Learning basic Excel

Question

I want to find an online training video or package (self paced) to understand how to use Microsoft Excel. Everything i search is about AI. the people in my team don't want to use AI as they have confidential information in their spreadsheets. But they are clinicians, not office workers needing to understand how to use Excel to a functional and effective level

Answer 1

Hi, just do a search for: 'Excel training courses videos'. You can use other search terms but include 'videos' Here is one I made earlier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl0H-qTclOg

Answer 2

Dear @Madeline Carmichael (Western NSW LHD),

Thank you for posting your question in the Microsoft Q&A forum.

I totally understand your concern. For teams working with confidential clinical data, it’s absolutely reasonable to avoid AI features and focus on learning core Excel skills instead.

Microsoft still provides self‑paced, non‑AI Excel training that covers the fundamentals your team needs, such as entering and organizing data, using basic formulas (SUM, AVERAGE, IF), sorting and filtering, and creating simple charts. These resources do not require uploading data or using Copilot/AI features and can be completed at your own pace.

Currently, Microsoft does provide free training content for Microsoft 365 and Excel through official channels. Here are some relevant links and how to access them:

Option 1: The Microsoft Support "Training for Microsoft 365" page: Microsoft 365 Training (this has videos and tutorials for Excel and other apps) > choose Excel Product and you can access to Microsoft Excel Help and Learning

Option 2: The Microsoft Learn site "Microsoft 365" learning paths: Training for Microsoft 365. This offers self-paced modules and learning paths.

Go to https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/m365/ and click on "Browse all learning paths" and choose Excel product in the left panel > Sign in with the exact Microsoft 365 account that you have your subscription > Choose a learning path/course labeled "Excel". For example:

I hope the information is helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

The first response may not always resolve the issue right away, but with your help and more details, we can work toward a solution.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. I'm looking forward for your reply.

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Answer 3

Several official Microsoft options provide self‑paced, basic Excel training without requiring or focusing on AI features. These are suitable for clinicians who just need practical Excel skills.

1. Microsoft 365 basics (includes Excel basics)
   Use the Microsoft 365 basics video training to learn core skills that apply across Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (opening/saving files, using templates, basic editing, etc.). This is all self‑paced video content and does not require using AI.
   Start with: Microsoft 365 basics video training
2. Excel‑specific training (desktop and web)
   For structured Excel learning paths (from beginner to advanced) that are not AI‑centric:
   • Desktop Excel: Excel training (linked from several training hubs in the context). This covers fundamentals such as entering data, formatting, formulas, charts, and tables.
   • Excel for the web: Office for the web training → follow the Excel training link under “Desktop versions” for full Excel courses.
3. Office basics video: good for non‑office workers
   The “Intro to Office Basics” video is a short, high‑level starting point for people who are not traditional office workers. It shows how to:
   • Find commands and help
   • Use templates
   • Work with charts and SmartArt
   • Collaborate in shared documents
   While it is not Excel‑only, it helps clinicians get comfortable with the general Office interface before focusing on Excel.
4. Office 2013 Excel training (still useful for fundamentals)
   If the team uses older versions or just needs core concepts, the Office 2013 Excel training still applies to many basics:
   • Beginner: “Freeze or lock panes” (good for working with long patient lists or datasets)
   • Intermediate: “Add or subtract time” (useful for shift calculations, appointment durations, etc.)
   These are self‑paced articles and videos that do not require AI.
5. iPad users (if clinicians use tablets)
   If some clinicians use iPads on wards or in clinics, there are short Excel for iPad videos such as:
   • Typing and formulas on iPad
   • How saving works (AutoSave)
   • Opening email attachments
   These are practical, non‑AI, task‑based videos.
6. How to avoid AI while using Excel
   All of the above training and tools can be used without turning on or relying on AI features. Clinicians can:
   • Ignore Copilot/AI buttons and use only standard Excel commands (Home, Insert, Formulas, Data, etc.).
   • Store confidential spreadsheets in approved, secure locations (e.g., organizational OneDrive/SharePoint) according to local policies; the training content itself does not require uploading data anywhere outside the normal Microsoft 365 environment already in use.

A practical rollout approach for the team:

1. Start with Microsoft 365 basics video training to get comfortable with the interface.
2. Move to Excel training (desktop or web) for core skills: entering data, formatting, basic formulas (SUM, AVERAGE), sorting/filtering, and charts.
3. Add specific modules from Office 2013 Excel training for tasks that match clinical workflows (time calculations, freezing panes, etc.).
4. For tablet users, supplement with Excel for iPad videos.

All of these are official, self‑paced, and focused on practical Excel use rather than AI.

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References:

• Video: Intro to Office Basics
• Microsoft 365 Training
• Training videos for Excel for iPad
• Office 2013 training
• Microsoft 365 basics video training
• Office for the web training
• Learn more, think deeper: Using AI as your learning partner