Get Started with Word Processing Applications: Word from Coursera

Word processing applications are an essential productivity tool for business and education. Understanding how to use word-processing apps can make you a more efficient and valuable worker.

In this mini-course, you will learn the essentials of effectively using word processing apps to work with document files. You will learn how to create, save, and edit documents and how to format text to communicate your ideas better. This course will teach you how to work with features such as tables, layouts, headers and footers, and templates. It will also explain how to work collaboratively with online documents.

Throughout this short course, you will complete numerous hands-on labs to gain practical experience. Once complete, you will take a graded assessment to demonstrate your knowledge.

Demonstrations use Microsoft Word for the web. The skills learned from Word for the web can be applied to other word processing applications, such as the desktop version of Word, Google Docs, and others.

This course is designed for beginners who want to get started with the basics of word processing applications such as Microsoft Word. It is appropriate for those looking to improve their skills with office productivity software to work more productively. Completion of this course will prepare you to work with word processing applications in an office setting.

This mini-course is one of a series of courses aimed at helping learners become more proficient in using office productivity applications.

What's inside

Syllabus

Word Processing Application Basics

Word processing applications are an essential productivity tool for business and education. Understanding how to use word-processing apps can make you a more efficient and valuable worker. In this module, you will learn the essentials of effectively using word processing apps to work with document files. You will learn how to create, save, and edit documents and how to format text to communicate your ideas better.

Working with Word Processing Applications

In this module, you will learn how to work with features such as tables, layouts, headers and footers, and templates. You will also see how to work collaboratively with online documents.

Course Summary & Assessment

In this module, you will get a summary of the course and information on the next steps to take, and you will be tested on your knowledge of the topics covered in this course through a graded multiple-choice quiz.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers skills and concepts which are commonly used in office settings and workplaces

Guides learners through the basics of using Microsoft Word for the web

Reinforces common skills which are transferrable to other word processing software

Addresses the need for increased efficiency and productivity in business and education

Demonstrates applications and skills through numerous hands-on lab exercises

Provides a concise assessment to verify understanding of learned material

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Get Started with Word Processing Applications: Word with these activities:

Participate in a typing speed contest

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Improves typing skills and accuracy, which can enhance overall efficiency in using word processing applications.

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Find an online typing speed test website or software.
Take the test and track your typing speed.
Practice regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.

Review the official Microsoft Word user guide

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Provides comprehensive information and instructions on all aspects of Microsoft Word, including advanced features and troubleshooting tips.

View Exam 77-418 Microsoft Word 2013 on Amazon

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Download or access the Microsoft Word user guide online.
Browse the guide to find relevant sections based on the course topics.
Read the selected sections carefully and take notes if needed.

Review and organize course materials regularly

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Helps students stay organized and up-to-date with the course materials, improving their ability to retain and apply the information.

Browse courses on Organization

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Set aside time to review lecture notes, readings, and other course materials.
Organize the materials in a logical way, such as by topic or week.
Highlight or make notes on important concepts and ideas.

Five other activities

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Join a study group for Word processing applications

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Encourages collaborative learning and provides opportunities to ask questions, share knowledge, and receive feedback.

Browse courses on Word Processing

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Find a group of classmates or online learners who are also taking the course.
Set up a regular meeting time and location.
Discuss course concepts, practice exercises together, and prepare for assessments.

Practice formatting text and paragraphs

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Enhances your proficiency in formatting text and paragraphs, a fundamental skill in word processing.

Browse courses on Text Formatting

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Choose a sample document or create your own.
Experiment with different formatting options, such as font, size, color, and alignment.
Use headings and lists to structure your document.

Create a document template from scratch

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Helps you learn how to create templates, which can make it easier and more efficient to create certain types of documents in the future.

Browse courses on Word Processing

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Decide the purpose and design of your template.
Start a new blank document in Microsoft Word.
Insert and format the necessary elements.
Save the template.

Learn how to use tables and layouts in Word

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Provides hands-on guidance on working with tables and layouts, essential elements for organizing and presenting information.

Browse courses on Tables

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Find tutorial videos or articles on using tables and layouts.
Follow the instructions and practice creating tables and layouts in a document.
Experiment with different settings and options to customize your tables and layouts.

Create a resource list of helpful websites and tools for word processing

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Provides a valuable resource for students to access additional materials and support beyond the course content.

Browse courses on Websites

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Search for websites and tools that offer tutorials, templates, or other resources related to word processing.
Create a document or spreadsheet to list and organize the resources.
Share the resource list with your classmates or online community.

Career center

Learners who complete Get Started with Word Processing Applications: Word will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Technical Writer

Technical Writers help write and edit instruction manuals, web pages, and documentation using word processing applications. You will also learn the critical skills needed to communicate technical information clearly and concisely. You will also get practice with online collaboration, as is often the case in the field of Technical Writing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistants perform a wide range of office duties including preparing and formatting business documents, which often utilize advanced features found in word processing applications such as tables, layouts, headers and footers, and templates. This course will also show you how to use online collaboration tools which are widely used by Administrative Assistants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Administrative Assistant

Documentation Specialist

Documentation Specialists are responsible for creating and maintaining documentation such as user manuals, knowledge bases, and training materials, nearly all of which use word processing applications. You will also learn specific features, such as layouts and templates, that are frequently used by Documentation Specialists to streamline this process. As a bonus, this course will also explore online collaboration tools that are commonly used in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentation Specialist

Office Clerk

Office Clerks perform a variety of office tasks such as preparing business documents as well as managing correspondence, both of which commonly require proficiency in word processing applications. This course covers essential word processing features like text formatting, headers and footers, and online collaboration that will all be useful for Office Clerks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Office Clerk

Data Entry Clerk

Data Entry Clerks input data into computers using word processing applications, often in conjunction with other document processing software. This foundational course will help build the skills necessary to be a successful Data Entry Clerk, regardless of the industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Entry Clerk

Legal Assistant

Legal Assistants perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of lawyers and paralegals, including preparing legal documents using word processing applications. You will also get training in specific features, such as layouts and headers and footers, that are widely used by Legal Assistants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Legal Assistant

Office Manager

Office Managers oversee the daily operations of offices including managing correspondence as well as other duties that commonly require the use of word processing applications. This course will show you some basic skills in using word processing applications that may be useful to Office Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Office Manager

Customer Service Representative

Customer Service Representatives field questions and complaints from customers, often using word processing applications to document communications. This course provides basic training in word processing applications which may be useful to Customer Service Representatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative

Receptionist

Receptionists greet visitors, answer phones, and perform other clerical tasks, some of which may require using word processing applications. This course will be generally helpful to Receptionists who perform these duties as part of their job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Receptionist

Teacher

Teachers develop and deliver lesson plans for groups of students in a variety of settings including public and private schools. As technology has changed the face of education, Teachers often use word processing applications to grade papers, organize notes, and communicate with students and parents. This course will provide Teachers with the foundational skills needed to use word processing applications in addition to other IT applications that are increasingly found in educational settings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Social Worker

Social Workers help people overcome social problems and reach personal goals. While this role primarily involves working with people, there are some administrative duties that may require using word processing applications. This introductory course will provide the basic skills needed to use word processing applications for these duties, as well as other IT applications that are often found in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Nurse

Nurses provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, and other settings, but they may need to use word processing applications for tasks like maintaining patient records. This course may be useful for those Nurses who use word processing applications in this way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse

Carpenter

Carpenters are skilled tradesmen who build and install structures and fixtures made from wood. While their primary duties involve working with tools, there may be some office duties that require the use of word processing applications. This course provides foundational skills that may be useful for Carpenters who need to perform these duties.

See salaries and explore the career path for Carpenter

Chef

Chefs prepare and cook food in restaurants and other settings. While their primary duties involve working with food and cooking equipment, there may be some duties that require the use of word processing applications. This course provides foundational skills that may be useful for Chefs who need to perform these duties.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chef

Electrician

Electricians maintain and repair electrical systems. While their primary duties involve working with electrical equipment, there may be some duties that require the use of word processing applications. This course provides foundational skills that may be useful for Electricians who need to perform these duties.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrician

Get Started with Word Processing Applications

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