Training Introduction

IT Services aim to help users (both staff and students) become self-sufficient in their use of Information Technology (IT). This not only helps to keep the numbers seeking help manageable, but provides a better long-term service to our users, who are likely to need IT skills and literacy when and where support services are not available. To support this aim we provide a variety of ways for people to learn IT skills:

• provide a starting point from which to explore for themselves
• working through notes or tutorials privately and at their own pace
• to have support from staff as it is needed
• or to be guided through a series of exercises

All our training documents are in tutorial style notes so they can be used to teach yourself at any time. These cover Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Powerpoint and Access, and work through from Level 1 (Essentials) through Level 2 (Intermediate) up to Level 3 (Hints & Tips, Advanced). These notes are also used in our taught training sessions.

Booking on a Taught Training Session

Students need to book for any of the taught sessions through the IT Services Course Booking and Cancellation Form or ITS Help.

Staff should book through the Employee self-service (or contact the Centre for Staff Training and Development by emailing CSTD@reading.ac.uk ). This will also allow staff to book on computer classes run by CSTD such as Blackboard, Using the University Web Content Management System (CMS), and Outlook Exchange.

Please note that any people that do not book the course beforehand may not be allowed onto the course on the day.

There is no charge for the taught sessions, but we reserve the right to fine anyone who books a place and then fails to arrive or cancel prior to the session date.

Please note that arrangements for special sessions are subject to staff availability and may be charged. 

Giving Feedback

If you want to give feedback on any of our training courses then please fill in the IT Services Course Feedback Form. 

Computing Inductions

During Freshers' Week, new students can run through a sequence of necessary tasks covered in one of the Using Computers On Campus sessions on the first floor of the Library.

For other times of the year, IT Services can provide an introductory lecture-style presentation to meet the needs of specific groups. The main aim is to make students aware of the facilities and opportunities available from IT services, and how they can find out more.