Basic Computer Classes for Adults

A: If you are wondering what basic computer skills are important to learn, we've written a Computer Skills and Learning Guide that maps out the basic computer skills that are key to master and which of our courses teaches each skill.

Read Our Basic Computer Skills and Learning Guide

A: Whether you're a government representative aiming to train staff or an employee looking to hone workplace skills, identifying appropriate training resources can be paramount to your success. Government agencies often require that their employees remain compliant with protocols, regulations, and laws that put a premium on ethics and security, so it can be necessary to find training programs that comply with those policies. They may also need their employees to remain current on technological advancements, software updates, or accessibility mandates. Before enrolling in training, ensure that courses meet your particular needs and are compliant with any business or industry-specific rules.

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A: Some of the best practices for software and computer training involve detailed planning, honest assessments of staff, and a collaborative effort between employers and instructors. Great training practices require going beyond the basics, starting with making sure that the trainers are well-equipped to lead their classes. It's crucial to ensure that students have access to a live instructor, and all training should provide real-world simulations of how the software works. Employees' attitudes toward workplace changes and software adoption should also be assessed to determine how effective scheduled training could be. When employers consider all of these factors when planning and offering courses, the potential for implementing successful training increases.

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A: Investing in employee training for your staff can be extremely beneficial to your company. Having employees learn new, relevant skills or hone their existing ones can result in measurable increases in productivity, efficiency, and profits. Intangible benefits can include boosting your staff's confidence and job satisfaction. Depending on the types of courses chosen, employers and employees can also stay current on policies, regulations, and laws governing their business or industry. Custom or comprehensive classes taught by live instructors can teach staff exactly what they need to learn to be productive employees.

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A: If you're an employer, creating an effective training program for staff can be as simple as identifying your goals and objectives, taking your employees' skills and experience into consideration, determining learning styles, and working with an instructor to combine all of these factors into an educational strategy. While addressing logistics, like scheduling and providing adequate educational resources, is important, you should also spend time building your program using tried-and-true methods like incorporating interactive elements and implementing success metrics. Working with a live instructor can further increase the chances that your staff will complete courses as knowledgeable and skilled individuals.

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A: Basic computer skills can take on various meanings for employees. Definitions can include a general knowledge of hardware and software that allows you to use a computer, introductions to specialized programs, or if an employee already works in an office setting, skills that allow them to work with common office applications. The types of computer skills that you should learn can depend on your skill level, your professional goals, and your employer's needs. After signing up for the appropriate preparation courses, you might even pursue certifications to demonstrate your proficiency with hardware or software and establish yourself as a professional.

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A: Since computer-based learning can take many different forms, its characteristics can depend on the particular type of training that you choose. Generally, however, you can expect to find that computer-based learning offers many of the same benefits that traditional classrooms do, but with advantages such as the digitization of educational materials, emphasis on interactivity, gamification, customization, and real-time assessments. Educational materials can also be delivered without an instructor. Individuals who want to try computer-based learning can opt for remote classrooms, choose self-paced courses, or even use local software to learn concepts.

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Computer Training Blogs

• Windows 11 Archives | Windows Blog
• Windows 11/10 Tips, Tricks, Help, Support, Downloads, Features
• Microsoft 365 Blog
• The Official Microsoft Blog
• Office Insider Blog

Computer Training User Groups

• Computer Skills groups | Meetup
• Windows 10 groups | Meetup
• Meetup.com Office 365 Users Group

Computer Training Online Forums

• Windows 10 - Reddit
• Windows 11 - Reddit
• Windows 10 Help Forums
• Microsoft Office 365 - Reddit
• Office 365 - Microsoft Tech Community