Tech Talks

Tech Talks: Excel Data Analysis and Dynamic Array Formulas

Excel is rapidly evolving, bringing powerful new features to enhance your data analysis capabilities.

One of the most exciting developments is dynamic arrays, transforming how we handle data. Join us for this 30-minute Tech Talk, where you'll discover the incredible potential of dynamic arrays and array formulas. Prepare for your eureka moment as you learn to leverage these tools for more efficient and insightful data analysis.

This session will cover: 

• Introduction to Dynamic Arrays
• Key Functions and Formulas
• Practical Applications​

Speaker: Igor Ovchinnikov

Igor Ovchinnikov has been teaching software productivity classes for over 20 years. Stanford staff have enjoyed his training since around 2007. His training philosophy stems from a strong belief that learning is a perpetual cycle of discoveries and improvement.

Tech Talks: Figma in a Flash: Prototype and Design Quickly

Figma is a powerful web-based design tool that enables real-time collaboration and simplifies the process of creating and sharing designs. Join this 30-minute introductory workshop to discover the basics of Figma, from setting up your first project to creating an interactive website prototype.

This Tech Talk covers: 

• Setting up your first project
• Using Frames and Styles
• Formatting techniques
• Creating interactive buttons

This session is perfect for beginners looking for a quick start with Figma.

Speaker: David Casuto

David Casuto is a 20-year veteran in the fields of software training, curriculum design, and training facilitation. He’s designed, developed and taught courses on Adobe presentation/graphic design applications, video editing tools, eLearning development, web design and Microsoft Office programs.

Tech Talks: Saving Stanford Branding to Adobe Creative Cloud Libraries

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Explore how to compile and manage design assets with Adobe Creative Cloud Libraries, accessible across all Creative Cloud apps, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, XD, and After Effects.

In this Tech Talk, we'll cover:

• Building a library using the Stanford Brand Guide
• Incorporating assets into your design projects
• Streamlining workflows for teams

Join us to discover the fastest way to enhance your design efficiency. 

​Speaker: Rebekah Venturini

Rebekah is a professional graphic designer and artist. She graduated with an MFA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and received a BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She freelances through her company, Atomic Graphics, and teaches Digital Illustration, Intro to Visual Communication, Raster Graphics, and History of Graphic Design. Since 2018, Rebekah has been pursuing public art projects.

Tech Talks: InDesign for Canva Users: A New Design Horizon

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Some software does the driving for you, while other software lets you grab the wheel and shift into overdrive. If Canva has helped you create visually pleasing documents but you feel limited by its functionality, it's time to explore Adobe InDesign!

Even without formal training in graphic design or other Adobe programs, you can create stunning layouts in InDesign with more freedom and control than Canva.

In this Tech Talk, we will cover:

• Similarities and differences between Canva and InDesign
• Enhanced design capabilities of InDesign
• Benefits of switching from Canva to InDesign

Ditch the Canva learner's permit and hit the open road with InDesign.

Speaker: Rebekah Venturini

Rebekah is a professional graphic designer and artist. She graduated with an MFA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and received a BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She freelances through her company, Atomic Graphics, and teaches Digital Illustration, Intro to Visual Communication, Raster Graphics, and History of Graphic Design. Since 2018, Rebekah has been pursuing public art projects.

Tech Talks: ChatGPT: Which Intelligence Rules the Future?

Tools like Chat GPT give you access to new capabilities and can process massive amounts of information faster than humans. In this talk, Ray Villalobos, Senior Staff Instructor at LinkedIn shows you where we are and where we're going. Some of the amazing things the models can already do and the agentive behavior that will help us change the way humans will interact with machines in the near future. Will AI be more like Robbie the Robot, HAL 9000 or R2D2, and will our intelligence or theirs dominate the future?

Speaker: Ray Villalobos

Ray Villalobos is an AI and Full-stack Development teacher and trainer. He works as a Senior Staff Instructor at LinkedIn Learning where he's author more than 120 courses. He's also a public speaker who has appeared in conferences like GitHub Universe, OReilly's Fluent and others.

His content focuses on Artificial Intelligence and development topics such as ChatGPT, MidJourney, React and Tailwind CSS and tools that can make you faster and more efficient. He has a clear and practical teaching style and will help you improve your skills through real-world exercises and projects.