• Course Introduction

        • Time: 4 hours
        • Free Certificate
        This course will teach you how to create documents using Microsoft Word and Google Docs. It is designed for students with little or no experience with these word processing programs. We will review some basic editing and formatting tools and how to create and print a business letter. Google Docs and Microsoft Word share many of the same formatting features and functions, and most of the features we explore in this course can be used in both programs. If you do not have Microsoft Word, you can use a free 30-day trial of Microsoft Office 365. Google Docs is available for free to anyone with a Google account. Many schools, universities, and public libraries also have at least one word processing program that you can use.

        • Course Syllabus

          First, read the course syllabus. Then, enroll in the course by clicking "Enroll me". Click Unit 1 to read its introduction and learning outcomes. You will then see the learning materials and instructions on how to use them.

        • Unit 1: Getting Started with Microsoft Word and Google Docs

          In this unit, we discuss the basic on-screen elements of Microsoft Word and Google Docs. We explore the toolbars, menus, commands, and taskbars. Toolbars and menus are located at the top of the screen and list options that allow you to insert, view, or change the layout of a document. Each menu option lists different commands that let you format, save, and print documents. We also discuss the Quick Access Toolbar and learn how to add and delete commands. As you go through this unit, open up your version of Microsoft Word or Google Docs and follow along with the tutorials. This will help you learn as you explore the window and menu environment.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.

        • Unit 2: Creating and Formatting Documents

          In this unit, we explore how to use Microsoft Word and Google Docs to create new documents and documents based on templates. We review the different commands used to format documents, and introduce options for saving and printing documents. As with the previous unit, we encourage you to open up your version of Microsoft Word or Google Docs to follow along with the tutorials. This will help you learn as you practice creating and formatting documents.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 2 hours.

        • Unit 3: Creating Business Documents

          In this unit, we discuss how to create and format two standard business documents, block-style business letters and memos. Word processing tools allow us to incorporate a variety of font styles to emphasize text. These techniques include creating text that is in bold type, in italics, and underlined. We can also use borders to create a visual break between sections of a document. Finally, we explore how you can add headers and footers to present a polished, professional, and organized business document.

          Completing this unit should take you approximately 1 hour.

        • Course Feedback Survey

          Please take a few minutes to give us feedback about this course. We appreciate your feedback, whether you completed the whole course or even just a few resources. Your feedback will help us make our courses better, and we use your feedback each time we make updates to our courses.

          If you come across any urgent problems, email contact@saylor.org.

        • Certificate Final Exam

          Take this exam if you want to earn a free Course Completion Certificate.

          To receive a free Course Completion Certificate, you will need to earn a grade of 70% or higher on this final exam. Your grade for the exam will be calculated as soon as you complete it. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you can take it again as many times as you want, with a 7-day waiting period between each attempt.

          Once you pass this final exam, you will be awarded a free Course Completion Certificate.