Now if you are counting, you know that I have named seven programs that are included in this set. In addition to the five Office XP programs named above, the set contains two bonus instructional CD’s, Windows ME and Internet Explorer 5.5 on one and Windows 98 and Windows 2000 on the other one. Each Bonus CD contains two CD’s, so that you are actually getting four extra instructional CD’s for the total of a 9 CD set. Does that sound like a bargain? Well, read on, and see if you agree with my assessment that this is a really good deal for someone who wants to learn how to use their Office XP software program more effectively. If you do not have the time to devote to attending classes, you can use these tutorial programs to learn on your own and at your own pace. 

The program requires separate installation and registration per CD, but they all installed easily on my system. Each CD starts with a “How to Use this Course” screen which provides excellent hands-on practice for later learning in the actual course and subsequently in the particular Office XP program. If you have already used one or more of the tutorials, you can simply skip past this screen and go directly to the training. The “How to Use This Course” section does an admirable job of explaining ways to utilize the course. The Main Menu screen begins once you have installed and initiated the program. The beginning of the chapter screen lists the objectives for the chapter and approximates the time it will take you to complete the training for the chapter. From the objective list, you may click the forward arrow and begin learning at the beginning of the chapter or select a topic from the objective list to go directly to that lesson. This allows for flexibility in meeting each individual’s learning needs. 

From the Main Menu, you may select a chapter button, go to the summary of the chapter or go directly to the quizzes to assess your knowledge. Besides the six chapter buttons, each main chapter menu provides the How to Use This Course, Index, Glossary and Exit buttons. The Index button lists topics alphabetically and lets you select from a pull-down menu to go to whichever topic you choose from that chapter. For example, suppose you have forgotten how to accomplish a certain task, just go to the Index button, find the task name and go straight there to remedy your problem. The Glossary is a list of terms from that chapter and when one is selected, the definition of the word is shown. The Exit button lets you quickly exit the program. 

Once you are in a chapter, pages that appear onscreen contain the chapter you are in and the title. These pages are divided into a “Teach Box” and an “Action Box.” The Teach Box shows the information to be conveyed in white text on a black background. The Action Box directs you to do things such as click on a button or double-click on a menu item. Interactive training is inherent in the design of these tutorial programs because they make you take the action step before allowing you to go on to the next page or topic. This feature allows even timid computer users to safely practice using these programs, thus increasing an inexperienced Office XP user’s confidence. The title bar at the top of each chapter page contains four buttons, forward, back, menu and options, which let the user navigate easily within the tutorial. 

The real strength of this program is its flexibility and multifaceted approach to learning. Certain people learn well listening to lectures, others do better watching an audiovisual presentation and still others prefer reading text or having “hands-on” practice when it comes to learning about computers. Well, you have them all in this package. There is a true multimedia format presented here, you will have auditory channels to listen to or turn off, as you choose. The male narrator’s voice is pleasant yet strong and clear, making it easy to listen to and read along with each screen. Printed text is presented on each screen and the program demands that you interact and participate (using Action Boxes) as it demonstrates and walks you through ways to accomplish tasks in Office XP. The interaction with the tutorial program is central to the learning ideology that Individual Software uses in this CD set. Let me emphasize that, in my view, this interactive and multimedia approach is a significant strength of this program. 

The Professor Teaches Office XP Plus can be a reference tool or a tutorial tool. It does an outstanding job in either capacity. It is thorough in its coverage of the subject matter and I found it extremely easy to use. I would recommend it for those who are interested in developing their skills using this suite of Office programs. Individual Software may be called toll-free (800) 822-3522. You can order it online from <http://www.eLearningToday.com> for $39.95, plus shipping charges, as of this writing. However, the $39.99 price at the local Best Buy and CompUSA is actually cheaper because you don’t have to pay any shipping charges.