Documents

About This Post

Throughout my career as an instructor at Cochise Community College and the University of Arizona College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) in Sierra Vista, Arizona, I created comprehensive educational materials, including textbooks designed for the unique needs of students at these institutions.

To make these resources easily accessible for educators, I've established this blog post as a central hub for the educational materials I've developed. These materials are generously provided under a Creative Commons-By license, enabling educators to adapt and customize them to suit their specific classroom requirements.

My primary objective is to offer valuable materials that benefit both instructors and students. Please consider using these resources, and I hope they prove to be invaluable assets in your educational pursuits.

Lifelong Learning Classes

As an instructor for the Cochise College Center for Lifelong Learning, I offer various classes, and all the associated materials can be found here. These resources are all published under a Creative Commons-By license, making them freely available for students to utilize or for instructors to tailor to their own classes.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been called one of the most disruptive technologies ever introduced. The AI field is rapidly evolving (some would say "exploding"), so the material posted here changes significantly every time the class is presented.

Introduction to the Artificial Intelligence

This class covers AI’s evolution, its effects on society, and how it is being used today.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Artificial Intelligence for Small Business

This class is still being developed, but it will cover the various AI tools available for small business owners.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Basic Computer Skills

Welcome to the four-week computer skills session, designed to equip you with essential knowledge for navigating the digital world effectively. Over the course of four three-hour classes, I will cover the following topics: "Introduction to the PC and Windows," where I will acquaint you with personal computing fundamentals; "Microsoft Office," enabling you to harness the power of essential productivity tools; "Introduction to the Internet," providing insight into online navigation and resources; and "Introduction to Email," helping you establish effective communication channels.

I aim to provide you with a solid foundation in these core computer skills, regardless of your prior experience. I encourage you to explore the accompanying documents I've posted here, as they will complement your learning experience.

Student_Files: This ZIP file contains the student files needed for all activities in the Basic Computer Skills classes.

Introduction to the Personal Computer and Windows

In this class for tech newcomers, I cover the basics of using a Windows 10 PC. I discuss topics like Windows 10 navigation, USB connections, and memory and storage sizes. I also lead several hands-on labs during the class. These are the handouts I use for the class.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Overview of the Internet

The Internet is a vital part of our lives, offering many benefits. People use the internet to access information, connect with family and friends, shop, and take classes. However, the internet isn't just a tool; it transforms how we live and connect. In my class, I discuss many topics related to the internet and lead several hands-on activities. These are the handouts I use for the class.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Microsoft Office

This class introduces Microsoft Office, and covers the basics of getting started with Word and Excel. While it is just a high-level overview, I hope it provides a helpful foundation. Whether for work, school, or personal use, learning these widely used programs is very useful. These are the handouts I use for the class.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Email Essentials

In this class on email basics, I cover the fundamental skills needed to navigate the digital world of communication. Email is a powerful tool for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues, and mastering it is essential. These are the handouts I use for the class.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Excel

My comprehensive three-week Microsoft Excel class is tailored to equip students with the fundamental skills necessary for managing data and making informed decisions, which is particularly valuable for small business owners. To support the learning journey, I've prepared a set of documents designed to complement our class discussions. I encourage you to explore the resources linked below, as they will enhance your understanding and proficiency in Excel.

Student Files: This ZIP file contains the student files needed for all activities in the Excel classes.

Basic Excel

This class shows you how to navigate the Excel interface, enter data, and perform basic calculations. It also covers cell formatting and how to organize your work in multiple sheets.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Intermediate Excel

This class teaches data management, chart creation, and intermediate functions. We also explore sorting, filtering, and the art of visualizing data with charts and graphs. Finally, we uncover the power of IF statements and VLOOKUP.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Advanced Excel

This class covers PivotTables, advanced data analysis, and data protection. I also show you how to analyze data like a pro, perform complex calculations, and secure your workbooks.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Online Class

The online class was a complete Excel deep dive composed of nine one-hour lessons. For that class, I created a textbook and numerous activities. I no longer teach that class, but posted the materials here for students who may want to explore Excel further.

Excel Textbook (70M): An Excel textbook in PDF format. It was designed for an online class and includes approximately 550 pages, numerous projects, and hundreds of images to facilitate Excel learning.
Excel Textbook (Printed): A printed version of the textbook available for $39.95 (plus tax and shipping).
Student Files (ZIP folder): All student files required for exercises in the textbook.
Videos: A series of 54 instructional videos (approximately 7 hours) demonstrating exercises in the textbook.

Word

My comprehensive three-week Microsoft Word class is designed to equip students with the fundamental skills necessary for efficient document creation and management, which is particularly valuable for small business owners. To support the learning journey, I've prepared a set of documents designed to complement our class discussions. I encourage you to explore the resources linked below, as they will enhance your understanding and proficiency in Word.

Student Files: This ZIP file contains the student files needed for all activities in the Word classes.

Word: Fundamentals

This class teaches you how to create, modify, and save documents. Also covered are skills like changing fonts, adjusting paragraphs, spell checking, finding/replacing text, and inserting lists.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Word: Intermediate

This class covers skills like modifying page layout, creating columns, using text boxes, inserting and formatting tables, inserting and formatting images, and inserting hyperlinks.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Word: Advanced

This class covers skills like using templates, applying text effects, inserting watermarks and icons, using citations, and linking Microsoft Office documents together.

Handout (In-Class): This handout is used by students in class. It contains the steps for all activities and is formatted for black-and-white printing.
Handout (Expanded): This handout is designed for students to use at home. It contains all activities from the in-class document, but also includes expanded explanations and illustrations.

Research Methods

In my years teaching a research methods class at the University of Arizona College for Applied Science and Technology (CAST), I authored a textbook along with a lab manual. These resources are available for free download and use by my students and fellow instructors, thanks to the Creative Commons-By license:

Research Methods Text (8M): The textbook for my Research Methods class. The book is 325 pages, with a comprehensive bibliography and glossary.
R Lab Manual (2M): A lab manual developed to accompany the Research Methods class.

Digital Logic

Although I stopped teaching digital logic at Cochise College years ago, I've made the course materials available for others. These resources, including a textbook and lab manual, are offered under a Creative Commons-By license:

Digital Logic Textbook (2M): A digital logic text featuring over 250 pages with logic diagrams and numerous images to aid in digital logic comprehension.
Logisim Lab Manual (2M): The lab manual for the textbook. It contains 12 activities to teach digital logic fundamentals.

Summary

Explore these educational resources from classes I taught at Cochise Community College and the University of Arizona College of Applied Science and Technology. Access comprehensive textbooks and materials tailored for various classes, all generously shared under a Creative Commons-By license for educators to adapt to their needs. Discover a wealth of learning materials, including an extensive Excel course with a 550-page textbook and instructional videos, a Research Methods class with a detailed book and lab manual, and a Digital Logic course with comprehensive resources. Unlock the potential of these free resources to enhance your educational journey.