Work Smarter with Microsoft Word Course Syllabus

Overview: This beginner-friendly course, created by Microsoft and hosted on Coursera, equips learners with essential and advanced skills in Microsoft Word. The course spans approximately 31 hours across seven modules, combining foundational knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Each module is designed to be completed at your own pace, with short, digestible lessons that build toward professional document creation and collaboration. You'll gain expertise in formatting, layout, graphics, references, and real-time collaboration, culminating in an optional honors project to demonstrate mastery. Lifetime access ensures you can revisit content anytime.

Module 1: Getting Started with Microsoft 365

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Navigating Microsoft 365
• Using Office apps
• Managing OneDrive and Delve
• Exploring the Microsoft ecosystem

Module 2: Entry-level Word Usage

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Understanding the Word interface
• Creating and editing documents
• Proofing and correcting text
• Using templates effectively

Module 3: Working with Text, Tables & Lists

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Formatting paragraphs and text
• Creating and managing bulleted and numbered lists
• Inserting and formatting tables
• Customizing cell appearance and layout

Module 4: Working with Graphics

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Inserting and editing images
• Using text boxes, shapes, and WordArt
• Creating and modifying SmartArt graphics
• Enhancing documents with visual elements

Module 5: Finalizing a Document

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Ensuring accessibility compliance
• Adding references, citations, and endnotes
• Creating tables of contents and hyperlinks
• Protecting and validating documents

Module 6: Collaborating on Documents

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Using Track Changes for editing
• Adding and replying to comments
• Sharing documents for collaborative editing
• Managing review workflows

Module 7: Honors Practice Assignment

Estimated time: 1 hour

• Applying core Word skills in a comprehensive project
• Submitting for peer review
• Demonstrating formatting, collaboration, and citation proficiency

Prerequisites

• Basic computer literacy
• Familiarity with web browsers and online accounts
• Access to Microsoft Word (via Microsoft 365 subscription or trial)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Confidently navigate Microsoft Word and the broader Microsoft 365 environment
• Create professionally formatted business documents using styles and templates
• Design structured documents with tables, lists, and graphics
• Finalize reports with citations, tables of contents, and accessibility features
• Collaborate effectively using track changes, comments, and shared editing workflows