Microsoft Excel Training
There is what’s known as a “designer-developer” gap in the custom software creation field. This means that typically, the software application designer (usually an organization’s employee) is a separate entity than the software coder/developer (generally an outside company). This results in an inefficient process. When the organization’s designer is ALSO the software developer, the benefits range from reduced external coordination, streamlined productivity, and simpler code maintenance efforts, to the empowerment of employees with valuable skills leading to improved retention of talent. Such are the advantages of training in-house personnel in simple programming capability through Microsoft Excel.
There exists a documented software developer shortage, particularly in packages such as Microsoft Excel (and other Office applications). Much of the power behind Microsoft Excel rests in the inclusion of its embedded scripting language – Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) – that sits behind all Microsoft Office applications. Programming in Excel/VBA is a “no code”/”low code” environment – meaning that “citizen” developers are able to construct useful applications with very little, if any, coding experience. Training your employees in this technology has several benefits. Your software development process is much more efficient, as your expert employees in a field control the innovation, accomplish better implementation of software requirements, and there is no delay, waiting for a developer group (either internal or external) to prioritize your projects.
Why Spreadsheet Alchemy?
The value of hands-on, in-person instruction in Microsoft Excel through Spreadsheet Alchemy lies in the opportunity for students to interact directly with an instructor who has worked under several organizational structures and who established his own “citizen” developer credentials. Your instructor is not a computer programmer by position or education, but simply employs the power of Excel to simplify his own job responsibilities. Therefore, he can relate to each student on this level.
While there are many vendors that offer on-line training courses in Microsoft Excel and VBA, Spreadsheet Alchemy’s focus on personal interaction and instruction is far superior to any “canned” course offering. In addition, other courses have a defined, generic curriculum and often instruct students in areas which are less useful to their work. We coordinate with your training department (or direct supervisor) to include only those topics of greatest interest and utility to your employees’ work flow.
Spreadsheet Alchemy’s recommended training approach is through an in-person, hands-on workshop in a dedicated computer classroom (or alternatively with individual laptops) where the attendees can work through examples during class. Material is presented in small portions and then immediately followed-up with examples demonstrating this element in an appropriate context for their organization. This allows the instructor to address misconceptions, answer particular questions, and assist any student in real time if a problem arises. I realize that students will have varying degrees of comfort with Excel. Therefore, I make every effort to maintain a course pace that meets all students’ needs and ensure that no student feels left behind.
The greatest reinforcement to learning is the immediate application of that learning to a specific project. A substantial benefit to Spreadsheet Alchemy’s instruction is for students to recreate classroom examples in real time, reinforcing the topics under discussion. This is particularly critical when it comes to instruction in programming and writing basic software code in VBA. We encourage our students to bring to class an idea or application that they would like to develop into an Excel tool, and then give them time to begin implementing their vision with expert guidance.
Your Instructor
Though I am an advanced user of Excel, my years of full-time college teaching experience has provided me with the instructional competence to effectively present material to those who will likely have far less knowledge in the subject. I use humor to create a more positive and welcoming learning environment, and I make every effort to give all class participants equal attention and assistance. Each training lesson is unique. I adapt my presentation and approach based on in-class questions and responses, and tailor the flow of the discussion to the audience’s interests. Of course, I can develop a training session that caters to any level of participant prior knowledge – beginning, intermediate, or advanced.
Testimonials from past students have been overwhelmingly positive about their experience in my trainings. I am delighted that their comments reflect the significant value class participants have gained from our collaborative learning sessions.