Where to Find PowerPoint Classes

PowerPoint is the world’s premier presentation software, and it’s eminently figure-out-able--but it’s much easier to learn when you have a capable instructor and a well-crafted syllabus. Whether you’re looking for in-person or live online classes, this article will help you determine how and where to find the PowerPoint class or classes that are right for you. 

Why a Live Class?

While there are plenty of free resources available to learn specific PowerPoint skills, from YouTube tutorials to Microsoft support, nothing compares with the kind of dynamic interaction you’ll experience in a live class. On-demand self-paced courses are a step up, but they are missing the critical feedback and exchange of ideas that comes from a live instructor and engaged classmates. 

Online classes are a great fit for many learners, because they cut out the commute and allow people to work from the comfort of their own homes. They also work well for those who prefer to use their own computers, which can mean developing a higher level of comfort with the software. In-person classes are preferable for students who may be less distracted in a classroom environment and enjoy the social interactions they can experience there. Both options are widely available--if you know where to look.

Go Online

Of course, it’s easy to find free online tutorials by typing keywords into the browser window. Finding live classes near you or online can sometimes require an extra step. Aggregators, like Noble Desktop’s PowerPoint Classes Near Me feature, are a good place to start. This type of list includes both local and online resources, so you can decide whether to pursue a class that’s virtual or in-person. One bit of good news: you won’t be slowed down by low-quality courses, because the list has been vetted and is totally up-to-date.

While the online aggregator lists and provides links to classes, it can be a good idea to start your own individualized spreadsheet to keep track of the courses that may be best for you. Include schedules, pricing, and the skills you’ll cover in each class. It may become clear that one option rises above the others in meeting your particular needs, at which point you may consider going old school and making a phone call. Chatting with a representative can help give you a sense of how responsive the staff is, and you might get a more nuanced idea of the class than what’s available on the website.

Ask Around

One low-tech way to begin searching out a PowerPoint class is to tap into your personal and professional networks. Maybe you have a friend who works in graphic design or media and might be willing to teach you PowerPoint skills, rate to be determined based on how in-depth you go. Or maybe there’s a guy at work who’s an expert and could run a workshop for you and your colleagues: he gets a little time off his regular duties to prep the class, you all learn some new skills, and it’s a win-win for the company. It could also be that someone you know has taken a PowerPoint class and can point you in the right direction.

While asking around is a great way to start the process, it’s not a guarantee. Depending on the field you’re in and your friend set, you may not know anyone who’s able to help. Even if you do, it’s often challenging to learn from a friend unless there’s an ironclad plan in place (and possibly a high fee). It’s simply too easy for everyone to let the friend-rate workshop devolve into a casual coffee date, no actual learning involved. By all means, see who you know and what they might be willing to share, but be sure to keep your goal in mind and not get distracted along the way.

Try Local

One excellent resource for finding PowerPoint classes that are local and reasonably priced is the catalog of your nearest community college. Community colleges are designed to serve two-year students seeking Associates and other degrees--and, true to their name, they’re also in the business of serving the local community. As a result, many of the classes they offer will be both reasonably priced and offer flexible, accommodating schedules for people who work during the day or have other obligations. They may even offer virtual classes, which more and more colleges are doing now. If you don’t see a PowerPoint class in the school’s catalog, try calling the registrar’s office--it could be that the class is offered only occasionally, and the folks at the college will have more details about when and where.

Another place to begin looking is civic organizations like the local library. Some offer targeted classes for the benefit of the community, such as tax prep for seniors or coding classes for kids. If there is enough interest the staff may be willing to offer a PowerPoint class even if it’s not in the usual rotation, so don’t hesitate to let them know you’d be first on the list if a class opened up. This type of course will likely offer only a basic introduction to the program, but it can be a good place to start--and if the class is popular enough, library staff may even offer a level two in the future. Depending on your existing skillset, a few low-cost, hands-on sessions may be all you need.

Look to Computer Training Centers

While civic-oriented organizations and community colleges will offer low prices, they can also be somewhat unpredictable, basing their course offerings on the needs of the community--which may be different from your own needs. Computer training centers, by contrast, are in the business of teaching everything from web development to cybersecurity to effective uses of generative AI. You’ll find all levels of PowerPoint classes available at training centers, and often they’ll distinguish between business uses and design-focused classes so you can find a course that will fit your specific needs.

Another advantage of computer training centers is their commitment to accessible online learning. Most will offer both in-person options in a certain city or region, along with live online classes. These classes provide the same expert industry professional-led instruction in two different modalities, one of which is guaranteed to fit your schedule as well as your learning style. 

Learn PowerPoint with Noble Desktop

Whether you’re a total beginner or want to improve the PowerPoint skills you already have, you’ll find the right class for you at Noble Desktop. With live online classes as well as options at their Manhattan campus, Noble Desktop offers one-off courses, intensive bootcamps, and certificate programs. For beginners, start with PowerPoint Level I, which is a great introduction to the fundamentals, and covers everything from incorporating text and images to integrating charts and tables. While it is the first level on offer, the class focuses on functionality and efficiency--meaning that even those with a PowerPoint background will learn plenty from the class.

If you do have a strong background in PowerPoint, PowerPoint Level II will be your best option. Regardless of whether you’ve taken a level one class or taught yourself, PowerPoint Level II will feel like a big leap. The six-hour intensive class is offered on both workdays and weekend days, so varying work and personal schedules can be accommodated. You’ll learn advanced topics like custom themes, managing larger presentations, and incorporating animation and video. This class will be ideal for those with a need for specific, advanced skills as well as those who want to learn how to be more efficient and streamlined in their use of the software.

Noble Desktop's PowerPoint Bootcamp combines these first two levels, providing a fast-moving two-day workshop that covers everything you need to start creating beautiful, effective presentations with PowerPoint. The bootcamp will prepare you for using PowerPoint in a professional setting, with an up-to-date syllabus that focuses on hands-on projects. Industry professionals will provide expert feedback and guidance over twelve hours of direct instruction, to a small group of students. You’ll have the option of a free retake within one year, as well as access to a suite of customized videos and learning materials that can act as a refresher when you need one.