Exploring a wide range of ‘office’ software training programmes, both online and locally provided, one might assume that all organisations only use the Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc). While this may have been true ten years ago, it certainly isn’t the case now.
With the surge in the use of free, open-source alternatives such as LibreOffice and OpenOffice, the need to rely on Microsoft products with their substantial annual fees is steadily declining. This raises the question: if someone’s office skills are Microsoft-focused, how can they transition to organisations employing these alternatives? The same applies to organisations using Apple-based systems. The answer lies in attending Clarborough and Welham IT Group’s classes, where the focus is to expand individuals’ IT skills.
Not only do these classes develop participants’ office-based abilities, but they also introduce an additional skills base around the use of open-source digital image applications. For those who wish to incorporate camera or mobile phone images within their word-processed documents, for example, the use of open-source GIMP software (also free) is covered during class time. Both areas can be brought together in the production of commercial-quality photo albums using word processing skills. This is another subject that tutor Greg can demonstrate and advise on, using examples of his own published books. Classes usually begin with a ‘gardeners’ question time’ session, giving participants the opportunity to influence the session’s focus and direction.
The Clarborough and Welham IT Group is currently planning its usual five-week blocks of 90-minute weekly sessions, priced at a very reasonable £40.00 for the full suite of classes. Attendees can bring their own laptops or use one provided by the IT Group. Sessions begin by helping participants install LibreOffice and GIMP onto their laptops or by supplying pre-downloaded installation files to take home.
Choose between:
- Saturday afternoons from 1.00pm to 2.30pm, starting on Saturday 4th October and running to Saturday 1st November
- Wednesday mornings from 10.00am to 11.30am, starting on Wednesday 1st October and running to Wednesday 29th October
To help with planning, please get in touch with Greg on 01777 700918 or email clarboroughwelham@gmail.com. Classes take place in Clarborough Village Hall, Main Street, Clarborough, DN22 9LN – entrance directly opposite the Kings Arms on the A620. Planning for the above class blocks depends on viable numbers, so those interested are encouraged to get in touch as soon as possible to allow for hall bookings and other arrangements ahead of the autumn sessions.