Preface
Why another textbook on Microsoft® Excel®? As an instructor, past learner of many professional-technical technology courses, and worker in the private/public workforce, I have learned a good deal about how Excel can be used and how it can be efficiently rolled out for new and developing users. I try to bring a realistic Universal Design approach, and to tell a story of Excel usage that makes sense to learners and workers who use the application in various settings. In a way, this order also allows for learning in stages and being able to get to work fast, even if one cannot complete a full course of study before doing so.
- Program introduction: The layout, user interface, options, etc.
- Worksheet management: Making, styling, editing, and manipulating documents for solo and team work.
- Data input, formatting, use, and organization: Adding text, graphics, and numeric data to documents so Excel can work its magic, plus using Excel tools (like tables) for consolidating, sorting, and filtering data.
- Workbook(s) management: Working with multi-sheet workbooks, and multiple workbooks.
- Basic and intermediate formulas for calculations: Formulas / functions for creating meaningful data from raw numbers, so that you can use Microsoft® Excel® to communicate information like budgets, etc.
- Summarizing data with summary and pivot tables: Summarizing data that you create so that people can understand/use it for reporting.
- Displaying data with charts and graphs: Displaying data from your tables in easy-to-view live graphics so that people can use it for reporting.
- Data informatics and analysis tools: Acquiring big data and cleaning/modeling it for problem solving.
I have developed additional content, new examples, and fresh assessments that are different from previously adapted versions of the source OER materials, in keeping with Universal Design and an eye to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles. I have also simplified the design format of the book(s)/course(s) from the previous versions to help them be as accessible as possible, regardless of format (computer, mobile, accessible pdf or E-pub, etc.
This book attempts to focus on analyzing and solving business-related problems in efficient ways; they are not the only ways. Learners are offered clear, easy-to-follow guidance for each skill presented. Learners can approach the objectives with detailed steps in Try Me activities, and try things out in the ACTION: Quick task options. Learners should be challenged to use critical thinking to solve real world scenarios, because what is all this for if not to help enhance one’s education and workplace future?
Disclaimer: One thing to keep in mind is that Microsoft Excel is part of MS Office’s subscription as a service (SaaS). As such, it has regular updates and modifications to its user interface and sometimes even how items are named. While this book strives to be accurate and current, learners will occasionally see variations – PC from Mac, last month to this month, etc. Things like the phrase ‘hyperlink’ being changed to just plain ‘link’ will happen, as will minor phrasing or placement in Excel’s options, ribbon/toolbars, dropdown menus, etc. Learners are encouraged to be adaptable to this.
This book also attempts to have a personal feel and occasionally some quirks in humor. Who wants a totally boring author?
Suitable Learners
This book can be used by:
- Adult Basic Education (ABE) learners.
- I-Best business and technology programs.
- Worker retraining programs at colleges and employment service centers.
- Learners at community colleges, training programs, and high schools.
- Professionals as a quick review of business technology information and skills.
- Self-study learners.
- Anyone else with an interest in the covered topics.
