Programs
Computer Training
Pre-Basic Computer Training (2 week course)
The Pre-basic course is geared towards learners with little to no prior computer experience. It introduces the basics of navigating Windows, using input devices, and working with simple applications. Students gradually become familiar with common computer terms and everyday tools. Additionally, the course covers essential internet and email skills, including how to browse safely, search for information, and communicate effectively through email. It also provides an introduction to using Zoom and Microsoft Teams so students can join and participate in virtual meetings effectively.
In Microsoft Word, the course focuses on helping students understand the main workspace, format and edit simple documents, as well as use basic tools that support accuracy and readability. They learn practical skills such as selecting and editing text, checking spelling and grammar, and preparing files for printing.
By the end of the course, students gain confidence using a computer for everyday tasks and build a strong foundation for further computer training.
Basic Computer Training (2 week course)
Basic Computer Training is intended for students who have completed Pre-basic training or who already have a working knowledge of essential computer skills such as emailing, Windows navigation, file management, and simple tasks in Microsoft Word.
The course reinforces these foundations while introducing a broader range of digital tools and everyday computer practices. Students review key Windows skills, learn more about organizing files, and explore helpful built-in features. They also expand their online abilities through modules on secure email use, organizing inboxes, recognizing and reporting phishing attempts, and conducting online job searches.
The course continues developing Microsoft Office skills, advancing Word proficiency and introducing Excel basics. Students practice tasks such as creating workplace-style files, organizing data, adjusting worksheet layouts, and using basic formulas. Typing instruction focuses on building practical speed and accuracy, helping learners reach a level of fluency suitable for routine computer use.
After completing the course, students are able to use basic computer tools more independently and continue learning in more advanced or work-related areas.
Intermediate Computer Training (2 week course)
This customizable, employment-focused computer course helps learners build practical proficiency across Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint while developing essential AI and cybersecurity awareness. Students progress through hands-on activities such as creating and formatting documents, creating tables, working with formulas, as well as designing engaging and polished presentations. Additional modules introduce AI tools, supporting learners as they use AI to search for information, generate content, and verify the credibility of online material. Typing skill development is integrated throughout, with guided practice aimed at achieving work-ready speed and accuracy. The course is fully tailored to each student's needs and employment goals, allowing learners to focus on the specific competencies required in their desired field.
By the end of the program, students gain confidence and independence with computers and are better prepared to handle the computer skills required in future employment.
Computer Basics for EAL Learners (4 week course)
Equilibrium School has long conducted both computer and EAL classes. Now, we can combine the two to make a class that will help EAL clients to build their computer skills and business English skills at the same time. Our four-week courses provide our students with advantages over a typical computer class, as we have created a program that can be individualized to each clients’ needs.
In this training, a client will participate in a program that is tailored to their needs within the overall skill-building. They will receive personal attention. We keep our classes small to allow individual time to be spent with each student. When a student is having an issue understanding a topic, some vocabulary, or just frustrated with a skill, our teachers are comfortable providing one-to-one assistance within the class. This sort of personal attention is particularly welcomed by EAL students, who are often left behind in less adaptable programs. On top of that, there is an opportunity to learn some English for the workplace, as we have certified EAL teachers to assist in creating materials for the program such as workplace vocabulary and effective email composition.
Advanced Computer Training (2 week course)
This course is offered over two weeks and builds on existing knowledge of computer applications and standard software programs, helping clients enhance their ability to modify documents, create formulas, and navigate a computer.
This course is recommended for clients who require advanced computer knowledge for future employment and have completed the Intermediate Computer Training course. The curriculum is fully customized towards the individual needs of each client, taking into account future employment goals.
Advanced Excel Course (4 week course)
Advanced Excel program is a four-week part time course geared towards individuals with intermediate computer skills. In this course, the individuals will be introduced to the following skills:
- Create and manage worksheets and workbooks (navigate, format and customize worksheets and workbooks)
- Apply formulas and functions (utilize cell ranges, summarize data with functions, utilize conditional logic in functions, format and modify text with functions)
- Create advanced charts, objects and charts (formatting, adding legends, modifying charts and graphs parameters, applying chart layouts and styles, positioning charts and graphs, create and manage PivotTables)
- Apply custom formats and layouts (apply advanced conditional formatting and filtering, prepare a workbook for internationalization and accessibility)
- Create and manage multiple workbooks
- Apply custom formats and layouts
- Create advanced formulas (utilize IF function in conjunction with other functions, utilize AND/OR functions, nested functions, utilize SUMIFS, AVERAGEIFS and COUNTIFS functions)
One-handed Typing (2 week course)
Our One-handed typing course is offered as a part-time course over two weeks (20 hrs of instruction) and is geared towards individuals with an arm or hand injury. This course is designed for individuals who cannot use both hands to type and will teach individuals how to type using only one hand, using a simple yet effective method. Our one-handed typing program is designed to allow clients to improve their typing ability with the hand that they continue to have adequate use of. To do this, we use a standard keyboard and a program that has proven to allow clients to shift from either hunt-and-peck typing or standard two-hand typing to touch typing with one hand. One of the advantages of this specific program is that it allows the client to go forward and use a standard keyboard in their future work environments. We offer the use of a smaller-sized keyboard should there be challenges in reaching keys effectively, but we dissuade clients from using some of the specialized keyboards, as they may not be able to find effective accommodation for those in a future work setting.
Voice Recognition Technology Course (2 week course)
This course is offered on a part-time basis over two weeks (30 hrs of instruction). It introduces clients to a speech recognition program called Dragon. Clients learn how to use their computer hands-free and apply speech-to-text technology. They learn how to use their voice to dictate and format text, open and close programs and windows, as well as interact with their email. At the end of the course clients will be able to improve their productivity by correcting misspellings and grammar, all without having to touch their mouse or keyboard.
Register Today
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- Download our registration form
- Phone: 403-283-1111
- Email: school@equilibrium.ab.ca