How to Learn Microsoft Access Online

If you’re just starting to learn a new skill, you can find dozens of tips and resources online; learning Microsoft Access is no different. Microsoft Access is a productivity tool for managing databases for finances, project management, customer feedback, and employee information, among others. Microsoft Access is one of the top database management systems used worldwide. If you’ve always wanted to learn Microsoft Access, there are plenty of options at your fingertips. From free tutorials to live classes, there is an outline of your options here so you can decide how to learn in a way that works best for you.

What is Microsoft Access?

cMicrosoft Access is a database management software. Access is part of the Microsoft 365 suite and is standard for business and enterprise users. Like Microsoft Excel, Access lets users view and manage data. However, Access is more powerful than Excel and can process more data at once. While Excel is appropriate for viewing and managing data in a spreadsheet format, Access is more suitable for managing entire databases. 

Access allows users to create several tables containing their own data that need to be tracked separately and connect those tables. These connected tables make up a database. And, just like with tables, users can connect databases to track relationships. Within Access, users can also query databases to find the necessary information. As with Excel, users can easily export reports from data within Access to create reports for printing and sharing with stakeholders. These multiple features included in Access allow entrepreneurs and businesses to gather large amounts of data, gain insights and take action on operations, projects, and performance.

Read more about what Microsoft Access is and why you should learn it.

What Can You Do with Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is used to build simple database management systems where entrepreneurs and businesses can store large amounts of data. Users can create tables for managing data and can connect those tables to track relationships. The insights gained from these relationships allow businesses to acquire valuable insights regarding their financials, inventory and sales, productivity, and project management, among others. Databases also function for purposes such as keeping track of employee information or managing client/server forms.

When it comes to sharing data, Access makes it easy to compile data and format reports. Data converts into colorful charts and graphs, making this visualization of data helpful for presenting insights to stakeholders. Charts are also customizable to your needs, including interactive elements. Reports have a variety of options as well. They can be printed, exported to another file or program, or emailed as an attachment.

Access' simple interface and built-in tools make it an excellent resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs who may need more application-building experience. Access can also create desktop or web applications. Developers can create macros, build modules, and develop their own code libraries. Access is also helpful for larger companies that want to develop their own applications without the cost of outsourcing.

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Live Online Microsoft Access Training

The main perk of live online training is its availability. Students can learn from anywhere they find convenient, provided they have a reliable internet connection. This removes the commute time from a student's schedule and allows them to learn in an environment they find comfortable. Online courses also often offer more flexible programs than in-person classrooms, which work well for parents and workers with busy schedules. In terms of engagement, live online classes try to replicate physical classrooms with hands-on projects and live instructors and students interacting together in real time.

There are a number of live online Microsoft Access training options. Available classes teach both beginner and advanced techniques. Noble Desktop’s Microsoft Access courses can be taken in person in NYC or live online from anywhere. The Microsoft Level I course covers all the essentials of the program that an average user needs to know, while the Level II course dives into expert techniques and tricks.

On-Demand Microsoft Access Classes

On-demand and self-paced Microsoft Access training options are often free and ideal for students who prefer to learn at their own pace or are too busy to attend regular training. On-demand training on beginner and advanced techniques for Microsoft Access is available through skill-sharing websites such as YouTube, Udemy, and Coursera. However, a disadvantage of this method is that students must rely on self-motivation to progress through the material. They also lack an instructor to turn to for guidance if they encounter any problems. Free training is also often out of date.

Those interested in learning Microsoft Access might take advantage of on-demand resources for Microsoft Excel. These free resources can be an excellent introduction for establishing familiarity before diving into additional training or transitioning to a different training method. Since the average untrained individual is rarely familiar with spreadsheets and data calculations, learning the basics of Excel can be a great stepping stone to understanding Microsoft Access.

Free Intro Courses & Tutorials

If you are still deciding whether to dive into an entire Microsoft Access course, you can search for an online introduction to Microsoft Access through Youtube, Coursera, Udemy, and other skill-sharing websites. These free courses are usually short, lasting less than two hours. They often feature Microsoft Access fundamentals, such as how to create forms and tables and manage data. Some courses even teach advanced tips and tricks. 

However, many free courses teach older versions of programs. While most of Microsoft Access's features are consistent through subsequent iterations, newer versions of the program usually possess previously unseen features or place features in different locations. With free resources, it can also be impossible to verify whether the information is quality or correct. While free online classes can be valuable and cost-effective for pure beginners, they aren't ideal for professionals looking to learn comprehensive Microsoft Access skills to advance their careers.

Read about more free Microsoft Access videos and online tutorials.

Comparing Online Methods with In-Person Learning 

You can learn Microsoft Access from three training formats: live online, in-person, and on-demand. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and individuals will find different approaches work best for them depending on their schedule and training goals.

Live online and on-demand classes are the most accessible training options. As they are online, students can attend classes from anywhere (with an internet connection) and don't face the time-consuming commute required by in-person classes. Students are also free to choose their preferred environment for learning, whether at home, work office, library, coffee shop, or another favorite study area. Online classes often offer more curriculum options than can be found in the nearest in-person courses. On-demand classes win out slightly in accessibility because they aren't tied to set class schedules. Students with busy lives may choose on-demand training to learn at their own pace.

The downside of on-demand classes lies in engagement. On-demand training often lacks instructors or classmates. Students are left to their own motivation to advance through coursework and have no one to turn to with questions or for support. When on-demand training does offer an instructor’s contact information for assistance, students may wait days or longer for a reply. Live online and in-person training rank far higher in engagement. Students can ask instructors for immediate feedback, interact with peers, and often receive guidance in job searching or building portfolios. In-person training wins out slightly over live online in that some people feel more comfortable initiating engagement with their peers or instructors in a physical setting.

When it comes to affordability, on-demand training wins out again. As these classes are self-led, they are often free. However, it's important to weigh other pros and cons discussed in this section, especially when it comes to engagement or career advancement. The popular adage "you get what you pay for" often holds true when comparing on-demand courses vs. in-person or live online. While live online training isn't free, many institutions offer free seminars or introductory courses. Additionally, an entire live online class is often cheaper than in-person training.

If you're looking to advance your career, live online and in-person training offer the comprehensive learning you need. While on-demand training will likely be enough to learn the basics of a skill, self-led learning can't replace the knowledge a professional instructor possesses and passes on to their students. On-demand resources are also often dated and don't hold up to industry standards. Professional instruction is typically necessary to advance your career.

Overall, live online training is the best well-rounded option, offering most of the benefits of both in-person and on-demand classes. Students have no commute and usually have the option of more flexible schedules than with in-person training. Live online training replicates the interactivity of in-person classrooms with live instructors and classmate interaction. Some live online training can be found for free and offers the same self-led benefits as on-demand training. Paid live online training is an excellent and affordable option for professionals looking to advance their careers.

Tips to Succeed when Learning Microsoft Access Online

Online learning can be full of distractions without a dedicated workspace, especially for those learning from home. Children, pets, and other people working or engaging in other activities around the home can quickly draw attention. So it’s essential for online learning that students create a decided workspace that is quiet and distraction-free. For this reason, some students prefer to learn online from a coffee shop or library, but it’s possible to design a calm space at home.

Interacting with your peers and the instructor is important to learning and may be less evident in a virtual environment. While sitting in front of your computer screen, resigning yourself to being on your own can be easy. However, seeking interactions with your peers and the instructor is crucial for motivating one another, overcoming struggles, and making learning an engaging and collaborative process. While you may be alone in your physical learning environment, you’re not alone in your learning experience! Don’t be afraid to engage.

With online learning, you should also plan for troubleshooting. Technology doesn’t always work as expected. The WiFi going down or your student portal crashing are a couple of examples of possible technical issues. Troubleshooting is always unexpected, so plan to start class and turn in assignments early, so you have time to find solutions if anything goes wrong.

Learn Microsoft Access with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

In today's busy world, live online learning can be a fast, engaging, and cheaper alternative to in-person classes. With live, hands-on training at Noble Desktop, Microsoft Access is easy to learn. Noble Desktop's classes are small, taught by expert instructors, and include free retake options.

Noble Desktop offers Microsoft Access classes at two levels. Microsoft Access Level I teaches beginners the fundamentals of the program. Students learn how to work with data and create tables and forms. Microsoft Access Level II teaches advanced techniques such as data validation, table structure improvement, and advanced reporting. Students build their own databases and learn efficiency tips and tricks. 

The Microsoft Access Bootcamp covers both Microsoft Access Level I and II. This class is ideal for beginners who wish to master the program in one comprehensive course. Students interested in becoming certified in Microsoft Access may want to attend the Access Specialist Certification Program. This course is offered through NYIM, an affiliate school to Noble Desktop, and combines Microsoft Access Level I and II with Access Certification exam training.

Key Insights

• You can take live online training from anywhere with an internet connection.
• On-demand training allows you to learn at your own pace without professional guidance.
• Free intro courses and tutorials can be a great starting point for learning.
• Live online training offers the closest experience to in-person engagement without the cost of a commute.
• Succeeding with online training involves having a dedicated and distraction-free learning space and remembering to interact with your peers and instructor.