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INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS:  COURSE OUTLINE

(EMERY ADULT LEARNING CENTRE )

TEXTBOOKS

There are no textbooks per se.  However, the following resources are recommended:

• Visual 3D Series by maranGraphics  ( www.maran.com  )
• The World of Computers by Rob Kelley
• Encyclopaedia Encarta ( www.encarta.com )
• Encyclopaedia Britannica ( www.britannica.com )
• Sources from Internet:  ( www.canadacomputes.com )
• Sources from local library:  series of videos on computers.

ASSESSMENT

• Classroom assignments  40%

• Tests 20%

• Final exam 30%

• Participation 10%

NOTE:  THIS IS A TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF CONTENT.  SOME PARTS MIGHT BE ALTERED AS THE COURSE GOES ON.

COURSE CONTENT

Unit I – Operating the computer

Students will be able to

• Turn on/off the computer
• To name and be aware of the functions of input/output devices
• Understand the internal parts of the computers and being able to name them
• Be able to perform basic computer functions such as loading programs and saving files

 Topics include:

1. Computer in our lives:  at home, at school, different uses of computers, benefits and disadvantages.
2. Types of computers:  mainframe, pc, Macintosh, laptop.
3. Parts of a PC computer:  input, processor, memory, output, peripherals (output).
4. Operation of the computer:  parts inside, power on, logon, accessing a program, use of a program, save to file, edit-save-and-print.
5. Use of machine language for communication:  bits, bytes, Mb, Gb.

Unit 2 – Microsoft Office 97 Suite

Students will be

• Proficient in basic computer tasks such as saving to file, open/close a program, print
• Able to use Word, Excel, Power Point and Access (optional) on the fundamental level
• Able to understand the nature and purpose of each program within the suite

 Topics include:

1. Microsoft Word:  basic functions such as margins, tables, font size, word art, printing etc.
2. Microsoft Excel: basic functions such as cells, functions, replicating, formulas, borders, printing etc.
3. Microsoft PowerPoint:  templates, graphics, formatting, printing etc.
4. Microsoft Access (optional):  functions, planning and accessing, file creation and data entry, formatting, printing etc.

Unit 3 – Impact of Computers on Society

Students will be able to examine

• The many uses of computers in our society
• The extend to which the PC is used in diverse ways
• the implications and consequences of this widespread use
• the rapidly occurring changes in technology and their effect on our society

 Topics include:

1. The uses of computers:  problem solving, info storage, science, simulations, art, teaching, exploration, entertainment, artificial intelligence etc..
2. Problems with computers:  breakdowns, errors, compromised security, job redundancy, computer crime etc.
3. The future:  DVD, use of lasers, quantum computing, wireless world etc.

Unit 4 – Internet: its history and modern it’s use

Students will

• Be Aware of the history of the Internet

• Understand Its nature and importance in modern world
• Understand the dynamics of how it works
• Be able to use an internet browser for common internet tasks such as browsing, emailing, ftp’ing and researching
• Be able to conduct their own research on an assigned topic
• Become aware of new IT (internet technologies) emerging by actively browsing the net