Computer Technology Department

Essential Knowledge and Skills

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of basic computer concepts and terminology. Students will be introduced to computer hardware components as well as how to use common software applications to accomplish specific tasks. Students will also learn how to safely and effectively use the Internet as a valuable resource tool and how to properly use email as a communication tool. In addition, social and ethical impact of technology in our lives will be explored.

Indicators of Student Learning

Upon the completion of this course, students will:

Communication

• Understand and demonstrate the factors of becoming a good presenter.

• Understand the factors for producing a visual and informative presentation versus and distracting presentation.

• Demonstrate the ability to blend various media objects such as sound, images, video and text in a presentation to deliver the intended message.

• Understand the importance of intended audience for the presentation.

• Demonstrate the productive use of common Powerpoint tools.

• Demonstrate the best way to deliver a message using presentations.

Basic Computer Technology Concepts

• Develop an appreciation of current technologies and the importance of technology evolution by gaining good understanding of the history of computers.

• Demonstrate via written assignments, group discussions, and presentations the social, economical, and environmental impact technology currently has and might have in the future of evolving technologies.

• Be able to identify different types of computers, their sizes, and their uses.

• Become comfortable with the identification of different computer components both inside and out. Skill in troubleshooting problems with a computer using this knowledge is the objective outcome.

• Understand the practical use of the information processing cycle of the computer and identify electronically how data is processed.

• Identify different types of software applications their practical uses and demonstrate deciding the best application to use for solving a given problem.

• Understand what System Software and how it interacts with the computer hardware and other software.

• Demonstrate the ability to digitally organize files and folders on a computer.

• Understand the basic importance and benefits of a networking system.

Word Processing/Desktop Publishing

• Understand the purpose and use of Word Processing applications.

• Demonstrate through document exercises and activities the standard formatting requirements of most educational institutions.

• Demonstrate the ability to decide on the most efficient way to create a new document or edit an existing document. Word Processing/Desktop Publishing(continued)

• Demonstrate the proper use formatting styles to produce easy to read documents.

• Understand how to use and combine tables, columns, images in producing professional documents such as, newsletters, brochures, and flyers.

• Be able to identify the differences between graphic design and desktop publishing.

• Be able to create and properly format business documents and reports

• Understand how to gather information for research papers and properly format standard citing of sources.

• Introduce basic design and color management techniques.

• Demonstrate critical thinking skills by answering daily prompt thoughts into journals.

Internet / World Web

• Understand the history and evolution of the Internet and World Wide Web.

• Understand common terminology of the Internet and World Wide Web.

• Demonstrate the effective and efficient use of search engines for information gathering.

• Understand the ethical and legal use of information authored by others on the Web.

• Apply certain criteria in evaluating the usefulness and accuracy of information presented by Web Sites.

• Understand the concepts of viruses, spyware, and spam and how to protect themselves from these problems.

Spreadsheet

• Understand the useful application in using this software.

• Introduce the principles and importance of keeping track budgeting and personal finances.

• Demonstrate the use of visually representing data using graphs and charts.

• Utilize various functions and formulas to reduce errors and increase productivity.

• Demonstrate the ability to produce and print easy to read spreadsheets using templates and other basic techniques.

Assessment

Upon the completion of this course, students will:

• Understand the social, ethical and economical affects today’s technology has in the world.

• Utilize common software applications to perform specific tasks.

• Identify computer hardware and other peripheral devices.

• Familiar with common technology terms.

• Be equipped to use the Internet efficiently and safely.