Online Learning Excel Courses: A Comprehensive Guide
Learning Microsoft Excel is an essential skill for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and analytical capabilities. With the rise of online learning, there are numerous courses available to help you master Excel from the comfort of your home. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best online Excel courses, including their features, benefits, and what you can expect to learn.
1. GoSkills: Microsoft Excel 365 – Basic & Advanced
Features:
- Premium Video Tutorials: Engaging video lessons that cover both basic and advanced Excel skills.
- Award-Winning Instructors: Experienced instructors who provide personalized learning experiences.
- Personalized Learning: Tailored to your pace, allowing you to learn at your own speed.
- Get Certified: Earn a Microsoft Excel certification upon completion.
- Mobile Learning: Accessible on-the-go, making it easy to fit learning into your busy schedule.
- Unlimited Tests and Quizzes: Regular assessments to ensure you grasp each concept.
- Regularly Updated Content: Courses are regularly updated to include the latest Excel features.
What You’ll Learn:
- Navigation and Interface: Understand the terminology and elements of the Ribbon and the work surface.
- Basic Math and Formulas: Utilize basic mathematics and learn about formula anatomy, cell referencing, and function anatomy.
- Data Analysis: Prepare data for analysis, sort and filter data, and use charts and graphs to present insights.
- Pivot Tables: Create and format Pivot Tables to summarize large data sets.
- Automation: Automate repetitive Excel tasks using the latest features like XLOOKUP, Dynamic Arrays, and LET functions.
- Data Validation: Use data validation to restrict data entry and reduce input errors.
Who is it for?
Beginners: The course starts with the basics and is suitable for those new to Excel.
Intermediate and Advanced Users: Skip the basic lessons and dive into the advanced course for more complex features.
Additional Resources:
- Downloadable Exercise Files: Practice what you learn in Excel alongside the video tutorials.
- Quick Reference Guide and Quiz: Cement your knowledge with a quick reference guide and quizzes for each lesson.
2. UniversalClass: Ultimate Excel Training Bundle
Student Testimonials:
Students praise this course for being very educational, thorough, and taught in a concise manner. Many appreciate the hands-on approach, which includes downloadable exercise files and solutions.
What You’ll Learn:
- Basic Actions: Learn basic actions such as adding and subtracting, and more advanced features like Pivot Tables and charts.
- New Features: Discover the newest features of Excel and how to use them effectively.
Who is it for?
Beginners and Experienced Users: The course benefits those looking to refresh their skills or learn new ones.
Additional Resources:
- Video Tutorials: Clear instructions and video tutorials make the learning process easy to follow.
3. LinkedIn Learning: Excel Courses
Features:
- High-Quality Resources: Over 7,000 Excel courses available, including essential training and advanced topics.
- Exercise Files and Assessments: Many courses include exercise files and assessments to help learners gain hands-on experience.
- Premium Subscription: Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning with a premium subscription, including a one-month free trial.
What You’ll Learn:
- Formatting and Filters: Improve the presentation of your spreadsheets with formatting, filters, and conditional formatting.
- Pivot Tables and Charts: Create tables, Pivot Tables, Charts, Pivot Charts, and Sparklines.
- VBA and Automation: Learn how powerful Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is and automate your code.
Who is it for?
All Levels: Courses designed for people who want to develop their Microsoft Excel skills in a couple of hours, including those using older versions of Excel.
4. eLearnExcel: Excel Training Courses
Features:
- Relevant Certifications: Seven of the eight Excel training courses provide relevant Excel certifications.
- Membership Plans: All courses available with any of their membership plans.
- Diploma Program: Complete all eight courses, quizzes, and the Excel Master Project to be awarded the Excel Master Diploma.
What You’ll Learn:
- Basic and Advanced Formulas: Understand the must-know Excel formulas and functions.
- Data Analysis: Analyze data in Excel to make better decisions.
- Chart Creation: Discover how to make beautiful charts in Excel.
Who is it for?
All Levels: Courses suitable for beginners and experienced users, providing a comprehensive learning experience.
5. Indiana University Expand: Excel Essentials Series
Features:
- Step-by-Step Instruction: Detailed step-by-step instruction in each course.
- Exercise Files: Work along with exercise files to practice what you learn.
- Instructional Videos: Reinforce your learning with instructional videos.
- Quizzes: Check your comprehension with quizzes included in each course.
What You’ll Learn:
- Basic Features: Introduced to some of the most commonly used features in Excel.
- Charting and Data Tracking: Build on your foundation by extending your charting and data tracking skills.
- PivotTables: Analyze data with PivotTables.
Who is it for?
Beginners: Each course is fully online and self-paced, taking two to four hours to complete if done in its entirety. Content can be explored non-sequentially.
Conclusion
Mastering Microsoft Excel is a valuable skill that can enhance your productivity and analytical capabilities. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, there are numerous online courses available to help you learn and improve your Excel skills. From GoSkills’ comprehensive basic and advanced courses to LinkedIn Learning’s extensive library of courses, and from UniversalClass’s hands-on approach to eLearnExcel’s certification programs, there is something for everyone. By choosing the right course for your needs, you can unlock the full potential of Microsoft Excel and become proficient in no time.
Tips for Learning Microsoft Excel
- Start with the Basics: Begin with a beginner’s course to understand the fundamentals of Excel.
- Practice Regularly: Use downloadable exercise files and practice what you learn.
- Focus on Data Analysis: Learn how to prepare data for analysis and use charts and graphs to present insights.
- Automate Tasks: Discover how to automate repetitive tasks using the latest Excel features.
- Stay Updated: Regularly update your skills by learning the newest features of Excel.
By following these tips and choosing the right online course, you can master Microsoft Excel and enhance your professional and personal skills.
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Next Steps
- Choose a Course: Review the courses mentioned in this guide and select one that fits your learning style and skill level. For example, consider starting with GoSkills’ Microsoft Excel courses for both beginners and advanced users.
- Set Learning Goals: Determine what you want to achieve with Excel, whether it’s improving data analysis, mastering formulas, or automation techniques, and align your course selection with these goals.
- Engage with Practice Exercises: Take full advantage of downloadable exercise files provided in your course to practice skills hands-on and reinforce your learning.
- Stay Consistent: Dedicate a specific time each week for learning Excel, ensuring you progress steadily through your chosen course.
- Leverage Additional Resources: Explore further resources such as our blog posts on Advanced Excel Techniques to supplement your learning.
- Track Your Progress: Regularly complete quizzes and assessments offered in your courses to measure your understanding and retention of Excel concepts.
- Join an Online Community: Participate in Excel-related forums or groups, such as LinkedIn Learning’s Excel community, to connect with other learners and share tips.