Monthly Archives: September 2014

The Basics of Creating a Database on Microsoft Access 2013

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how to create a database on Microsoft Access 2013
Source: Databases.about.com

The ability to comfortably navigate and create a database is a relevant job skill. If your students are fluent in database creation and implementation, they will save employers time and money, ensuring the company’s information is efficiently organized. Microsoft Access 2013 is one of the most prevalent database platforms on the market.

The best way to begin teaching students how to create a database on Microsoft Access 2013:

Find an appropriate template. Once Microsoft Access is open, you can search their templates for a version that is appropriate to their desired task, such as accounting, sales, or expenses. Students can search and find a template that works for them.

Name and select the database. Name the database as accurately as possible so it is easy to find and retrieve later. Then select it and open it up. Students may need to “enable” the template in order to use it to its full capacity.

Begin exploring and working with the database. Now, it’s your students’ turn to play around a bit. Have them open the Navigation Pane, which will provide a dropdown list of the tables, forms and reports that are relevant to that particular template. The more they explore, the more adept they will become at creating task-specific databases of their own.

Visit us online to find resources to facilitate your Microsoft Access instruction. We invite you to contact us at Labyrinth Learning to learn more about our educational services.

How Computer Literacy can Prepare Students for the Workforce

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computer literacy
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Those who are able to use computer programs effectively are referred to as “computer literate.” While the ability to use computers was a specialized skill several decades ago, it is now nearly essential for students who wish to find a place in the work world. Here is look at a few benefits of being computer literate when trying to enter the workforce:

  • Basic computer skills will help students through the classes they take in college, which will prepare then for the workforce. Many college courses are now at least partially computer-based.
  • Knowing more advanced software, such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel, will set your students apart from candidates who have only basic word processing skills.
  • The more efficiently an employee can use a computer, the more work they’ll be able to get done in a day. Productivity is a valued skill in today’s workplaces.
  • Knowing how to use the internet makes communication easier. Harnessing the power of social media and instant messaging services enhances the ability to work remotely, which is becoming more common in recent years.
  • Employees with great computer skills are often placed in leadership roles, where they can help other employees boost their computer skills.

The benefits of being computer literate are never-ending. We are dedicated to providing students and instructors with the software they need to enhance learning in their subjects, and also bolster computer skills. Contact us at Labyrinth Learning today to learn more about our selection of software.

Take Advantage of Our Comprehensive QuickBooks Pro 2014 Set

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QuickBooks Pro 2014Learning (and teaching) QuickBooks has never been easier than with the QuickBooks Pro 2014: Comprehensive Set. This package includes everything your students need to learn QuickBooks and utilize its applications in real world settings. Built for the benefit of both the student and the instructor, QuickBooks Pro 2014 gives you the resources you need to reduce prep time and create the most effective instruction sessions.

At Labyrinth Learning, we love the QuickBooks Pro 2014 set for the following reasons:

  • A “Behind the Scenes” feature makes connections to accounting principles, giving your students a better understanding of the way that QuickBooks works.
  • The material has been approved for the QuickBooks Certified User Program, so your students can enter their exams well prepared.
  • The new, expanded payroll section in QuickBooks 2014 offers more detailed instructions for entering payroll from an outside source than precious versions.

As an instructor, you are bound to find QuickBooks Pro 2014 convenient and effective. Several features serve to simplify the instruction process, so you can spend more time addressing students’ questions and less time fumbling with software:

  • An included e-lab license gives you access to pre-built course material which you may choose to use.
  • The e-lab grading tool allows you to upload student assignments for instant assessment. You can also manage grades with e-lab.

If you’re interested in learning more about QuickBooks Pro 2014: Comprehensive Set, as well as our other software instruction packages, contact us at Labyrinth Learning.

Use Animations in Microsoft PowerPoint to Enhance Your Teaching

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Many students learn by watching and viewing rather than just writing and listening. One of the best ways to enhance student learning is by using animations in Microsoft PowerPoint during your presentations. If you’re not used to using animations in Microsoft PowerPoint, it may take you a little time to adapt. Here’s are a few key factors to keep in mind as you get used to this new style of teaching.

using animations in Microsoft PowerPoint
Source: Wikimedia Commons

There are two different types of animations in PowerPoint:

  • Preset Animation Schemes already control the way that all of the content comes into the slide. All you have to do is add your content, and it will follow the preset scheme.
  • Custom Animations let you apply a different animation scheme to each individual item on a slide. This is the more common choice among PowerPoint users, since it gives you more control.

Common animation schemes that you may find useful during your lectures include:

  • Setting animations that allow one bullet point to be added to the slide at a time. This will keep students’ focus on the point you are currently addressing.
  • Add arrows and other marks to a slide as you explain a complex process or flow-chart type illustration.

For more ways to utilize software to enhance student learning, contact us at Labyrinth Learning today to learn more about our programs that benefit both students and their instructors.

Teach Students the History of Accounting

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history of accounting
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Accounting is undoubtedly a very important field, but students sometimes struggle to become engaged with the material in their early accounting classes. A great way to increase interest in the subject is to start your Accounting 101 class with a discussion of the history of accounting. This discussion sets the stage to learn basic accounting principles, framing the subject matter in a light that is more likely to hold student attention.

A one-class discussion of the history of accounting could include the following high points:

The early use of double-entry bookkeeping by Venetian merchants

This system was first described by Luca Pacioli in the 1400s. He included in his description details about the use of debits and credits in ledgers. Today’s accounting systems still rely on these basic systems, and your students will be interested to know where they originated.

The rising need for advanced accounting systems during the Industrial Revolution.

Corporations were developed during this period, and more sophisticated accounting systems were needed to manage shareholders’ interests in firms.

The creation of the Securities and Exchange Commission in the 1930s.

When this commission was created, it became mandatory for publicly-traded companies to file reports with the SEC.

The Impact of the 2001 Enron scandal on the accounting industry.

Following this event, tougher restrictions were placed on consulting accountants to deter future scandals.

If you’re looking for a great way to teach your students the history of accounting, as well as its advanced applications, contact us at Labyrinth Learning.

Help Students Learn Windows 8.1 Skills

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Essential Window 8.1 Skills One of the most important subjects of education in this day and age is the ability to use computers and computer software. For example, learning Windows 8.1, which is Microsoft’s newest operating system, will help make it easier for students to perform computer-related work. The best way to do this is by using the Essential Window 8.1 Skills textbook.

The Essential Windows 8.1 Skills textbook is an excellent introduction of Microsoft’s new operating system and provides a great overview of all of its new features, which include full-screen apps and the touch screen-friendly approach of tiles. The textbook will help students learn Microsoft’s new interface and boot operations as well as how to work with files and programs, manage photos and music, interact online via social media, and more.

The textbook accomplishes this through nine different lessons that require minimal reading in order to reach as many students as possible. The skills needed to use Microsoft’s new operating system will be developed with hands-on exercises. There are two options for how the Essential Windows 8.1 Skills textbooks is available – you can purchase it as a physical textbook for $52 or you can download an e-book version complete with video instructions for only $31.25.

To help your students get the absolute most out of Microsoft Windows 8.1, you’ll want to use the Essential Windows 8.1 Skills textbook to provide in-depth knowledge on how to use the operating system. For more about learning Windows 8.1, contact us at Labyrinth Learning today.

Effective Ways to Motivate Your Students

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how to motivate your students
Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Learning can either be fun or boring, and where it swings depends on your approach as a teacher. As a general rule, the more motivated students are, the easier they find learning — even if the subject matter you’re teaching isn’t necessarily easy.

To get the class interested to learning, here are some helpful tips on how to motivate your students:

  • Work with the strengths and weaknesses of your students. Give them rewards for their strong points while finding ways to strengthen their weak points.
  • Make the lesson interactive by encouraging questions and asking for feedback. It’s a good way for your students to be more involved.
  • Free up your schedule for consultation before and after the class, and also during breaks. Let your students know they can approach you for any question they have about the lesson.
  • Divide the topic in cycles 15-20 minutes long to sustain attention. Any longer than that, and your students will have a more difficult time focusing.
  • Use different teaching techniques aside from standard practices. Interactive student discussions, group activities, hands-on demonstrations, and film showings are a few things you can try in the classroom.
  • Show your students the practical application of what you’re teaching. It’s a great way to stir up student curiosity.

Here’s another important tip on how to motivate your students: Use multimedia tools to encourage interaction and streamline the whole teaching process.

We at Labyrinth Learning offer various titles for different courses, so contact us to know more about them.