Interactive Excel Training

Interactive classes can often be found in educational institutions or online.

When you are learning a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel, you may retain more information if you interact with the program while learning it. Interactive training may also make understanding a program easier since you see the results immediately.

Definition

Interactive training usually means using Excel or a simulation to physically type, click or move text and objects in the program rather than listening to a lecture about the program. You learn about the tools, functions and commands of Excel by using them.

Types

Some Excel classes are taught in a classroom setting with an instructor. These classrooms are usually equipped with computers for you to work on, although instructor-led classes can also be taught online or via a DVD. Self-paced courses are often computer- or web-based courses. In a self-paced environment, learners decide how to proceed through lessons and at what pace.

Benefits

If you are self-motivated and need to learn Excel as a job skill or to accomplish a task, a self-paced course is probably ideal. You can move through the course at your pace and spend as much time as you need on a subject.

Disadvantages

If you have a tendency to procrastinate, try taking an instructor-led class. You get specific deadlines plus the added benefit of interacting with an instructor.

References

• Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania: Designing Interactive Activities
• John Hopkins University: Alternative Learning Methods: Self-Paced Learning

Resources

• Office Online: Interactive Guides