Online Office Systems Training and Education Information

Today, office systems are commonly used in a variety of businesses, institutions and agencies. System-specific training is often necessary for administrative personal and others who work with these systems on a regular basis. Online training in office systems is available through free websites, software companies, professional associations, government and not-for-profit entities, commercial vendors and postsecondary institutions and training schools.

Free Online Office Systems Training Options

Many major commercial software companies offer free training courses, classes and resources for their products. Programs can range from interactive online presentations to taped video demonstrations. Software manufacturers often maintain online databases containing product use information, forums where users can ask questions and live online support.
Government agencies, educational institutions and non-profit agencies also offer free training programs in a variety of offices systems. Many of these classes are offered at no charge to the unemployed through state or regional workforce agencies. Universities also offer free non-credit classes in office systems that mirror credit courses offered on-campus.

Sample of Free Online Courses

Free courses are offered in a variety of formats, including webcasts, audio lectures, video tutorials and web pages. Online training can include classes in:

• Office Software
• Database Systems
• Operating Systems
• System Programming
• Office System Foundations

Online Office Systems Training Offered by Professional Associations

Professional organizations for administrative personnel and others who work in an office environment offer online training in a variety of system applications for their members. These courses are generally available for a fee or through a subscription and can be instructor-led or self-study courses. Some of these courses may result in professional certification or continuing education credits.

Sample of Online Courses Offered by Professional Associations

Course format varies by the type of class offered; some classes may be held via webinar, forum-based or through podcasts. Classes are often manufacturer-specific may include:

• Organizing Addresses & Emails in a Network System
• Networks & Internet Access
• Fundamentals of Intranets & Extranets
• How to Create Virtual Teams
• Database Features & Design

Online Office Systems Training Offered by Commercial Software Companies

Most major software manufacturers provide online training opportunities in the use of their products. Manufacturers may offer the training through their own websites or partner with third-party training providers, such as educational institutions or online companies that specialize in training. Courses may be free or they may be fee-based, depending on the product and the company.
Companies may offer assessment tools that allow students to identify their personal skill levels before they begin training. Training typically consists of courses on individual products found in the company's office or software line. Some companies offer professional certification training for their office products.

Sample of Online Training Offered by Software Companies

Training courses may consist of downloadable tutorials, online virtual classrooms or web-based courses that are self-paced. Training courses vary by company and may include:

• Migrating to an Updated Office System
• Introduction to Spreadsheets
• Presentation Fundamentals
• Server Development
• Introduction to File Sharing

Online Office Systems Training Offered by Schools

Many schools offer online training in various office systems in conjunction with product manufacturers, workforce agencies and local employers or as credit courses. These programs can range from general customer service skills and office management to specialized training in office systems software.
Software-specific training can include office applications, such as word processing, presentation and spreadsheets. Accounting and bookkeeping systems training is available through educational institutions as well. Training is also available in office network systems and network applications, such as calendars, email and virtual meetings.

Sample of Online Training Offered by Schools

Online training courses are usually accessed through the school's distance education website. Typically, students can log into their courses anytime during the day or night and communicate with their instructors, complete their coursework, find new assignments and talk with their classmates through message boards. Courses may include:

• Network Security
• Payroll Applications
• Creating Documents
• Introduction to Graphic Design Software
• Introduction to Project Management Applications