> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.simnetonline.com/instructor-experience/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.simnetonline.com/instructor-experience/getting-started/getting-to-know-simnet/simbooks-series.md).
# SIMbooks Series
Choosing the right materials for your students
Within SIMnet there are two main book series created by different authors using different methodologies. This gives your school the ability to select the appropriate series for your needs. It also means that some parts of SIMnet can be accessible or inaccessible to your students depending upon what your school has elected to make available to students. When you are setting up your course, be sure to review your materials and ensure that the materials you selected will be available to your students.
When a course includes assignments using materials that are not provided with the license purchased by a student, they will receive a License Issues notification for that course. Clicking on it will show the items they do not have a license for. You can also view Missing Modules in the student's Snapshot (profile).
Currently, there is a 2021 and 365 (2024) version for each application and series.
### A Skills Approach
Methodology:
The *A Skills Approach* series features the four main Microsoft applications: Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word. The Office level book encompasses the introductory chapters of all four applications and the introductory Essential Skills for Microsoft Office. This includes the first five chapters of Word and Excel, and the first four chapters of Access and PowerPoint.
Each application also has a Complete book. The Complete books include the introductory chapters of each application and additional chapters. The Word book includes 9 chapters and 2 addendums on Mailing and advanced features. The Excel book includes 10 chapters. The Access book includes 8 chapters and 1 addendum on macros. The PowerPoint book includes 8 chapters.
### In Practice
Methodology:
The In Practice book series features the four main Microsoft applications: Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word, plus Outlook. The Office level book encompasses the introductory chapters of all four applications and the introductory Essential Skills for Microsoft Office. The introductory chapters include the first four chapters of Word, Excel and Access, and the first three chapters of PowerPoint.
Each application also has a Complete book. The Complete books include the introductory chapters of each application and additional chapters. The Word book includes 12 chapters. The Excel book includes 11 chapters. The Access book includes 10 chapters. The PowerPoint book includes 7 chapters.
### Additional modules included with both series:
* Internet Browsers
* Outlook (module, not full book)
* Windows 11 & File Management
* Computer Concepts
* Technology at Your Service
* Introduction to Generative AI & Copilot
* Data Analytics Using Excel (module, not full book)
* MOS Exam Preparation
### Computing Essentials
The Computing Essentials textbook includes 13 chapters on using technology and computers both as a consumer and a professional.
### Applied Data Analytics Using Microsoft Power Tools
Methodology:
*Applied Data Analytics Using Microsoft Power Tools* is organized around the full data analytics process, beginning with foundational definitions and an introduction to the data analytics process before moving into visualization, data extraction and transformation, modeling, and sharing. The methodology emphasizes a practical progression from understanding data analytics concepts to applying them through Power BI, Excel PivotTables and PivotCharts, Power Query, Power Pivot, and DAX.
The product uses parallel chapters across Excel and Power BI where appropriate, allowing instructors to tailor coverage based on course goals, student experience, and available institutional resources. Its methodology combines step-by-step instruction, hands-on practice, real-world applications, and interactive learning to help students develop descriptive, diagnostic, and semantic modeling skills while building confidence with industry-standard Microsoft data tools. The SIMbook contains 18 chapters devoted to Power BI concepts and 5 chapters that cover similar concepts in Excel. Each chapter contains Show Me, Guide Me, and Let Me Try interactivities as well as simulated exam questions and autograded projects.
### SIMbook Files
Each SIMbook includes additional resources to assist instructors. They can be downloaded all at once, or in sections as you prefer.
SIMnet provides the following types of textbook files:
* Instructor Manual
* Instructor PowerPoint
* Let Me Try Data Files
* Let Me Try Solution Files
* Project Data Files
* Project Solution Files
* Show Me Audio Transcripts
### Student Learning Objectives (SLO)
At its core, each SIMbook is a series of concepts for students to learn and skills for students to master. These skills may appear individually on each page of the SIMbook or grouped together as many skills on a page, depending on which book series is being used. These skills or learning objectives are represented by single interactivities in a SIMbook, single questions on an Exam, or single points on a Project.
The Objective denotes the location of the information on the SIMbook page by the book series, version, application, chapter, and page. For example, one Student Learning Objective would look like this: *SA24-WD-02.01.* This SLO is from the Skills Approach book series (SA), Office 2024/365 version (24), Word application (WD), Chapter 2 (02), Skill 1 (01).
Student Learning Objectives can be used to compare different SIMbook series to determine which skills are covered.
They can be used to review Project Results to determine how a student did on each skill throughout the project. There are also SLO reports organized by Objective and by Question.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Learn more:** Create Report
{% endhint %}
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:
```
GET https://help.simnetonline.com/instructor-experience/getting-started/getting-to-know-simnet/simbooks-series.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
