Excel Basics Training Module
Module Objective
By the end of this module, participants will:
• Master fundamental Excel navigation, data entry, formatting, and calculations.
• Effectively manage and analyze data using tables, filters, and charts.
• Learn printing and sharing, including saving workbooks as PDF.
Module Agenda
Section Topic Duration
1. Introduction Overview and Importance of Excel 10 mins
2. Navigation & Basics Navigating and working with cells, rows, and columns 20 mins
3. Data Entry & Formatting Entering data and formatting for readability 30 mins
4. Formulas & Functions Basic calculations and functions 40 mins
5. Data Management Sorting, filtering, and data validation 30 mins
6. Charts & Visuals Creating and customizing charts 30 mins
7. Printing & Exporting Printing setup and saving as PDF 10 mins
Training Content
1. Introduction
• Objective: Understand how Excel fits into daily office tasks.
• Activity: Discuss real-world scenarios where Excel is used.
2. Navigation and Basics
• Topics:
o Identifying rows, columns, and cells.
o Using keyboard shortcuts for navigation.
o Switching between multiple worksheets.
• Hands-On:
o Navigate a provided Excel workbook.
o Use shortcuts like Ctrl + Home and Ctrl + End.
3. Data Entry and Formatting
• Topics:
o Entering numbers, dates, and text.
o Applying borders, font styles, and colors.
o Adjusting column widths and freezing panes.
• Activity:
o Format a raw dataset for readability (e.g., applying bold headers, currency
formatting).
4. Formulas and Functions
• Topics:
o Writing basic formulas (=SUM, =AVERAGE).
o Using IF, VLOOKUP, and absolute references.
o Understanding error messages (#VALUE!, #REF!).
• Activity:
o Calculate total sales, averages, and commission using formulas in a sample
dataset.
5. Data Management
• Topics:
o Sorting and filtering data.
o Applying data validation for dropdowns.
o Removing duplicates from a dataset.
• Activity:
o Create filters to view specific regions' sales data and validate inputs for a form.
6. Charts and Visualizations
• Topics:
o Creating bar, line, and pie charts.
o Customizing chart titles, axes, and colors.
o Using conditional formatting.
• Activity:
o Visualize sales trends using charts and highlight top-performing regions with
conditional formatting.
7. Printing and Exporting
• Topics:
o Setting up print areas.
o Adjusting page layout (margins, orientation).
o Printing to PDF:
1. Go to File > Print.
2. Select "Microsoft Print to PDF" as the printer.
3. Save the file to a chosen location.
o Adding headers, footers, and page numbers.
• Activity:
o Save the formatted sales report as a PDF.
8. Practice Activities
• Scenario-Based Tasks:
o Format and analyze a provided sales dataset.
o Create a summary report with formulas, a chart, and save it as a PDF.
• Group Discussion: Share strategies and challenges faced during activities.
9. Conclusion
• Recap:
o Quick quiz or review of key concepts.
o Share additional resources (e.g., Excel cheat sheets, video tutorials).
• Feedback:
o Collect feedback on the session.
Materials Needed
• Training Workbook: An Excel file with practice datasets and tasks.
• Reference Guide: A one-page PDF summarizing Excel shortcuts and basic functions.
• Quiz: A set of multiple-choice or practical questions to assess understanding.
• Projector/Screen: For demonstrations (if in-person).
• Videos: Short tutorials for key tasks, like printing to PDF.
Key Takeaways
This module will ensure participants can:
1. Efficiently handle data entry, formatting, and basic calculations.
2. Manage and visualize data with tables and charts.
3. Export professional-looking reports in PDF format.
