Course description

Computer Skills

Course Description

Computer Skills will provide students hands on experience with the basic functions of computer hardware, computer literacy terms and Microsoft Office 2003. In the first semester, students will learn Microsoft Word on their own laptop computers while using proper keyboarding techniques. Microsoft Word is the word processing application included in the Microsoft Office Suite and is used to create text-based documents such as letters, memos, reports, flyers, newsletters and more needed for college or their career. Class time will be spent demonstrating and explaining the basic concepts of the new lessons, and reviewing areas from previous lessons where students have had difficulty. Students will be expected to complete keyboarding assignments each week between class times.

During the second semester, students will learn 3 other parts of Microsoft Office 2003 suite: Excel, Access and PowerPoint. Excel is the spreadsheet component used to organize and calculate data, track financial data, and create charts and graphs. Access is Microsoft’s powerful database tool. Using Access students will learn to store, retrieve, and report on information. PowerPoint is used to create dynamic on-screen presentations. Students may create a career research project at the conclusion of the Computer Skills course. What better way to prepare for high school, college and acquire business skills than to complete this course in the Microsoft Office Suite!

Text: There will be a $20 materials fee for this class. This includes use of the textbook Learning Microsoft Office 2003 and the instructional CD for students to use in class and at home. Each student will need a laptop computer and Microsoft Office Suite 2003. Please contact Diane at [email protected] if you have questions.

Class Expectations

Come to class on time and prepared.
1. Attend to personal needs before coming to class.
2. Follow directions the first time they are given
3. Leave gum, candy, food and beverages out of class and away from computers
4. Exception: students may bring a bottle of water or water in a closed container to class (Keep away from your computer)
5. Leave music CD's, CD players, headsets and cell phones out of the classroom.
Bring to class every week
1. Your laptop computer
2. the textbook Learning Microsoft Office 2003
3. your folder with printouts of your assignments
4. pen/pencil and paper

Be considerate of other students and the teacher.
1. Work quietly
2. Use polite speech and body language.
3. Clean up your workspace (leave no litter).
Students are expected to follow the public schools’ "Acceptable Use of the Internet" policy which means educational and career development purposes;” not music, not games, not email, not shopping, etc. To read the entire policy, go to http://www.columbus.k12.oh.us/staup_revised.pdf
Students are expected to demonstrate proper keyboarding techniques and computer safety. See links on the website www.geocities.com/careercon2003
Students and parents are encouraged to contact the instructor via email inbetween class sessions for assistance on any assignments.

Grades

You are responsible to EARN your grade (your “paycheck” while in school) and you will be evaluated on the following:

Each student should keep an assignment or log sheet of possible points and points earned for each assignment. The student should be able to calculate at the end of each week his/her percentage earned and thus the current grade for the class.

1. Quietly working in class

2. Organized class folder of all completed assignments and handouts

3. Daily class participation in discussions and class activities

4. Assignments—either on computer or on worksheets

5. Active listening—questions, notes or summary