Benchmark Series: Microsoft 365 Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

About the Courseware

Copyright: 2027

Author: Audrey Roggenkamp
Contributions by: Nita Rutkosky & Ian Rutkosky

The Benchmark Series is designed for students who want to learn how to use Microsoft’s popular suite to enhance their productivity at school, work, and home. Throughout this courseware, students are expected to develop and execute strategies for solving information processing and management problems using Microsoft’s premier applications.

Word Level 1

Unit 1: Editing and Formatting Documents
Chapter 1: Preparing a Word Document
Chapter 2: Formatting Characters and Paragraphs
Chapter 3: Customizing Paragraphs
Chapter 4: Formatting Pages and Documents

Unit 2: Enhancing and Customizing Documents
Chapter 5: Inserting and Formatting Objects
Chapter 6: Managing Documents
Chapter 7: Creating Tables
Chapter 8: Applying and Customizing Formatting

 

Excel Level 1

Unit 1: Preparing and Formatting Documents
Chapter 1: Preparing an Excel Workbook
Chapter 2: Inserting Formulas in a Worksheet
Chapter 3: Formatting a Worksheet
Chapter 4: Enhancing a Worksheet

Unit 2: Enhancing the Display of Worksheets
Chapter 5: Moving Data within and between Workbooks
Chapter 6: Maintaining Workbooks
Chapter 7: Creating Charts and Inserting Formulas
Chapter 8: Adding Visual Interest to Workbooks

 

PowerPoint

Unit 1: Creating and Formatting Presentations
Chapter 1: Preparing a PowerPoint Presentation
Chapter 2: Modifying a Presentation and Using Help and Microsoft Search Box
Chapter 3: Formatting Slides
Chapter 4: Inserting Elements in Slides

Unit 2: Customizing and Enhancing Presentations
Chapter 5: Creating Tables, SmartArt Graphics, Charts, and Photo Albums
Chapter 6: Using Slide Masters and Action Buttons
Chapter 7: Applying Custom Animation and Setting up Shows
Chapter 8: Integrating, Sharing, and Protecting Presentations

Image of the courseware for Benchmark Series: Microsoft 365 Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Key Features

  • New imagery to match the latest Microsoft Office and Windows 11 updates
  • Updated Microsoft office projects, exercises and skills in the VDI
  • Added Mac-focused nomenclature throughout activities and instruction
Cirrus 2.0 - Paradigm's Learning Management System

A Platform that Delivers

Powered by Cirrus 2.0, the Benchmark Series:

  • Integrates seamlessly with your institution's learning management system.
  • Works on PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks.
  • Offers Instructor Resources and ongoing support.
  • Provides students with immediate feedback.
  • Includes streamlined activities and simulations.
  • And more!
Instructor resources provided by Paradigm

Instructor Resources for the Benchmark Series

  • Planning resources, such as syllabus suggestions, course performance objectives, skills lists, and student completion time estimates
  • Delivery resources, such as teaching tips, suggestions for using Cirrus demonstration elements in the classroom, and discussion questions
  • Assessment resources, including live and annotated PDF model answers for section work and review and assessment activities, rubrics for evaluating student work, Knowledge Check completion exercises, section-based concept exam item banks, and new Capstone Projects that allow students to demonstrate their creativity and skills mastery
A quote from Dennis Sigur, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Dillard University

See What Educators Are Saying

"The Marquee and Benchmark Series offers a comprehensive suite of applications that cater to a wide range of computer skills. Students gain proficiency in essential areas like database management, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. The software's intuitive interface makes it easy for students to grasp complex concepts quickly, allowing them to focus on mastering the material rather than struggling with cumbersome software. We value the content, the service we’re provided by our account representatives, and technical support being there to support our students when required."

Dennis Sigur, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Dillard University