Cambridge-Isanti Community Education

Learn the top five considerations when starting a social network as well as tips to manage an online community. Identify how to manage this influx of information created by the new media revolution. Discover what you might be doing wrong in social media as well as essential policies to have in place for your employees and company. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Certificate in Social Media For Business. Class Details Unit 1: Running a Community and Creating Your Own Social Network Using Ning Online Communities and Creating Your Own Social Network with Ning Top 5 Considerations When Starting a Social Network What Goes into Build a Great Social Network What is an online community manager What is Ning and How to Use the Platform Examples of Companies Using Ning Unit 2: What Tools to Use for Your Organization What tools and platforms will help get content on the web Readings on top new tools to consider How to select which tool to use How video fits into online marketing Organizing and collaborating with Google products How to take advantage of mobile and local in applications and search Unit 3: Integrating Social Platforms into Your Web Site Discovering how web design has changed and what is needed for true integration Understanding elements on websites that increase interaction, engagement, search engines findability Learn best practices for website usability and landing page design Discuss how your sites compare and generate next steps that will improve your business Unit 4: Developing a Manageable Work Flow: Time, Resources, Policies, and Trends Developing a Manageable Work Flow Time and Resources: How do you know where to spend your time? Target Social Media Influencers to Boost Traffic and Sales Is Your Company Ready for Social Media or Are They Holding You Back? Trends - What's Next or Are We Still Working on Last Year's Trends? Social Media Policies and Planning For A Crisis For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Identify the architecture and protocols that keep networks secure. Understand the role of routers, switches, and firewalls in network security. Tackle network security fundamentals, implementing firewalls and VPNS, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) and securing wireless networks. For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Identify the architecture and protocols that keep networks secure. Understand the role of routers, switches, and firewalls in network security. Tackle network security fundamentals, implementing firewalls and VPNS, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) and securing wireless networks. For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

t's time you went "social." Go over step-by-step basics for Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and YouTube. Review common questions and insights on social media to get up to speed on the latest buzz words and topics. Learn to share, search and connect as a savvy social media user! This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Certificate in Social Media For Business. Class Details Unit 1: How Marketing has Changed and Where Social Networks Fit? How is marketing changing? Who is your customer & where are they online? What role does content play? What are the trends on the horizon? Unit 2: Where to Start? Strategy, Listening, & Accounts Start with a plan: Developing a social media marketing strategy. Where does listening & engagement fit into strategy? Learning to use some basic tools How are organizations using social media? Unit 3: What Do Social Networks Fit in Your Business? A general overview of social sites that may fit your marketing goals. Where are your customers and how are they using social media? How to set up social network profiles? Can you measure the return on your investment? Unit 4: Using Facebook to Promote Your Brand and Engage Your Customers The Basics of Facebook: Personal & Business Applications How to Set-up Your Facebook Page Using Content and Posts to Boost Engagement Case Studies on How Businesses Use Facebook For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Equip yourself with the foundational knowledge and advanced skills needed to safeguard networks, data, and systems from cyber attacks. Conquer the core principles of cybersecurity, develop strategies to protect networks, and gain hands-on experience in identifying and mitigating cyber threats. Come away with the essential tools and knowledge to succeed in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. Students must take the Cybersecurity Certificate classes in order: Winter 2025 Dates 1st Course Introduction to Cybersecurity 02/03/25-02/28/25 2nd Course Network Security and Defense Strategies 03/03/25-03/28/25 3rd Course Advanced Cyber Threat Analysis and Mitigation 04/07/25-05/02/25 For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Discover the principles of communication that apply across all social networks, how each works and the possible uses for your organization. Learn how social networks are used for two-way communication and marketing. Whether or not you are new to social networks, come away with an increased understanding and practical, how-to techniques to integrate them into your organization. This is a series of 3 courses. Winter 2026 Introduction to Social Media 2/2-2/27/26 Marketing Using Social Media 3/2-3/27/26 Integrating Social Media in Your Organization 4/6-5/1/26 For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Learn how to develop a web course, the principals behind the adoption of technology innovation, and the nature of the online learning environment. Get tips for planning your online course, identifying resources and design guidelines. Discuss the phases of design and development, motivating student-to-student interaction and how to manage it. Get the latest information on copyright issues, assessment and evaluation. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Certificate in Online Teaching. Agenda Unit 1: Overview of the Online Instructional Environment Internet basics Principles behind the adoption of technology innovation The nature of the online learning environment Unit 2: Envisioning Your Online Course Types of web courses Preparing for the move to the Web Analyzing your current course Planning your web course Identifying resources Design guidelines Unit 3: Developing a Web course Team vs. Individual approach to development Phases of design and development Models of web courses Unit 4: Online Interaction Online collaboration Creating an interactive environment Motivating student-student interaction Managing interaction Unit 5: Issues in the Web Environment Managing email Facilitating discussions Class size Copyright For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Discover the ten (10) Project management Knowledge Areas and their support role and relationships to the five (5) Project Management Processes. With these tools in hand, take your project management skills to the next level. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Certificate in Project Management. Class Details Unit 1: Project Integration & Scope Management Integration Management Direct & Manage Project Work Perform Integrated Change Control Scope Management Control Scope Unit 2: Project Time & Cost Management Time Management Sequence Activities Control Schedule Cost Management Plan Cost Management Unit 3: Project Quality, Human Resources & Communications Management Quality Management Human Resources Management Communications Management Unit 4: Project Risk, Procurement & Stakeholder Management Risk Management Plan Risk Responses Procurement Management Stakeholder Management For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Develop a two-way communication and marketing strategy for your organization using social media. Learn quick, easy ways to use Twitter, blogs, and LinkedIn to engage your customers or clients and keep them interested in your organization. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of each, and learn what’s right for your work and kind of organization. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Certificate in Social Media For Business. Class Details Unit 1 Social media as a two-way communication The customer-business relationship The power of viral marketing Building customer loyalty with social media Using social media to brand your organization Unit 2 Creating, marketing and communicating using Blogs How blogs got started Writing blogs for work and business Marketing and promoting your blog Business strategies for blogs Unit 3 How to use Twitter Uniqueness of Twitter Creating tweets and messages Doing research and information gathering with Twitter Integrating Twitter with other publicity Unit 4 LinkedIn: a social media for professionals Why businesses and professionals use LinkedIn How LinkedIn distinguishes itself among social networks Getting connected with LinkedIn Case studies and examples of business and professional uses For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Discover resources for developing game design, identify the mechanics used in different games. Understand the different activities that are part of game design, flesh out a game idea and find out how to work with game developers. Learn the basics of the video game design process, about various video game genres, and begin your journey of making games. This is a series of 2 courses. Winter 2026 Introduction to Game Design 2/2-2/27/26 Intermediate Video Game Design 3/2-3/27/26 For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Discover the financial concepts and accounting processes used in most businesses and practical techniques that will increase your effectiveness and grow your career. Develop a foundation to understand the seven steps in the accounting cycle and use financial information in decision making. Come away with the knowledge to analyze resource allocation and evaluate financial performance. This is a series of 3 courses. Winter 2026 Dates Accounting and Finance for Non-Financial Managers 2/2/26-2/27/26 Cash Is King 3/2/26-3/27/26 Financial Analysis and Planning for Non-Financial Managers 4/6/26-5/1/26 For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Discover the financial concepts and accounting processes used in most businesses and practical techniques that will increase your effectiveness and grow your career. Develop a foundation to understand the seven steps in the accounting cycle and use financial information in decision making. Come away with the knowledge to analyze resource allocation and evaluate financial performance. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Certificate in Accounting and Finance For Non-Financial Managers. Class Details Unit 1: Introduction to Finance The Vocabulary of Finance The Four Basic Elements of Finance The Basic Financial Statements Unit 2: Introduction to Accounting Basic Terminology The Purpose of Accounting The Accounting Cycle Preparing Financial Statements Unit 3: Managing Liabilities Overview of Liabilities The Liabilities of a Business Short-Term Liabilities Long-Term Liabilities Unit 4: Financial Planning Overview of Financial Planning The Importance of Financial Planning The Business Planning Process For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Entrepreneurs must know how to effectively market their product or service. Learn a step by step approach to attract and keep customers, all within a realistic budget. Discover how to build a strong brand, analyze which tactics to use, and implement your marketing plan. Take away practical marketing tips and tools that you can use to improve your marketing efforts. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Entrepreneurship Certificate. Class Details: Unit 1: The Customer as the Driver Marketing Decisions Framework Positioning Your Product or Service Marketing Strategies and Goals Unit 2: Communicating Value to Customers Key Selling Messages Creating Emotional Connections Personal Selling Networking: Your 30-Second Introduction Unit 3: Creating a Strong Brand Managing the Marketing Mix Marketing on a Shoestring Budget Your Marketing Calendar Implementing Your Plan Unit 4: Building Customer Relationships Tools to Meet Your Strategic Goals Online Opportunities and Social Media Checklist Generating Buzz: Word-of-Mouth Marketing Measuring Effectiveness

Being engaged with online learners is one of the biggest weaknesses of online teachers. Come discover how to continually engage students and build student success through your interaction, feedback and communication. You will get first hand experience as your instructor models great interaction and engagement, plus you will come away with practical, how-to tips to better engage your online learners. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Certificate in Online Teaching. Class Details Unit 1: How Continual Engagement Helps You Foster Effective Online Discussions What is continual engagement? Why is continual engagement important? Breaking down the barriers to effective continual engagement in your discussion interaction Unit 2: Building Your Students’ Success through Your Interaction Why continual engagement in online discussion is important to your students’ success Choosing your words carefully in discussion interaction Strategies to use at the beginning of your term Strategies to use as the term gets underway Strategies to use when things get hectic Unit 3: Assessing Your Students’ Performance Giving effective feedback Communicating with students about grades Some special challenges of group work and how to overcome them Unit 4: Keeping Your Communication Skills Sharp How networking with your peers can build your skills Using break times effectively Working with an assistant How online interaction enhances your face-to-face instruction For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Your employees are your most valuable resources. Get practical, easy to understand, and insightful methods for new and experienced supervisors and managers. Learn about effective delegation, performance management, and writing performance reviews. Discuss strategies for improving your overall effectiveness as a leader. Obtain practical information along with tips and techniques that can be applied at your job immediately. Class Details Unit 1: Understanding the Role of the Supervisor Covers the specifics of the supervisor's role and responsibilities, and strategies for improving your overall effectiveness as a leader. Discussion and workshop exercises illustrate ways to save time and effort by understanding the benefits of the functions of management and how to leverage each for maximum productivity. This training is a MUST for new and even experienced supervisors and managers. Unit 2: Effective Delegation Discusses the numerous benefits of delegation, why it is so hard for leaders to do effectively, and what you and your staff can gain from delegation. Exercises include practice using the 6-step Delegation Model. Students are encouraged to use any example from work they feel can help them improve their delegation skills. Unit 3: Performance Management Outlines how to identify, define, and address poor as well as proficient behaviors to facilitate maximum employee performance and engagement. Techniques include how to recognize problem behavior before it progresses, how to reward the right behavior, and ways to motivate strong performers other than pay. Unit 4: Writing Performance Reviews Demystifies the process by providing simple step-by-step methods for identifying what to include in a review, how to deal with specific performance issues, how to keep track of accomplishments and problems during the year, and motivate employees through goal setting, and how to deliver the review once it is complete. For more information, visit our question and answer page -Click Here.

Learn all the basics of Photoshop to effectively work with selection and editing tools, layers, and masks to edit, retouch and enhance existing images or create your own composite digital art work. Impress your business organization, friends and family by enhancing their photos and create magazine cover quality enhanced images. Access to Adobe Photoshop software required. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Graphic Design Software Essentials Certificate. Class Details Unit 1: Getting to know the Interface and Selection Tools Interface menus Tools Panels Working with the various Selection tools Unit 2: Working with Layers and Masks Layers and layer management Non- destructive editing using masks How to type and format text Using various type formatting and style tools and panels Unit 3: Image Correction & Enhancement Photo correction and enhancement tools Crop, dodge and burn Recoloring, retouching Healing brushes Unit 4: Using the Drawing Tools How to use the Pen tool Other drawing tools in Photoshop Advanced drawing and selection File formats How to save files for print or web For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Six Sigma methods have been successfully deployed in many industries and organizations. This challenging Introduction to Six Sigma Green Belt course teaches critical skills required for Six Sigma practitioners. This first course in the certification program explains the basic terms and proven Six Sigma problem-solving methods, team building tools, and descriptive statistics that are the basis for the statistical tools that contribute to the success of improvement projects and to the overall success of your organization. Topics covered include Lean Principles, Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Team Tools, Project Charters, and Basic Statistical Tools. The instructor uses the “flipped” classroom technique and expects participants to go beyond the classroom and use the internet and other resources to learn the material. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Certificate in Six Sigma Green Belt. Class Details Unit 1 Six Sigma Goals Value of Six Sigma Origins of Six Sigma Organizational Drivers Goals and Projects Lean Principles Lean Concepts and Tools Non-Value-Added Activities Theory of Constraints Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) DFSS Road Maps Unit 2 FMEA Define - Teams & Customers Process Management for Projects Process Elements Owners and Stakeholders Identify Customers Collect Customer Data Analyze Customer Data Translate Customer Requirements Team Dynamics and Performance Team Stages and Dynamics Six Sigma and Other Team Roles Team Tools Communications Unit 3 Define - Projects, Tools & Results Project Management Basics Project Charter Project Scope Project Metrics Project Planning Tools Project Documentation Project Risk Analysis Project Closure Management and Planning Tools Business Results for Projects Process Performance Unit 4 Descriptive Statistics For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Designed for non-financial managers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and other decision-makers, this advanced course will take the mystery out of money matters. Learn to assess and analyze the financial information that drives your business. Be empowered to make smart decisions when it comes to budgeting, setting goals, and assessing performance within your own area of influence. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Certificate in Accounting and Finance For Non-Financial Managers.. Class Details Unit 1: Financial Strategies 1.1 Your Role in Financial Decision Making Who is responsible for the financial decisions in your company? The Goal of Business 1.2 Understand the Language of Finance Accounting as a Language Learn the Language Visual Activity – Accounting Process Accounting and Recordkeeping Systems Self Check – Account Categories 1.3 Read the Story A Word about Financial Concepts ***Financial Concept: The Accounting Equation*** ***Financial Concept: The Matching Principle*** The Common Financial Statements Income Statement The Balance Sheet Statement of Cash Flows 1.4 The Purpose of Financial Statements Unit 2: Financial Dashboard – Introduction to Financial Gauges 2.1 Understand Basic Financial Concepts Introduction The Story Statements Tell ***Financial Concept: The Accounting Equation*** ***Financial Concept: The Profit Matching Principle*** ***Financial Concept: The Fund Matching Principle*** ***Financial Concept: Cash Basis vs. Accrual Basis Accounting Methods*** ***Financial Concept: Cash vs. Profits*** ***Financial Concept: Debt vs. Equity (Optimum Capital Structure)*** 2.2 Financial Strategies Financial strategies stem from business goals Take a Look: Example Financial Strategies 2.3 Financial Gauges Introduction to Financial Gauges Your Financial Gauges Profitability-based gauges Performance-based gauges 2.4 Reading Your Financial Gauges The Story Financial Gauges Tell Research and Analysis Unit 3: Financial Gauges - Profitability 3.1 Profitability Gauges Ratio Analysis Financial Gauge: Net Profit Margin (or) The Bottom Line Financial Gauge Gross Profit Margin Financial Gauge: Operating Margin Using Profitability Ratios 3.2 The Components of Profitability The Origin of Profits Sales and Expenses 3.3 Sales Sales Strategies Pricing Strategies 3.4 Cost of Goods Sold and Cost of Sales Cost of Goods Sold Gross Profit Margin Gross Profit Analysis and Planning Evaluate Profitability of Product or Service Lines 3.5 Expenses Budget vs. Actual Analysis Cost Management and Efficiency Unit 4: Financial Gauges - Performance 4.1 Making Money The Goal of Business Value Growth Company Resources 4.2 Taking Advantage of Assets Tangible vs. Intangible Assets Cash 4.3 Making the Most of Liabilities and Equity Liabilities Equity 4.4 Performance Financial Gauges Financial Gauge: Current and Quick Ratio (Liquidity) Financial Gauge: Return on Assets Financial Gauge: Return on Equity Financial Gauge: Debt to Equity Ratio 4.5 Financial Analysis and Planning Summary Downtown Publishing Financial Performance Analysis Summary For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Stay current with this class. Examine the life of an Excel worksheet and workbook, from creation to presentation. Learn how an Excel worksheet is constructed, populated with content, and edited for delivery. Master the options that can take your Excel worksheet from plain, drab numbers to exciting and engaging multimedia. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Certificate in Mastering Excel. Class Details Unit 1: Excel From The Ground Up Why businesses use Excel for spreadsheet management Technical requirements to use Excel (and all Office modules) Launch Excel and create your first Excel worksheet Discover how to protect and save your document Set your document’s Properties and Attributes including Subject, Title and Author Unit 2: Excel Document Creation Explore the different parts of the Excel worksheet and document navigation Understand cells and their makeup Learn how to populate, format and merge cells Create multiple worksheet “workbooks” Learn how to insert comments and check spelling Unit 3: Advanced Features and Functionality Create and manage formulas and functions Filter and sort tables and data Create “live” connections between multiple worksheets Create effective and informative table and charts Unit 4: Excel Management and Sharing Create meaningful file names and understand filing systems to manage Excel documents Organize your documents on your hard drive and learn how to copy and move documents Manage track changes when co-authoring documents Printing and PDF file creation including setting print areas Learn how to export Excel tables and charts to PowerPoint presentations and Word documents Use Outlook to send Excel worksheets and workbooks to other users For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Discover how to create a worksheet used to adjust account balances and prepare financial statements. Use your financial statements to measure performance, make improvements and set goals. Finally, learn how to close your books and prepare them for the next accounting period; this is done by journalizing and posting closing entries. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Bookkeeping Certificate. Class Details: Unit 1: Prepare a Worksheet What is a worksheet Columns included in the worksheet Completing each column Unit 2: The Income Statement Review the worksheet columns for the Income Statement Prepare the income statement Determine a profit or loss Unit 3: The Balance Sheet Review the worksheet columns for the Balance Sheet Prepare the balance sheet Unit 4: Closing Entries and Statement of Changes in Owner’s Equity Prepare post-closing entries for revenue and expense accounts Prepare a statement of changes in owner’s equity Applying year-end steps monthly or quarterly For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Transform your customer service into something extraordinary. Extraordinary customer service comes from focusing on the few essential elements that yield big results. Discover how easy it is to tweak your customer service from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Create a customer service plan that focuses on the key elements to get you started on your pathway to success. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 2 course Certificate in Customer Service. Class Details: Unit 1: Understanding Your Customer Why customer service is important Knowing your customer Customers are constantly evaluating you Basic customer service skills you may not have thought of Unit 2: Setting Customer Expectations Analyzing customer contacts Developing internal customer targets How to easily exceed your customers' expectations Unit 3: Developing Effective Processes What is working for your customers Re-engineering your process Ways to give the best information Handling complaints Unit 4: Marking Customer Service Extraordinary Tweaking the customer's experience Telling the world how great you are Having fun For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.

Advanced Excel contains tools that can help you prepare your worksheets accurately, examine your data for authentication, and find answers to your most difficult questions. Learn required business functions along with tools required to analyze data efficiently within the workplace. Save time by protecting your valuable data. Discover how to attractively visualize your data into meaningful information with confidence. This course can be taken alone or as part of the 3 course Certificate in Mastering Excel. Class Details Unit 1: Advanced Functions Used To Make Business Decisions Applying multiple criteria to functions Using And criteria Using Or criteria Using And and Or and Not criteria Advanced Logical functions Using If -Then control statements Implementing If functions with Aggregate functions Unit 2: Functions Used to Make Financial Decisions Learning basic financial functions Applying functions to perform loan calculations Computing loan payments Computing interest rate Computing number of payment periods Computing present value of a loan Working with additional functions Unit 3: Applying Different Scenarios Using Excel Data Tools Understanding Different What-If Analysis Tools Performing What-If Analysis to see how data changes outcomes in formulas Using Scenario Manager Using Data Tables Using Goal Seek Applying rules to manage cell data Implement validation rules to avoid invalid entries Entering validation rules Avoiding duplicate data entries Unit 4: Powerful Tools Used to Complete Data Implementation and Analysis Exporting and Importing Data into Workbook Protecting a workbook Making improved business decisions using pivot tables Creating an Excel Dashboard to visually display relevant data For more information, visit our question and answer page - Click Here.