Technology class allows students to become certified in Microsoft Office

As the 2017 school year comes to an end, students who enrolled in the Steve Greenwalt’s Technology class have been busy completing Microsoft Office Software tests to become certified in multiple technological programs.

Greenwalt is a first-year technology teacher at Lind-Ritzville High School (LRHS). His class allows students with an opportunity to learn how to efficiently use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

With technology constantly evolving, teachers are working hard to educate their students on the advancements. Junior Jessa Hoeft participated in the class and recently completed the PowerPoint and Excel tests.

Hoeft believes the class will give her an advantage with employers by showcasing her knowledge in these programs.

With many businesses making the change to digital formats, Hoeft believes it is important for students to educate themselves on the programs to stay in touch with technological advances.

She decided to take the class because it seemed interesting and she wanted to strengthen her knowledge of Microsoft Office.

The class consists of the students taking three tests on Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint after completing a series of lessons on the programs. The lessons provide a walk-through of a series of operations to prepare the students for the tests.

Hoeft said the lessons were thorough in instructing the students on how to perform the operations and required them to follow a series of steps to advance to the next lesson.

Once the students complete the tests, they are certified in that particular program.

She stated the classes expanded her understanding on the various tools and features of the programs she never knew existed.

The students also have the opportunity to advance their certification, she explained.

Mariah Arroyo is a freshman at LRHS and also completed the class. Arroyo agreed the class will benefit future employment opportunities.

After completing all three exams, Arroyo said she enjoyed the class and how the lessons were designed to guide them to success. She stated the class has helped improve her typing abilities and knowledge of computers.

The class has also benefitted the students in their other courses.

Hoeft said the lessons on PowerPoint assisted in the Ag Leadership class and it will also be helpful for completing her senior presentation.

After completing the course, she believes her advanced knowledge of the programs will give her an advantage in future classes as well.

Greenwalt decided to teach the course in order to educate students on how to use the programs.

As a new teacher to the District, Hoeft and Arroyo said Greenwalt did well in instructing the class and worked hard to assist them in being successful. He worked hard to ensure students understood the lessons and provided them with the proper tools to drive them towards success.

Arroyo said Greenwalt guided them on how to use the programs efficiently and how to perform operations in multiple ways.

Hoeft said one of the most difficult aspects of the lessons were not being able to use short cut keys.

The duo agreed they would encourage other students to take the course and become certified in the three programs.

Becoming certified in the programs opens up various career and education opportunities, said Hoeft. Arroyo said those who take the class are motivated by the benefits of containing knowledge about the programs.