TOM (the Training Online Manager) and SAM (the Student Assessment Manager) provide comprehensive coverage of the thirteen Skill Sets in the Certification Circle textbook. Just as there is a one-to-one relationship between Skill Sets represented on the MOS certification exams and the textbook, there is also a one-to-one relationship between them and the TOM and SAM Skill Sets. You will use TOM to view demonstrations of the individual skills, to practice those skills with the aid of the computer program, and to apply those skills without the aid of the computer program. You will use SAM to take practice tests on each of the Skill Sets, and then to target your further training needs on TOM. You may take each test multiple times to measure your progress, to target your needs and to practice for the MOS certification exams.

 

1. Work through the CT Series Certification Circle Skill Sets  in the TOM (Training Online Manager) software.
    
   1. Use the TOM Prepare function to review the content of individual skills in each Skill Set.
   2. Use the TOM Observe function to see demonstrations of each individual skills.
   3. Use the TOM Practice function to interactively practice individual skills with the help of the TOM program.
   4. Use the TOM Apply function to measure your ability at carrying out individual skills without help.
       
2. Take the CT Series Certification Circle Skill Set practice tests in the SAM (Student Assessment Manager) software; view the the exam reports; and, target your skill deficiencies with further training in TOM.
    
3. Post any questions you have on the Web Portal discussion forum; and/or, email your questions to the course instructor.
    

1. Working through the CT Series Certification Circle Skill Sets  in the TOM (Training Online Manager) software.
   
   The TOM software is available on your SAM XP CD even if your computer is not connected to the Internet. Insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive; when the menu appears, click Launch TOM. Alternatively, you may use TOM online by clicking the SAM XP icon on your desktop (after you have installed the software) and logging on to the Thomson Server. After logging on, click Training. When the training program engages, choose Microsoft Word 2002 in the application drop down menu; in the category menu choose CT Series; and, in the CT Series menu choose Certification Circle. Highlight the training title Certification Circle: Microsoft Word 2002, and click the Launch button. Be sure to read the instructions on the initial welcome screen. Click the Menu button at the lower left to see the training options. Note that the menu options correspond exactly to the skill sets in the Certification Circle textbook. Choose one of the Skill Sets and work your way over to the right-hand side of the menu to choose a specific activity. Engage the training for that activity.
   
   The TOM software will allow you to reinforce your learning of MS Word 2002 skills from the Certification Circle textbook You should definitely follow the four steps for each of the Skill Sets in the TOM method: Use the prepare function to review the content of each Skill Set; use the observe function to see each particular skill demonstrated; use practice to carry out each skill yourself with the aid of the computer program; and, use apply to carry out each skill yourself without the aid of the computer program. The apply function is actually like a pre-test of sorts; it will enable you to gauge your confidence in carrying out the steps you will be required to demonstrate in the actual MOS certification exams. Once you are able to apply your knowledge of each individual skill in any particular Skill Set, you are ready to take the practice test on SAM for that Skill Set.
   
   You can continue to use TOM by means of your CD long after you have completed this course to review the MS Word skills you have learned. You will only be able to use TOM online, however, for a limited time after you have completed this course.
    
2. Taking the CT Series Certification Circle Skill Set practice tests in the SAM (Student Assessment Manager) software; viewing the exam reports; and, targeting your skill deficiencies with further training in TOM.
   
   Practice test have been prepared for each Skill Set in SAM. When you logon to the Thomson Server, choose Exams and launch the exam for the particular Skill Set you want to cover. Thirteen exams have been prepared, one for each of the thirteen Skill Sets in the Certification Circle textbook. You may take each exam up to a hundred times, if you wish.
   
   After you take an exam, you can see your results in a variety of formats by going into the Reports function. Click Reports and choose one of the options from the drop down menu. The SAM Exam Results will give you a brief report on one exam only. The SAM Exam Results - Overall will report briefly (one line at a time) on all your exam results. The SAM Exam Study Guide will create a comprehensive report on every question in one exam, so that you can target the skills you want to review from it. Each skill will be represented in a separate row in the report, with a summary of your actions and the outcome of those actions. If you click the TOM icon in the TOM Training Column in any row, the program will link back to that particular skill in the Training Online Manager. A new window will open with a direct link to the precise skill you have chosen, so that you can once again prepare, observe, practice and apply that skill by means of the TOM program.  Although you are authorized to take each exam many times, you will have access to the SAM software online only for a limited period of time after the course has ended. Be sure to utilize the practice exams in SAM throughout the course to your maximum advantage.
   
    
3. Posting questions on the Web Portal discussion forum; and/or, emailing your questions to the course instructor.
   
   A discussion forum has been created in the Forums section of the web portal on the TOM and SAM software. Post any and all questions there, so that your classmates can benefit from questions and answers. You may also email the course instructor by means of the email link above. All emails will be monitored by the course instructor and supervising professors at the Mount.
    

© 2004 Bruce Yelovich