Computer Applications

General Course Description: Computer Applications is designed to provide each student with essential introductory skills and knowledge necessary to use computer hardware and software in daily life and occupational tasks.  The student will learn to utilize computer hardware and software to improve and enhance English, science, history, mathematics, or elective subject projects, presentations, or critiques.  Emphasis is placed on common applications including windows, word processing, data base management, and spreadsheet.

Competencies and Suggested Objective(s):

1. Develop a basic understanding of terminology and applications, components, and care associated with the use of microcomputers.
   a. Describe the purpose and goals of the course.
   b. Describe basic applications of computers.
   c. Identify and describe the use or function of the basic components of a computer system.
   d. Identify terminology associated with computers.
   e. Describe precautions and care related to the proper use of computers and accessories.
   f. Demonstrate the ability to set up and adjust a simple computer system.
2. Develop basic competencies associated with the use of a disk operating system.
   a. Demonstrate the ability to load and reset a disk operating system (cold boot and warm boot).
   b. Describe the rules for naming files used with a disk operating system.
   c. Demonstrate the procedures for accessing different disk drives in a computer system.
   d. Demonstrate fundamental disk operating system commands.
3. Develop basic competencies associated with the use of the computer keyboard.
   a. Demonstrate proper use of the alphabetic keyboard by touch.
   b. Identify the special control keys on a computer keyboard.
4. Develop basic competencies associated with word processing applications.
   a. Demonstrate the use of basic word processing commands.
   b. Demonstrate basic text formatting procedures.
   c. Demonstrate basic editing/proofing procedures.
   d. Demonstrate storage and retrieval procedures.
   e. Demonstrate the ability to produce a memo.
   f. Demonstrate the ability to produce a business letter.
   g. Demonstrate the ability to produce a multi-page report.
5. Develop basic competencies associated with data base management applications.
   a. Identify terminology used with data base management applications.
   b. Design, create, and save a data base file.
   c. Retrieve and manipulate data within a data base file.
   d. Generate a report from a data base file.
6. Develop basic competencies associated with spreadsheet applications.
   a. Identify terminology used with spreadsheet applications.
   b. Demonstrate the use of basic spreadsheet format commands.
   c. Write formulas using basic arithmetic operations.
   d. Demonstrate the use of basic spreadsheet functions.
   e. Develop, enter, and modify data; save to disk, exit the program, and retrieve; and print a hard copy of a simple spreadsheet file.