Video: Shepard students earn Microsoft certification

It’s not easy envisioning a course with greater reach that Computer Applications at Shepard High School: Students learn software they can use in virtually any other class, they can earn college credit, and then they can qualify for national Microsoft certification.

Whether it’s preparation for college or a career, the class provides a unique blend of opportunity and practicality.

Earning an ‘A’ or ‘B’ in the class means that a student receives credit for a similar course at Moraine Valley Community College. Many students also have earned national certification from Microsoft in Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other programs.

“I can see that our students are getting the technology skills to succeed in college and at work. I forgot who said it, I wish I could remember so I can thank them, that academic skills will get you an interview, but technical skills will get you a job. I am finding that this statement is reality,” said Kevin Holben, who teaches computer education classes for District 218 and Moraine Valley.

Here’s Shepard teacher Jennifer Klein leading a lesson for the Word module here: