College Computer Applications

COLLEGE COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Standards and Benchmarks

1.         Have a basic understanding of the components, operations and uses of a computer which will include the following components:

            1.1.     identify the basic computer hardware components including keyboard, CPU, mouse and monitor.

            1.2.     define and explain the basic computer operations of the computer including input,  processing, output, and storage.

            1.3.     describe the use and handling of floppy disks and hard disks;

            1.4.     discuss computer software and explain the difference between system software and application software.

            1.5.     describe several types of applications software and be competent in the choice of appropriate software applications in relation to particular end products.

2.         Have working knowledge of the fundamentals of Windows XP/Mac OS which will include the following components:

            2.1.     explain an operating system and user interface.

            2.2.     use items on the Windows XP/Mac OS desktop including My Computer, Inbox, Recycle Bin, taskbar tray status area, and Start button.

            2.3.     perform basic operations including how to maneuver mouse operations, window operations, move items, start an application, create a document, save a document, print documents, close an application, modify a document, shut down Windows XP/MacOS.

            2.4.     understand the function and how to use elements of the My Computer/desktop icons such as how to display contents of a folder, expand and collapse a folder, change the view, create/name/delete folders, and rename and delete a file.

3.         Have a basic understanding of the Internet which will include the following components:

            3.1.     describe the Internet, hypermedia and browsers and their functions.

            3.2.     start Netscape/Explorer/Firefox.

            3.3.     create and remove bookmarks, save Web pages on disk, print Web pages, save graphic images on disk, copy and paste from Web pages.

            3.4.     be capable of search techniques using Internet Directory, Alta Vista, Infoseek, Lycos.

4.         Be proficient in the use of Microsoft Word which will include the following components:

            4.1.     describe word processing and its function.

            4.2.     start the software package.

            4.3.     work within the program in areas that include being able to enter text into a document, import a graphic, scale graphics, save documents, spell check, print, maneuver throughout the document, change margins, display the number of words in a document, add footnotes, create tables, insert page breaks, create hanging indent, and quit Word.

            4.4.     change default settings for line spacing adjustment, indentations of paragraphs, font, font size, justifications, bold, underline, and italicize.

            4.5.     use built in wizards and templates to create documents including knowledge of            different styles used in documents, addition of borders to documents, drag and drop operations, the use of print preview to view and print a document, and copy and paste between two open documents.

5.         Have a working knowledge of the creation and use of spreadsheets which will include the following components:

            5.1.     describe spreadsheets and their function.

            5.2.     start Excel program.

            5.3.     use built in commands and functions to format the spreadsheet.

            5.4.     correct errors, print a worksheet, save, add columns, selecting cells, centering information, use AutoFormat, use formulas, enter titles and numbers, copy a range of cells, change column width and row height, spell check.

6.         Have a working knowledge of the creation and use of databases which will include the following components:

            6.1.     describe database and its function.

            6.2.     create a database and a table.

            6.3.     work within the database using function keys to accomplish tasks such as defining fields, adding records, closing database, printing, using different views, and create custom reports.

            6.4.     learn how to create queries, use queries, print answers to queries, save queries, compound criteria, locate records, delete records, work within various frame works of fields, and create indexes.

7.         Have a working knowledge of the creation and use of presentation software which will include the following components:

            7.1.     describe presentation software and its function.

            7.2      create a presentation package.

            7.3.     start PowerPoint program.

                        7.4.     work within the PowerPoint using function keys to accomplish tasks such as creating a title slide, changing font and size of font, saving a presentation, editing          a presentation, adding a new slide, printing both slide view and outline view, copy a slide, adding headers and footers to outline pages, adding transition effects, closing and viewing a presentation.

            7.5.     learn how to change slide order, use bullets, Style Checker, Design Template, Outline view, ClipArt Gallery, and Slide Show view.

8.         Have a working knowledge of personal information management which will include the following components:

            8.1.     describe scheduler software and its function.

            8.2.     learn how to log onto Schedule+.

            8.3.     create a schedule.

            8.4.     work within the program to save, edit and delete appointments, move appointments, schedule events, create to do lists, and print a schedule.

9.         Complete a project designed to integrate information from Word, Excel, and Access.