Computer Basics Course Outline Resources & Reference

Beginnings

Additional Classes

Keyboarding

Learn correct keyboarding techniques of keying by touch while keeping eyes on the copy, keeping fingers down while typing and proper ergonomics.

Certificates are given for:

Basic Keyboarding

30 words per minute at 95 % accuracy

Advanced Keyboarding

50 words per minute at 95% accuracy

Ten-Key

Use and proficiency on the ten-key pad on the computer keyboard by touch.

Certificates are given for

Basic 10 Key

150 keys per minute at 95 % accuracy

Windows

An introduction to the basic functions of Windows, the objects on the desktop, Windows applications, and file management. Students will learn to start and shut down their computer, the specialized use of a Taskbar, and to work with more than one open application at a time.

Certificates are given for

Office Computing Basics

Upon completion of projects

Introduction to Word Processing

This core section is designed to introduce the many features, purposes, and uses of Microsoft Word, teacheing basic word processing skills such as:

1. Using drop-down menus and ribbon icons
2. Using the ruler bar in both normal and page layout views
3. Saving and retrieving text
4. Updating text
5. Inserting, deleting, finding and replacing text.
6. Copying and moving text
7. Learn spell check and the thesaurus
8. Changing the text margins
9. Setting and deleting tab settings
10. Changing the line spacing
11. Adding bullets and numbers
12. Changing font size and style of text
13. Set up letters & memos
14. Print envelopes & labels from a contact list
15. Basic proofreading skills

Students also learn to use functions such as mail merge, templates, beginning desktop publishing, setting columns, using borders and shading, inserting section breaks, adding headers and footers, merging labels, grammar check, auto text, and auto correct. Students learn problem-solving techniques on the computer.

Certificates are given for

Word Processing Basics

Upon completion of projects

Introduction to Spreadsheets

Learn the basic elements of a spreadsheet and how to create simple formulas for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This course teaches students how to insert and delete columns and rows; how to copy, add, and delete cell information; and how to enhance the appearance of a spreadsheet.

Certificates are given for

Spreadsheet Basics

Upon completion of projects

Introduction to Databases

This section is designed to introduce the many features and purposes of databases using Microsoft Access. The primary skill learned will be building a table, change the table design, work with records and retrieve data.

Certificates are given for

Database Basics

Upon completion of projects

Introduction to Presentations

This section is designed to introduce the many features and purposes of presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint. Students will learn to switch from slide view to outline view, how to add slides and view previous slides, work in both outline and slide view, add headers and footers to a slide, save, print, and retrieve a presentation.

Certificates are given for

Presentation Basics

Upon completion of projects

E-Mail

Create an E-mail account and send E-mail messages, retrieve E-mail, and send E-mail with attachments. Specialized vocabulary related to E-mail will be introduced. E-mail will be used ONLY for academic purposes.

Introduction to the Internet

Particulars to accessing the Internet, its terminology, and main research methods will be introduced. Students will master writing URL address, performing string searches, and doing and/or extensions to searches. The Internet will be used ONLY for academic purposes.

Integrating Software Packages

Learn to integrate the Office suite programs with such activities as importing and exporting into Word or Excel, and importing an Excel graph into PowerPoint. Creation of address books, mailing labels and charting and graphing will reinforce the skills learned.

GED Programs

Students can access GED prep programs on the computer. Pre-GED Software is also available.

ESL Programs

The computer lab is available for all ESL students. English as a second language (ESL) software and internet links are also available to all students to use at home for ESL programs.

Employment Programs

Employment programs are offered to help students create or improve their portfolio in order to find, apply, hold, and advance in a career. WOIS and Employment Resume templates are available on state employment web sites.