Introduction to Power BI
2025-12-05 09:30 - 10:30 (Europe/London) | Microsoft Teams
Power BI is Microsoft’s business intelligence (BI) solution for visualising and sharing data. Power BI enables you to quickly develop interactive reports and dashboards and share impactful visualisations with others.
Course objectives:

What is Power BI?
Power BI Desktop
Power BI service
Importing Files
Creating interactive visualisations
Reports and Dashboards
Row-Level Security
Sharing reports and dashboards

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Panopto - Creating Engaging Pre-Recorded Videos
2026-01-21 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-18 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Microsoft Teams
This practical, introductory session explores how to plan and create effective pre-recorded videos to enhance student learning. Whether you’re developing flipped classroom content or short instructional videos, thoughtful planning and a few simple techniques can significantly improve student engagement and knowledge retention. The session also covers core functionality in Panopto Capture, enabling you to create high-quality videos directly in your browser—no specialist equipment required.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

Understand the pedagogical value of pre-recorded videos in supporting learning.
Apply best-practice approaches to planning and structuring video content for clarity and impact.
Use simple strategies to increase student engagement and reduce cognitive load.
Record simple videos using Panopto Capture.
Implement basic accessibility features and inclusive video design principles.

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Excel: Introduction to PivotTables
2026-02-10 09:30 - 10:30 | Microsoft Teams
This is a half day course that includes a presentation and a variety of practical exercises. This is an advanced course aimed at staff who are experienced at using Microsoft Excel 2010 and are interested in finding out more about PivotTables and PivotCharts. PivotTables are a popular Excel tool for dynamically exploring and analysing large datasets in order to summarise data and make informed decisions. PivotCharts are interactive charts that can be used to visualise PivotTable reports to convey information about patterns and trends within the data. PivotTables can take their source data from within Excel or from external sources like databases, Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) cubes and text files, and allow users to analyse data without altering the original data source. This course will provide participants with an introduction to PivotTables and will include topics such as adding and removing fields, applying styles, filtering data, changing field settings and creating PivotCharts.
Aimed At: Staff who are experienced at using Microsoft Excel 2007/2010 and are interested in finding out more about PivotTables and PivotCharts. Also, useful for those interested in taking the ECDL Advanced module in Spreadsheets.
Prerequisites: Participants should have completed Excel 1: Essentials before attending this course or should have significant previous experience of using Excel 2007/2010.

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Further Power BI
2026-02-13 09:30 - 10:30 | Microsoft Teams
Power BI is Microsoft’s business intelligence (BI) solution for visualising and sharing data. Power BI enables you to quickly develop interactive reports and dashboards and share impactful visualisations with others.

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Excel 3: Data Analysis
2026-02-17 09:30 - 10:30 | Microsoft Teams
This advanced course looks at some of the data analysis tools and functions available in Excel 2010 and involves a range of practical exercises using different types of data. Participants will learn how to use a variety of what-if analysis tools that can be employed in data analysis and decision making, such as Data Tables, Scenarios, Goal Seek and Solver. In addition, the course will cover a wide range of useful functions, including text, logical, financial, lookup and date and time functions, which can be used to manipulate spreadsheet data. An introduction to the interface for creating PivotTable and PivotChart reports in Excel 2010 is also included.
Aimed at: Staff who wish to advance their knowledge of Excel or who are hoping to take the ECDL Advanced module in Spreadsheets.
Prerequisites: As this is an advanced course, previous attendance at Excel 1 and 2 or significant experience of creating spreadsheets using Excel 2007 or 2010 is recommended.

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Creating infographics and visual content
2026-02-20 09:30 - 10:30 | Microsoft Teams
“People expect the world to be so much more visual than it’s ever been before.” David Marcus, Facebook’s Head of Messenger
In this workshop we will practice using Piktochart, Canva and Sway, free tools which allow us to create professional, visually appealing social media posts, infographics, newsletters and more.

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Introduction to Power Automate (Classroom based training)
2026-02-24 09:30 - 12:30 | Microsoft Teams
Power Automate is a service that helps you build workflows that automate time-consuming business tasks across applications and services. Power Automate can be used to synchronise files, get notifications, collect data, and more. Power Automate is one of the Microsoft 365 suite of apps.
Course objectives:

Understand what Power Automates is and how it works
Build flows from existing templates
Build flows from scratch
Understand how to work with triggers, actions and conditions

Prerequisites: Be comfortable with exchanging data between applications.

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Panopto Automated Scheduling Tool: Awareness Session
2026-03-18 10:00 - 10:45 | Microsoft Teams
This awareness session is designed for teaching and support staff who will be using the Panopto Automated Scheduling Tool to manage automated lecture recordings.
This short, practical session will provide guidance on:

How the Tool works
Accessing the Tool via Queen’s Online
Applying and managing your scheduling preferences
Key reminders and common pitfalls
Where to get help and further support

There will be time at the end of the session for questions about the Tool.
Please note that this session focuses exclusively on the Automated Scheduling Tool. Separate training is available on how to record a lecture in teaching spaces on campus.

Vevox - Getting Started with Polls | Q&A | Surveys
2026-03-19 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-30 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Microsoft Teams
Enhancing Engagement with Vevox: An Introduction to Polls, Q&A, and Surveys
Duration: 90 minutes (including Q&A)
Target Audience: All staff
Venue: MS Teams (A meeting link will be shared before the event)
Session Overview: This introductory session explores Vevox, the University’s audience engagement tool, designed to facilitate interactive polling, Q&A, and surveying in virtual, in-person, and hybrid settings. Participants will learn how to integrate Vevox into their teaching practices or at events to boost engagement and gather valuable feedback.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Understand the core features of Vevox, including live polling, Q&A, and surveys.
Integrate Vevox seamlessly into PowerPoint to enhance presentations.
Create and manage interactive sessions to engage students effectively.

Join us to discover how Vevox can elevate your teaching by fostering interactive and inclusive learning environments.

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Introduction to Power Automate (Microsoft 365)
2026-03-20 09:30 - 10:30 | Microsoft Teams
Power Automate is a service that helps you build workflows that automate time-consuming business tasks across applications and services. Power Automate can be used to synchronize files, get notifications, collect data, and more. Power Automate is one of the Microsoft 365 suite of apps.
Course objectives:

Understand what Power Automates is and how it works
Build flows from existing templates
Build flows from scratch
Understand how to work with triggers, actions and conditions

Prerequisites: Be comfortable with exchanging data between applications.

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Further Power Automate
2026-03-27 09:30 - 10:30 | Microsoft Teams
Check back soon for more information.
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AI Lightning Talks
2026-03-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Microsoft Teams
AI is transforming education, and the impact is already being felt across teaching, learning, research, and student support.
This online session will showcase a series of short, engaging examples of how staff across the university are already putting AI into practice. From innovative approaches in learning and teaching, to enhancing the student experience and support, to creating resources, improving accessibility, and advancing research, you’ll hear practical, real-world insights that can inspire your own work.
Why attend?

Hear directly from colleagues across the university about how AI is making a difference in their areas.
Explore practical, transferable examples you can adapt to your own context.
Learn more about the support, training, and resources available to staff.
Join the discussion on opportunities, challenges, and responsible use of AI in higher education.

Who is it for?
This event is open to academic and professional support staff from across the university. No prior knowledge of AI is required, just an interest in learning, exploring, and sharing ideas.
Join us for a morning of short talks, inspiration, and discussion about the future of AI in education.
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Introduction to MS Copilot: Learn to Vibe Code
2026-04-17 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-04-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-08 10:00 - 11:30 | Microsoft Teams
Discover how to create interactive learning tools using Microsoft Copilot. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn to “Vibe Code”, describing the pedagogical purpose of a tool to let AI build it for you.
You will create practical HTML assets like Virtual Pre-Labs, Live Debate Meters, and Planners that bridge the gap between professional staff or lecturers and software developers.
What you’ll learn:

How to use a prompt framework to create a simulation or tool.
Building tools for Place (live) and Pace (asynchronous).
Embedding learning outcomes into AI tools.
Deploying HTML assets.

Who it’s for: All staff. No coding experience needed.

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Panopto - Basic Editing of Lecture Videos
2026-04-20 12:00 - 13:30, 2026-05-07 12:00 - 13:30 | Microsoft Teams
This session introduces you to video editing using the University’s Panopto video content management system.
What you’ll learn:

Navigating the Panopto Editor interface.
Trimming and adjusting video streams.
Enhancing videos with quizzes, YouTube content, Panopto clips, and web links.
Managing captions and audio descriptions.
Updating video details such as titles and descriptions.

Who it’s for:

Staff who use Panopto and want to edit their videos efficiently with the Panopto Editor.

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Virtual Reality: An Introduction to VR for Teaching and Learning
2026-04-22 11:00 - 12:30 | 69 – 71 University Street Room 0G/007a
Ready to bring a new dimension to your teaching? Join our interactive 90-minute session and discover how virtual reality can transform your teaching, workshops and staff development!
This hands-on introduction is your gateway to using Meta Quest 3 headsets to create highly engaging learning experiences. You will explore how immersive environments can powerfully support rehearsal, feedback and reflection.
Using the Bodyswaps App as a practical example, you’ll see firsthand exactly how VR can add real value to your subject area.
No previous VR experience is required to take part.

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Panopto - Getting Started with Lecture Capture
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-05-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Microsoft Teams
In this short, introductory session, QUB staff will be introduced to the University’s video content management system, Panopto.
Panopto is a best-in-class video platform that complements the Unversity’s approach to lecture capture and video recordings. It integrates seamlessly with Canvas and can be used to capture recording from your personal laptop/desktop in your office (campus or remote) or from centrally bookable teaching spaces.

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Introduction to MS Copilot. Enhance productivity and boost efficiency.
2026-04-23 11:00 - 12:15 | Microsoft Teams
More details to follow…

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Excel 1: Essentials (ECDL - Spreadsheets)
2026-04-29 12:30 - 13:00 | Microsoft Teams
This practical course is the essential starting point for anyone interested in learning how to produce spreadsheets using Microsoft Office Excel and forms an ideal basis for further courses in Excel. This course is also suitable for those needing to update their skills so that they can make efficient use of the latest version of this popular spreadsheets application. Excel 1: Essentials covers the basics of how to create, save and edit spreadsheets before progressing participants onto the creation of basic formulas and charts. The new cell and table styles will be introduced and participants will learn fundamental techniques such as sorting, naming ranges, find and replace, changing the page setup and renaming worksheets. This course also helps prepare you for the ICDL – Spreadsheets module test.
Aimed at: Staff with little or no previous experience of using Microsoft Excel and those taking ICDL – Spreadsheets (Module 4).
Prerequisites: Familiarity with Windows.

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OneDrive: An Overview
2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Microsoft Teams
The aim of the is session is to introduce you to the key features and functionality of OneDrive to help optimise your use of the app in day-to-day work processes.
The session will focus on navigating around the OneDrive landing page (My files, Shared areas etc) and how to easily access folders/files in a SharePoint Online site and in MS Teams. The session will demonstrate the basics of managing files and folders and some of the collaborative features such as sharing, co-editing and its connectivity to other apps such as Power automate

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Excel 2: Managing Data
2026-05-06 10:30 - 11:30 | Microsoft Teams
Continuing from Excel 1: Essentials, this course looks at how to arrange and display both numeric and non-numeric data in Excel to present it in a meaningful manner. Through a series of practical exercises, participants will learn about a variety of techniques which can be employed to make spreadsheets more comprehensible, such as sorting, basic and advanced filtering, conditional formatting and custom number and date formats. Excel Tables and the new data bars, colour scales and icon sets, which can be used for conditional formatting, are among the features that will be explored in this course.
Aimed at: Staff who wish to learn how to use MS Excel to store and display data and those hoping to take the ICDL Advanced module in Spreadsheets.
Prerequisites: Previous attendance at Excel 1: Essentials or a similar level of experience of using Excel.

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Microsoft Planner: An Overview
2026-05-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Microsoft Teams
More details to follow..

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Build a SharePoint Online Site using Web Parts
2026-05-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Microsoft Teams
A SharePoint business/communication site allows you to share news, reports, status, and other information in a visually compelling format.
When you add a modern page to a site, you add and customize web parts. This course will provide some working examples of Share Point Online Communication sites and how you can build your site by adding pages and using apps/web parts to customize and enhance the visual appearance of your site, by adding text, images, files, video, dynamic content, and more using various web parts.

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