From Tables to Queries: Becoming Data Efficient

Here's the "what." There are many programs that can assist you in creating your database. The following activities highlight the most popular and user friendly ones available (Excel & Access). The first activity offers an overview of spreadsheets and databases, where they intersect and differ as well as suggestions for what you should consider when creating one. The remaining activities assist you in creating a data entry form in Excel and Access.

Here's the "why." These activities discuss the benefits of using Access with Excel and the benefits of saving some databases/spreadsheets as a .csv file. The activities below also highlight tangible ways you can use both programs to organize and manage your data.

And finally, the "how." These activities help you understand the basics of tables, queries, forms and reports. You will also explore charts & pivot tables and how to import & export from Excel to Access, and vice versa. These resources provide an overview of these elements; however, feel free to practice step-by-step as you select each activity.

The activities below detail tips to improve your data entry accuracy. Unfortunately, spreadsheets are prone to human error so you have to pay close attention to ensure the right information is placed correctly. These activities will assist you as you continue to hone your data entry skills.