Thursday, August 29, 2013

Time Saving Tip in Word & Outlook - Autocorrect


Finding a quick solution to expedite work and improve accuracy is a win/win solution. According to a study conducted by the Microsoft PC Accessories group, American workers expend an average of six hours per day on the computer at work.  Much of that time often involves digital communication (e-mail, various online channels, etc.). What if you could reduce that time?  You can!

Microsoft’s autocorrect tool can quickly replace long phrases with just a few key strokes. Here’s how set it up: In Word 2010, from the File tab, select “Options,” then “Proofing” from the left panel. From the right pane, click the “AutoCorrect Options” button.

A new window opens with a section to create your own abbreviations and replacement text.  Under the “Replace text as you type” section, enter your abbreviation in the “Replace” box and the full text in the “With” box.  Next, click the Add button to move this entry into your list of AutoCorrect words. When you have completed all entries, click “OK.”

Using the example provided, note that whenever “DSHS” is entered, “Department of State Health Services” will now appear in the document, reducing keystrokes from 31 to only 4.

This tool can be useful for names (using initials as the abbreviations), businesses (such as government agencies), or complicated titles (such as people in the military). It helps prevent misspelling names of important people, businesses and locations, avoiding embarrassing situations while improving accuracy and speed. 
Microsoft Outlook using this same feature. So, abbreviations entered under AutoCorrect in Word will automatically be available in Outlook.


Tip provided by MicroAssist - Brandy Sommer.  Check out their Course Schedule for upcoming open enrollment classes on Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010 and contact Brandy Sommer at 512.794.8440 or bsommer@microassist.com if you have any questions.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

WEN 2013 Biennial Conference

I attended the WEN 2013 Biennial Conference, April 3 - 5, 2013 at the Westin Memorial City Hotel in Houston Texas.  Overall, it was one of the best conferences I have attended in years – lots of good information and sharing of ideas.

About WEN:  WEN was founded in 1994 by Karyl McCurdy Lawson with the purpose of fostering the development and advancement of women in energy by developing a strong network. After years of being the sole woman on energy transactions, Karyl believed that many women energy professionals were in the same position, but unable to connect with each other. Sixteen years later, WEN remains committed to providing high caliber events and networking to its diverse membership from across the energy value chain.  http://www.womensenergynetwork.org/ama/orig/WEN_Fact_Sheet_v5_10.2012.pdf

Keynote Speaker for Thursday was Katty Kay, the lead anchor of BBC World News America.  Womenomics, a book written by Kay and ABC News' Good Morning America senior national correspondent Claire Shipman explores the redefinition of success for working women based on recent trends of the value of women to the business world.

Keynote Speaker for Friday was Lynn Elsenhans - Former CEO & Chairperson – Sunoco and EVP Global Manufacturing, President Shell Oil Company, President Shell Oil Products.

Here’s a list of articles and resources I gathered from the conference:

Video series on the future of energy and current energy issues :  http://www.rationalmiddle.com/

What Is Fracking? This Animation Is The Best Guide We've Seen Yet:  http://www.businessinsider.com/marathon-oil-animation-on-hydraulic-fracking-2012-8

Products made from a barrel of oil:  http://energy.gov/articles/hows-and-whys-replacing-whole-barrel 

Interesting report on crude oil (Texas):  http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/energy/nonrenewable/crude.php 

What Are The Top Five Facts Everyone Should Know About Oil Exploration:   http://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2013/04/03/what-are-the-top-five-facts-everyone-should-know-about-oil-exploration/

Energy Outlook 2030 :  http://www.bp.com/extendedsectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9048887&contentId=7082549

2013 Wasterwater training course:  http://www.pe.tamu.edu/gpri-new/home/index.htm

Virtual Rig Simulation:  http://www.efdvirtualsite.org/

Chemical Disclosure database:  http://fracfocus.org/

Animation of Hydraulic Fracturing (fracking):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY34PQUiwOQ&feature=youtu.be 

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Google Doodles


Doodles are the fun, surprising, and sometimes spontaneous changes that are made to the Google logo to celebrate holidays, anniversaries, and the lives of famous artists, pioneers, and scientists.

Today (Jan 16), the doodle is a game puts you behind the wheel of a “Zamboni" in honor of Frank Zamboni’s 112th birthday.

http://www.wired.com/geekmom/2013/01/google-doodle-zamboni/

Want to learn more about Google Doodles? http://www.google.com/doodles/about
Doodle archive:  http://www.google.com/doodles/finder/2012/All%20doodles

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Free Webinar - “The Flipped Classroom”

Free webinar on the important learning trend, “The Flipped Classroom,” on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at 12 (noon) EST.

To ensure your space, please follow this link to register: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/405556006.

In this 45 minute webinar, you will better understand why educators and Corporate Learning professionals are turning to a new model called the flipped classroom. You will discover what it is and why everyone is talking about it. Questions such as what does a flipped classroom model looks like and how does it differ from the blended learning model are answered. And the basics for designing flipped classrooms will be covered.

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

How to Select a Learning Management System [LMS] and other free white papers

Came across a great group of free white papers today including:
  • How to Select a Learning Management System [LMS]
  • Human Capital Insights: E-Learning
  • Navigating Strategy Execution: The Case for Custom Business Simulations
Check it out:  http://www.hcmdownloads.com/

You can also get a free subscription to Chief Learning Officer magazine (if you qualify).  https://humancapitalmedia.site-ym.com/store/view_product.asp?id=1460706

Monday, January 7, 2013

FREE Webinar: Designing a Mobile Performance App

Where do you begin when designing a mobile performance app?

What instructional design issues should you consider?

Which design tools should you use and where do you locate important resources?

Learn how to design a mobile support app that fits your users’ habits in next week’s complimentary Best of Learning Solutions webinar: Designing a Mobile Performance App, featuring one of the most popular, best-rated sessions from Learning Solutions 2012 Conference & Expo, newly updated and now available to all through this special online presentation.

Join Connie Malamed Wednesday, January 16 at 10:00 AM PT as she discusses:

• What to consider when designing a mobile performance support app
• Designing for gestures
• How to write use-case scenarios for your app
• How to wireframe your app
• Where to find important resources for app design

You do not need to be a member of The eLearning Guild to attend this event.  Register now: http://bit.ly/10VqWD3