Curriculum Overview - abacusci/mod-office-productivity GitHub Wiki

Office Productivity

Curriculum Overview

This 4-week module builds practical, cross-platform office software skills, with an emphasis on real-world application, integration between tools, and the development of a personal knowledge base. The course includes foundational computer concepts to ensure that every learner starts on solid ground.

Week 1: Foundations

Session 1 – Introduction & History of Office Computing

  • Welcome and course structure
  • The value of office productivity in today's world
  • A brief history: WordStar, WordPerfect, SuperCalc, LocoScript, dBASE II
  • Introduction to modern office suites
  • Setting up your personal vault in Obsidian

Session 2 – Understanding Your Computer

  • What is a computer?
  • Hardware vs. software
  • Components of a PC
  • What is an operating system?
  • Files, folders, and file extensions
  • Basic navigation (Windows/Linux)

Week 2: Word Processing & Presentations

Session 3 – Document Mastery (LibreOffice Write)

  • Creating and formatting professional documents
  • Using styles and templates
  • Page layout and sections
  • Practical: Create a report and letter template

Session 4 – Effective Presentations (LibreOffice Impress)

  • Design principles for presentations
  • Slide structure, transitions, and animations
  • Using master slides
  • Embedding charts, images, and videos

Week 3: Spreadsheets & Integration

Session 5 – Spreadsheet Power (LibreOffice Calc)

  • Entering and formatting data
  • Formulas and functions (IF, SUM, AVERAGE, etc.)
  • Conditional formatting and charts
  • Practical: Personal budget or gradebook

Session 6 – Office Tools Integration

  • Embedding Calc tables into Write and Impress
  • Linking data across documents
  • Exporting to PDF and sharing
  • Practical: Create a mini-project using Write, Calc, and Impress together

Week 4: Databases & Automation

Session 7 – Simple Databases (LibreOffice Base)

  • What is a database?
  • Creating tables, forms, and queries
  • Sorting and filtering data
  • Practical: Build a simple contact or inventory manager

Session 8 – Intro to Macros and Review

  • What are macros and why they matter
  • Basic automation with LibreOffice Basic (macro recorder + code overview)
  • Course recap and feedback
  • Showcase of student projects

Tools Used

  • LibreOffice Suite (Write, Calc, Impress, Base)
  • GitHub Web (for assignment submissions and progress tracking)
  • Obsidian (mandatory, for personal documentation)

Requirements

  • Access to a personal computer (home use)
  • Basic digital literacy (no prior office experience required)

Outcome

Graduates of this module will:

  • Confidently use advanced office tools across multiple platforms
  • Understand core computing concepts
  • Build, document, and present projects using integrated office software
  • Begin developing a personal digital knowledge vault