, workshops may be canceled due to low participation.
NOTE: If you have any questions, please contact Munindra Khaund [206-6764 or munindra.khaund@uis.edu] or Kara McElwrath [206-8237 or kmcel2@uis.edu].
Workshop Schedules
Workshop Descriptions
Workshop Handouts
Archived Workshops
The only requirements to participate in an online workshop are a computer with Internet access and speakers or a headset. A microphone is recommended, but not necessary. The online workshops will be archived for those who are not able to participate in the live sessions.
There is no cost for UIS students, faculty, and staff. No registration required.
Please review the quick reference guides prior to attending the workshop.
June 2009
- Office 2007: What You Need to Know to Upgrade [description]
June 10 | 1:00-1:50 PM
URL: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/789204200
An accompanying workshop hand-out [PDF] is available.
- eDocs: An Alternative to E-mail Attachments [description]
June 11 | 1:30-2:00 PM
URL: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/202259209
- eDocs: Introduction to eDocs [description]
June 16 | 10:00-11:30 AM
URL: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/772030137
An accompanying workshop hand-out [PDF] is available.
- Outlook: Storage Options for Managing Your Inbox [description]
June 16 | 1:00-1:50 PM
URL: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/234368401
An accompanying workshop hand-out [PDF] is available.
- eDocs: Blackboard Integration (Faculty/Staff Only)
June 17 | 1:00-1:30 PM
URL: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/850688464
- eDocs: A Collaboration Tool
June 23 | 1:00-1:30 PM
URL: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/join/173144408
June 2009
June 2009
Introduction to the Mac Operating System: OS X Leopard
This workshop is designed to:
Scanning and Digitizing: Print Documents and Images
In this workshop, you will learn how to:
Working with Audio: Introduction to Audacity
This workshop begins with an overview of Audacity, a digital audio editing and recording application. You will learn how to:
Working With Images: Introduction to Photoshop
In this workshop, you will be introduced to the tools available in Photoshop, such as:
You will also learn about the advantages of different file formats when working with images for the Web or print, such as:
Working with Images : Intermediate Photoshop
This workshop builds upon the fundamentals learned in the 'Introduction to Photoshop' workshop. Learn about:
You will learn how to use tools such as the:
Working with Animation: Introduction to Flash
This workshop is ideal for beginners with little or no prior experience of Flash, a web animation-authoring environment. The workshop serves as an introduction to:
Working with Animation: Intermediate Flash
This intermediate level workshop covers:
Creating a Website: Introduction to Dreamweaver
This workshop is designed to teach you how to construct a website using Dreamweaver. You will learn the basics of creating a website, as well as tools for simple site-building such as:
Creating a Website: Intermediate Dreamweaver
This workshop builds upon the fundamentals learned in the 'Introduction to Dreamweaver' workshop. You will:
Creating a Website: Advanced Dreamweaver
This workshop will cover advanced features of Dreamweaver. You will learn how to:
Creating a Digital Movie: iPhoto, iMovie, and iDVD
The digital movie workshop will include:
iPhoto:
iMovie:
iDVD:
Introduction to Cascading Style Sheets
This workshop will cover an overview of CSS. You will learn:
Intermediate Cascading Style Sheets
This workshop will cover intermediate elements of CSS. You will learn how to:
Creating Your Online Space: Introduction to Blogs and RSS
The Blogs workshop will include:
The RSS workshop will include:
Social Networking: Introduction to Facebook
This workshop will introduce and cover some of the features of Facebook. You will learn how to:
Social Networking: Facebook Pages, Events and Viral Marketing
This intermediate workshop is designed to help you use Facebook to network with colleagues, promote events, and more. In this workshop, we will learn to:
Note: You do not need to have attended the "Social Networking: Introduction to Facebook" workshop, but you should create a Facebook account (if you have not already done so) in preparation for this workshop.
Social Networking: Introduction to Twitter
This workshop will introduce and cover some of the features of Twitter. You will learn how to:
Social Networking: Twitter as an Education and Communication Tool
This workshop will showcase the use of Twitter on two occasions:
Get to Know the iPhone: A Productivity and Educational Tool
What does it take for an iPhone to progress from a toy and gadget to a productivity and educational tool?
This workshop walks you through the basics of the iPhone, tips and tricks, web apps, and more! The session is designed as a knowledge-sharing event wherein participants are encouraged to share their experiences with the iPhone or learn more about the iPhone as a productivity and educational tool. This workshop will also be beneficial for iTouch users.
As a pre-cursor to the event, peruse the following page for iPhone research at UIS -
http://www.uis.edu/its/otherservices/iphone_mk.html
For more information concerning configuring your iPhone to access UIS resources - http://www.uis.edu/its/otherservices/iphone.html
Creating a Digital Movie: iMovie
The digital movie workshop will cover features of the iLife '08 version of iMovie including:
Introduction to Mind Maps
What is a mind map?
A mind map is a visual representation of ideas, projects, thoughts that is centered around a key idea. You can visually build interrelationships between the ideas to a central concept. Mind maps can be used for -
You will learn how to use FreeMind to develop your project idea from a central concept. We will use a free tool, FreeMind, for this workshop. This open-source software program runs on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS.
When Good PowerPoint Presentations Go Bad
Have you seen a presentation that was just too much?
Join us as we discuss tips for creating effective presentations with appropriate visual enhancements.
Lights, Camera, Action! Tips for Running a PowerPoint Presentation
Now that the PowerPoint presentation is created, it’s time to run the show! In this session, we will explore the wide variety of presentation options, including:
Maximizing the Use of Slide Masters to Make Global Changes In PowerPoint
Have you ever found yourself making the same changes on each individual slide in PowerPoint - changing fonts or sizes, adding a logo, or changing the bullet style? In this session, we will explore the power of slide masters, which allow you to make a change just once and it will apply to every slide in your presentation as well as to new slides that are added.
Using Mail Merge to Create Labels, Certificates, and Form Letters in Word
In this session, we will learn:
Exploring Graphics in Word
In this session, we will explore the various graphics that can be used to enhance your Word documents, including:
We will also explore the use of page and paragraph borders [graphics that wrap all the way around a page or paragraph] as well as watermarks [for example, "DRAFT" printed lightly on the background of your document].
Making your E-mail Work Harder for You
In this session, we will explore various e-mail message sending options. We will work with Voting Buttons, which allow you to include polling questions in your e-mail. Recipients can then "vote" by clicking the appropriate button, and Outlook will manage and tally the responses for you. In addition, we will learn how to:
Using Outlook's Calendar to Manage your Time
In this session, we will explore Microsoft Outlook's Calendar features, including:
Formatting Spreadsheets in Excel
In this session, we will explore the formatting options available in Excel to enhance the visual appeal of spreadsheets. We will work with:
Jazzing up PowerPoint Presentations with Animations
Applying animation to text and graphics can really spice up your PowerPoint presentations. Join us as we learn:
Using Graphics to Enhance a Presentation
In this session, we will explore the wide variety of graphics available in PowerPoint. We will experiment with inserting and formatting:
Creating Workflow, Relationships, and Sequential Processes Diagrams with Ease
In this session, we will explore PowerPoint's new SmartArt functionality, which allows us to create:
SmartArt is easy and fun to use - and can make a powerful visual statement!
Managing your Inbox by Setting Rules
In this session, we will create rules to assist you in managing your mail. This session will be especially helpful for those who receive many messages each day and/or those who check their mail infrequently.
Managing Contacts in Outlook
In this session, we will explore the functionality of using Microsoft Outlook's Contacts as your "electronic rolodex". We will:
Creating Newsletters in Word
In this session, we will design and create a newsletter in Word, including:
Creating Templates in Word - For Letterheads, Fax Cover Sheets, and More
Have you ever made changes to a document and saved it without renaming it – thus losing the original? In this session, we will learn how to create templates in Word. Templates allow you to use the same format of a document [including headers, footers, and fonts] without losing the original. Basically, Word creates a copy of the original, thus keeping it 'safe' from revision and allowing you to maintain a consistent look for all of your documents.
Using Formulas and Functions in Excel
In this session, we will work with basic formulas and functions in Excel to create:
We will also convert text to upper or lower case.
Need a Graphic to Visually Display Data? Use Excel's Charting Tools to Make Your Data More Convincing!
In this session, we will create charts in Excel. In addition, we will work with the formatting options available, including:
Working with Data in Microsoft Excel
In this session, we will work with:
What in Heaven is Office 2007?
Office 2007 is here! Please join us as we introduce the new look and interface of Microsoft Office 2007. We will explore the exciting new features available in Office 2007 as well as find where Microsoft moved all our old favorite features.
The 'New' Way to Take Notes: Introduction to OneNote
Microsoft OneNote allows you to gather information in one place, find what you need fast, and share your notes and information with others. Join us as we explore the new features in OneNote and find out about its timesaving techniques!
What’s New in Excel 2007
In this session, we will explore the new features in Excel 2007, including:
Advanced Formulas and Functions
In this session, we will explore some of the advanced formulas and functions available in Excel, including:
What’s New in Access 2007
In this session, we will explore the new features and look of Access 2007, including:
Getting Started with Access
Access is a powerful tool, as a properly designed database provides you with access to up-to-date, accurate information. In this session, we will discuss the uses and benefits of Access, as well as scenarios for when to use Access and when to use Excel. We will also discuss design techniques that allow for databases that meet your needs and that can easily accommodate change. You will learn how to:
Well-designed tables make it easy to create data-entry forms, query data for specific purposes, and create printable reports to share with others.
Working with Access Tables - A Continuation
In this session, we will:
Designing Forms in Access
Forms provide a quick and easy way to modify and insert records into databases. They offer an intuitive, graphical environment easily navigated by anyone familiar with standard computer techniques. In this session, we will create, revise, and test forms.
Creating Queries in Access
Queries can be used to quickly analyze and sort information that is in an Access database. A query allows you to present a question to your database by specifying specific criteria. Join us in this session as we design and create queries that put data to good use.
Designing Reports in Access
Reports allow you to analyze the data you have collected in your database and print it in an organized format. In this session, we will design and create professional-looking reports to showcase information in a database.
Moving Data Between Access and Excel
Part of the power of Access and Excel is the ability to easily transfer data between each application, thus allowing you to take advantage of the features of both applications. In this session, we will explore various ways to transfer data from Excel to Access and vice versa.
Creating Pivot Tables in Excel
PivotTables are one of the most powerful features in Excel, allowing us to create multidimensional data views. With PivotTable reports, we can look at the same information in different ways with just a few mouse clicks. Data swings into place, answering questions, telling us what the data means.
Macros in Excel: Recording, Running, and Editing
Macros offer a powerful and flexible way to extend the features of Excel. At its simplest, a macro is just a recording of the keystrokes and mouse actions involved in performing a particular task. At any time after the macro is created, the task can be automatically performed by invoking the macro, which essentially plays back the recording – thus creating a powerful and simple way to save time on repetitive tasks.
Working with Publications: Introduction to Publisher
From signs and greeting cards to brochures and business cards, we will explore the features of Microsoft Publisher that allow us to create professional-looking publications with ease.
Mastering Large Documents in Microsoft Word
Are you working on a novel, dissertation, or research paper? Join us as we explore the built-in functionality in Microsoft Word to make managing complex documents easier. We will:
Designing Action Queries in Access
Action queries allow us to do more than merely select specific groups of records; they allow us to perform operations on groups of records. In this session, we will:
Personalizing Your Access Database with a Switchboard
Switchboards allow us to tie our database objects (tables, queries, forms, reports, and macros) together with a user-friendly interface. In this session, we will design switchboards with various buttons for triggering events such as:
Introduction to Microsoft Groove
Groove is new to Office 2007 – and is touted as one of the top reasons to upgrade! Groove is a collaboration software program that brings teams together to work on project activities and share information — anywhere, anytime, with anyone. Join us as we explore how Groove workspaces save time and increase productivity!
Outlook Tasks
In this session, we will explore the use and capabilities of Tasks in Microsoft Outlook:
Working with Publications: Advanced Publisher
In this session, we will continue to explore some of the more advanced features of Publisher, including:
Do More With Internet Explorer and Firefox Add-ons
Web browser add-ons are powerful applications that enhance features and capabilities. Learn ways to make your browser do a whole lot more through powerful add-ons. Firefox and Internet Explorer boast a slew of add-ons that re-define the ability of a browser, while improving browsing experience and efficiency. A browser is not just a browser anymore!
Do You Need More From Your Excel Spreadsheets? Check Out Some Tricks to Make the Most of Your Data!
In this session, we will explore a variety of tricks in Excel, including:
Showcase of Free Tools
Learn, play, explore, and do a lot more, all for free! Join us as we take you through some exciting free software applications - some popular, some very new. From image processing and data storage to an operating system and foreign language tutorial, you will be sure to pick up some great tools in this session.
PowerPoint: Adding Audio, Video, and Animation
In this session, we will explore some of the more advanced features of PowerPoint, including animation and incorporating multimedia (including a YouTube add-in for inserting videos)
Tag, You're It!
ITS is taking a backseat and letting you shine! If you have a tool, shortcut, add-on, application, etc that you think the UIS community could benefit from, please join us and share it with the group. There are no guidelines - just showcasing tools that you find helpful.
Using Styles in Word to Make Documents Accessible and Formatting Easier
In this session, we will explore the Styles feature in Microsoft Word. The use of styles provides a structure to your document that can be discerned by a screen reader. Styles also allow you to easily apply consistent formatting to documents, as well as to quickly change existing formatting.
Is Your Inbox Full? Need/Want to Clean It Up?
Are you coming dangerously close to reaching your 250MB e-mail limit? Or are you interested in storing e-mails outside of Outlook so that you can open them with other applications like Word? If so, this session is for you! We’ll discuss Outlook’s auto archive feature, as well as other alternatives for storage.
Accessing Your Work Computer from Home: Remote Desktop
A snow storm, an out-of-town conference, a vacation. In scenarios such as these, you might find yourself with a need to access your files, a software application, or network resources (like a printer) from your work computer. Remote Desktop allows you to connect to your work computer and access all of your programs, files, and network resources as though you were actually sitting in front of your computer at work.
Need to Speed Up the Process of Writing/Revising a Paper?
In this session, we will explore a variety of tricks in Word, including:
PowerPoint Shortcuts
In this session, we will explore a variety of tricks in PowerPoint, including:
What's New in PowerPoint 2007
In this session, we will explore the new and improved features in PowerPoint 2007, including:
What's New in Publisher 2007
In this session, we will explore the new and improved features in Publisher 2007, including:
Need to Manage Drafts/Revisions to Your Papers? Word's Track Changes, Commenting, and Compare Tools can Help!
Word come with multiple tools to assist in reviewing documents, as well as managing the revisions. In this session, we will:
What's New in Word 2007
In this session, we will explore the new and improved features in Word 2007, including:
What's New in Outlook 2007
In this session, we will explore the new and improved features in Outlook 2007, including:
Basic Tech Tips That Save Time
In this session, we will showcase some easy, yet powerful shortcuts that may save you time and cut down on frustration. For example, enlarging the text on a web page, using the spacebar to scroll through a web page one screenful at a time, easily selecting entire words/sentences/paragraphs, creating a keyboard shortcut to open a program, using Google to text questions or perform calculations or convert currencies, capturing what appears on your screen, and much more!
Is Improved E-mail Communication One of Your New Year Resolutions? Check Out Some Shortcuts in Outlook That Can Help!
In this session, we will explore a variety of shortcuts in Outlook to help you better manage communications including:
Getting Started with Access Databases
Access is a powerful tool, as a properly designed database provides you with access to up-to-date, accurate information. In this session, we will discuss the uses and benefits of Access, as well as scenarios for when to use Access and when to use Excel. We will also discuss design techniques that allow for databases that meet your needs and that can easily accommodate change. You will learn how to:
In addition we will:
Want to Create an Electronic Gradebook?
In this session, we will create a gradebook in Excel and work with formulas that:
Entering/Importing Data Into Access
In this session, we will work with two popular ways to get data into your database - entering data through a form and importing data from Excel. Forms provide a quick and easy way to modify and insert records into databases. They offer an intuitive, graphical environment easily navigated by anyone familiar with standard computer techniques. We will also explore various ways to transfer data from Excel to Access and vice versa. Part of the power of Access and Excel is the ability to easily transfer data between each application, thus allowing you to take advantage of the features of both applications.
Putting Your Access Data to Use: Designing Queries
Queries can be used to quickly analyze and sort information that is in an Access database. A query allows you to present a question to your database by specifying specific criteria. Furthermore, queries allow us to do more than merely select specific groups of records; they allow us to perform operations on groups of records such as deleting records, appending records, updating information, and creating new tables. Join us in this session as we design and create queries that put data to good use.
When Others Need to Use Your Access Data
Reports allow you to analyze the data you have collected in your database and print it in an organized format. However, in some cases, others may need to work with our database. Switchboards allow us to tie our database objects (tables, queries, forms, reports, and macros) together with a user-friendly interface. In this session, we will:
Creating Effective E-mail Announcements in Publisher
E-mail is an efficient way to share information with many people. Unfortunately, our inboxes are often filled with unnecessarily bulky and/or poorly formatted messages that are difficult to manage or read. Join us in this session as we explore the features in Publisher that allows us to create and send effective e-mail announcements.
For ease in reproducing the workshop handouts, we have created Portable Document Format [PDF] files that you can download.
NOTE: Please note that you will need Adobe Reader to view/print the handouts. If Adobe Reader is not installed on your computer, please download and install Adobe Reader.
The workshop handouts are designed to be used in conjunction with workshop activities. Hence, not all the handouts are designed to be "How-To" documents.
Apple Macintosh Operating System
Apple iLife
Scanning
Audio
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Flash
Adobe Dreamweaver
Social Networking
For ease in reproducing the workshop handouts, we have created Portable Document Format [PDF] files that you can download.
NOTE: Please note that you will need Adobe Reader to view/print the handouts. If Adobe Reader is not installed on your computer, please download and install Adobe Reader.
Microsoft Office 2007 Overview
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft OneNote
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft Office Groove
Microsoft Remote Desktop
Classroom Technologies Handouts
Contribute Session Handouts
Lab Instructions/Handouts
Miscellaneous Workshop Handouts
You can view these archived workshops with Adobe Flash Player or Apple iTunes.
Click on either icon next to the workshop title to view the session in Flash or iTunes. Remember to "subscribe" to the podcast to view the related content with audio.
Microsoft Office 2007
What in Heaven is Office 2007?Microsoft Word
Mastering Large Documents in Word Using Mail Merge to Create Labels, Certificates, and Form Letters in Word Microsoft Access
Getting Started with Access Working with Access Tables Creating Queries in Access Designing Forms in Access Designing Reports in Access Moving Data Between Access and Excel Personalizing your Access Database with a Switchboard Microsoft Excel
What's New in Excel 2007 Creating and Formatting Charts in Excel Creating PivotTables in Excel Macros in Excel: Recording, Running, and EditingMicrosoft PowerPoint
When Good PowerPoint Presentations Go BadMicrosoft Outlook
Outlook Tasks Making Your E-mail Work Harder for You Microsoft Publisher
Using Publisher to Create Marketing and Communications Materials
