Computer Literacy

Faculty of Engineering,
The Built Environment & Information Technology
Technology for tomorrow

Study Guide 2012

Computer Literacy 101: ITCL102

Department of Applied Informatics

South Campus

Compiled by: A. Petratos

 Computer Literacy

1. General
Subject : Computer Literacy 101
Subject Code : ITCL102
Level : 1

2. Staff
HOD: Mr Mark Thomson
Office number: North Campus: R252
Tel number: 041- 504-3826
E-mail: Mark.Thomson@nmmu.ac.za

LECTURER INFO:
Lecturer Day Class: Mrs S Petratos
Office number: South Campus: 090239
Tel number: 041-5042763
E-mail: Sue.petratos@nmmu.ac.za

Lecturer Evening Class: Mr RG Leppan

Office number: North Campus: R236
Tel number: 041-5049109
E-mail: Ronald.Leppan@nmmu.ac.za

Admin Assistant: Mrs L Vincent

Office number: South Campus: 090239
Tel number: 041-5042763
E-mail: Liesel.Vincent@nmmu.ac.za

Last reviewed: July 2012

3. Purpose
The purpose of this subject is to empower learners to harness the power of ICT.

This is in line with government initiatives to promote a technically literate workforce that can
contribute to a dynamic economy and participate in the Information Society. It also supports
the NMMU’s mission to deliver graduates with the necessary technological, management,
entrepreneurial and social skills to solve problems and implement innovative ideas in their
chosen fields.

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4. Methodology
The methodology employed in this course covers a wide array of teaching methods. Learners
will attend lectures, partake in group discussions, read prescribed material, complete
assignments and take written and practical tests. Learners are required to prepare for
and/review various topics in their own time.

ITCL102 is offered full time on the South Campus. ITCL102 is composed of group A, a full
time day class and also group E that is offered in the evening on North Campus. Students
must ensure that they are on the correct class list.

4.1 Lecture Times

Lectures will be used to explain/demonstrate the topics to be covered during the
practical session that are to follow. Lectures are essential to the preparation for the
practical session. If a student misses this lecture he/she is expected to read the work
covered and still be prepared for the practical session based on the topic covered.

Summerstrand South & North Campus

Course Code Day Time Venue

ITCL102 (A) Tuesday 8:30 – 9:05 Building 35 00 40

Wednesday 14:35 – 15:20 Building

35 00 05

ITCL102 (E) Monday 17:30 – 18:50 R Block

230
(North Campus)

4.2 Practical Times

Each week a student must attend two Practical Sessions.
In your practical session you will learn how to apply theoretical knowledge and how to
implement (practically do) it on the computer. You cannot do your practicals unless
you have read through and have a thorough understanding of the topic for that week.
The aim is to apply what you have learned, during self-study and lectures, in a
practical manner on the PC.
It is of utmost importance to do all practicals and not to fall behind. Assistants are
available during practical sessions for your queries. Please do not hesitate to ask for
their help.

South Campus
The practical sessions are held in the CS&IS computer laboratories in Embizweni
Building, second floor i.e. 09-02 labs 1, 2, 4, 5 or first floor lab 6.
NOTE: You must schedule your sessions to fit your timetable in room 090239 before
lectures commence.

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North Campus.
The practical sessions are held in lab 230 in the R block.

The Practical sessions are offered at the following times.

Practical Session 1 Venue Practical Session 2 Venue

Monday 07:45 – 09:05 Lab 3 *Tuesday 19:00 – 20:20 R230
Monday 09:15 – 10:35 Lab 3 Wednesday 14:35 – 15:55 Lab 3
Monday 10:45 – 12:05 Lab 2,3 Thursday 07:45 – 9:05 Lab 3
Monday 14:35 – 15:55 Lab 5 Thursday 09:15 – 10:35 Lab 2,3
Tuesday 9:15 – 10:35 Lab 1 Thursday 13:05 – 14:25 Lab 1
Tuesday 10:45 – 12:05 Lab 3 Thursday 14:35 – 15:55 Lab 2
Tuesday 13:05 – 14:25 Lab 3 Friday 07:45 – 09:05 Lab 3
*Tuesday 17:30 – 18:50 R230 Friday 09:15 – 10:35 Lab 2,3
Wednesday 10:45 – 12:05 Lab 3
*Evening Group on North campus –May not attend a combination of day and evening classes

4.3 Practical attendance, preparation and completion

1. Attendance: Regular attendance of, and active participation in your practical
sessions is essential for success in this module. Practical sessions are where you do
the required work, have your work checked and can receive help where required.
Attendance is compulsory for practical lessons. If you work ahead, you must show
your lecturer your completed work and may then request permission from your lecturer
to be excused for the following session. All students are expected to spend the duration
of the practical session with the practical task(s) set for the relevant week. If you require
additional assistance, you should consult your lecturer. Your lecturer or supervisor will
sign off your completed practicals. This must be done to ensure that you are not
penalised for work not completed.
NOTE: No other work is allowed until your task for the week is completed.
2. Preparation: Attend the theory class for the week and also work through the
prescribed text book covering the concept for that week.
3. Completion: If you do not complete the required tasks within the allocated time,
you should complete them in your own time, before the following practical session.
4. Public Holidays: If your scheduled practical session coincides with a public or
university holiday, it is your responsibility to complete the tasks of that practical session
in your OWN time BEFORE your next scheduled session.
5. Load Shedding: In the event of load shedding taking place during your allocated
sessions, it is of utmost importance that you catch up that session in your own time.
6. Other disruptions: In the event of other class disruptions e.g. Taxi strikes you are
responsible to catch up the work in your own time. Any problems you have in doing so
must be reported to your lecturer so that they can assist you where need be.

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4.4 Exemption from class and practical attendance

Students may apply for exemption from lectures and practical classes if they have
access to a PC at home or if they want to complete the subject as a self study subject.
To qualify for exemption from class attendance a form must be obtained from your
lecturer. You will need your parent\guardians permission. This form must be completed
and handed back to the lecturer. The student must take full responsibility for keeping
up to date with work, booking his/her test session and ensuring that they are at all times
aware of notices etc posted on the intranet subject notice board. The student is then
also held fully liable to complete the tasks on their own and write all class tests. The
lecturer may be approached for help and the student may also attend practicals if need
be.

5. Study Material
5.1 Prescribed Text
Title: MS Office 2010 First Course Introductory
Authors: Beskeem, Cram, Duffy et. al.
Publisher: Course Technology
ISBN: 978-1-111-527976

Note: There are second hand books available for this text book.

This textbook is available at the University Bookshops. It will be used in your lectures
and practical sessions and is essential for the successful completion of the course. All
exercises and tasks are in your textbook, so this must accompany you to all your class
and lab sessions.
Always use a pencil when writing answers or notes into your textbooks, especially if you
want to sell your books at the end of the course. You could also write any answers or
notes on a separate page, which you could keep in a file.

5.2 Study Guide

Your detailed schedule is placed on the F:drive and contains your weekly instructions
and tasks to be completed for each week of the course. This guide also reflects your
test dates. Consult this before you start your work each time you are in the labs.

6. Assessment
6.1 General
Assessment of ITCL102 is done by continuous evaluation. There is NO examination.
Each test is weighted and counts towards your final mark. You must achieve a minimum
average of 50% to pass the module.
All tests will be scheduled for a Friday afternoon. Various sessions will be written and a
student must book for his/her session online.
Bookings for a test session will close at 12:00(noon) on the Thursday before the test.
Thereafter a list will be placed on the notice board indicating your session and your
venue.

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NO late bookings will be allowed. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are
scheduled correctly for each test. If you do not schedule your test you will be refused
entry to the test venue. You cannot make up a test missed due to failing to book by writing
the umbrella test. Any problems with making your booking must be reported immediately
to room 090239.

Students may only be excused from a test in case of illness, death in the family, absence
due to playing sport at provincial or national level or for official NMMU sport.

All students must confirm their test mark no later than 2 weeks after they have been
published in order to ensure that the correct mark is captured. NO changes can be made
after that.

Final Year Students who do not obtain a 50% average for their tests must apply before
25 October for permission to write the umbrella test as a supplementary exam. Failure to
do so will result in failure to graduate.

6.2 Missing a test:

Remember your test IS your exam as this is continuous evaluation.
a) If you miss a test for medical reasons a student must:
i. On the first day after the student’s certified absence, personally hand over the
original medical certificate to Mrs Vincent or the lecturer concerned.
If no certificate is handed in immediately after your return you will NOT be allowed
to write the umbrella test.
ii. Have booked for the test session missed prior to falling ill, unless the medical
certificate indicates that the student was absent for at least 4 days.

b) In the event of missing a test due to sport, the student must hand in a form prior to
the test indicating the event he/she will participate in. This form must be signed by the
coach.

c) In the event of missing a test due to a death in the family a copy of the death
certificate must be handed in to the lecturer.

d) Clashes with other tests –You must get a letter from your non-ITCL lecturer with the
date, start and end-time of the test that causes the clash. This must be handed to your
ITCL lecturer a week in advance. No clashes will be accepted as an excuse to miss
the ITCL exam unless you hand in the letter on time. Failure to do so will result in a
zero for that exam.

Corrective action in the case of a missed evaluation is entirely at the discretion of the
lecturer(s) involved and may take the form of:
 a sick test based on the same work as the missed test,
 an absent given for the tests and the rest of the marks weighted accordingly,
 a practical evaluation of the work where that is deemed feasible,
 an oral examination, or
 a combined sick test at the end of term that covers all work.

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6.3 TEST WEIGHTS AND DATES:

NAME WEIGHT DATE

Test 1 (Concepts, Office, Internet

15 17 August
email)
Test 2 (Word)
30 7 September
Test 3 (PowerPoint & Windows)
25 21 September
Test 4 = (Excel)
30 26 October
Umbrella Test (Only for students
7 November
with pre-approved permission)
(9:00-12:00)
You MUST book your test online by noon on the Thursday before the
test date.

It is your responsibility to:

1. Ensure that you book your test session on time.
2. Check that your name is on the list of booked candidates at least a day prior to the
test.
3. Ensure that you are familiar with the lab rules for exam sessions as listed on page 10
& 11 of this guide.
4. Follow the invigilator and test instructions carefully during your test session.
5. Save your work correctly during a test session.
6. Save your work regularly during your test session as no extra time is given for “lost”
work.
7. Check your mark on the student portal. Students have 2 weeks to query the mark.
No adjustments to test marks can be made after the two weeks are over.
8. Follow up any queries you might have regarding your test mark BEFORE the next
test mark is published.
9. Follow the correct procedure should you miss a test.

Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25"

NOTE: Exemption & umbrella test require special permission.
All final year students who miss a test must report to room 0239 in order to make
alternate arrangements.

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6.4 How to schedule for a test session

NO BOOKING = NO TEST = ZERO

Step 1: Open Internet Explorer

Step 2: In the menu bar, click on Favourites\Test Booking System. The following screen
appears:

Step 3: Click the appropriate button. if you want to book a session. The
following screen appears:

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Step 4: Select the course code ITCL102 from the dropdown list next to Select a course.
The following screen appears:

Step 5: Click one of the radio buttons next to the session you can attend and click the button
to complete the booking.

Step 6: The following message confirms that the booking is complete:

Step 7: If you want to confirm that a booking was made, click the “Check a Booking” button.
If you want to change a session, click the “Change a Booking” button.

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6.5 Continuous Evaluation Lab Exam Rules

As ITCL102 is a continuous evaluation subject. All tests written during the semester are
used to calculate the final mark and therefore are considered to be an exam. The following is
a guide to proper examination procedures to be followed in the computer laboratories during
such evaluation sessions.

1. Examination rules come into effect as soon as a student enters the examination
venue.
2. All students must be in possession of a student card or Identity document. The
student must present this upon entering the exam venue. Thereafter it should be
placed on the top left hand corner of the keyboard. Alert the invigilator prior to
beginning the exam if you do not have identification.
3. Students must follow all instructions given to them by the invigilator.
4. Students may only enter the exam venue assigned to them. No student may enter
another venue without written permission from the invigilator in the original exam
venue or from his/her lecturer.
5. No books, notes, bags etc may be taken to the student’s examination station – only
the essential stationary as instructed may be used.
6. Cellular phones/mobiles must be switched OFF and placed in a bag/case. They
may not be in the student’s possession during the exam.
7. No External storage devices (flash disks etc) are allowed.
8. Students must log on with the user name and password allocated to them during
the exam session.
9. Exam answers will only be marked on condition the student is registered for the
subject/module.
10. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure the work is saved correctly and regularly.
11. NO extra time will be allowed for “lost” work.
12. All students must complete the front page of the exam paper and hand it in on
completion of the exam. No mark will be given without the completed form.
13. All students must sign an attendance register upon leaving the exam venue. No
mark will be given without your signature.

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14. The invigilator will announce the start of the exam (upon which the doors will be
locked), the last 10 minutes (to allow saving and copying of work etc) as well as the
end of the exam.
15. At the end of the session no further typing or editing is allowed. You may only save
and log off. Any work saved after the time has passed will NOT be marked.
16. NO extra time will be given to late comers to complete their examination.
17. A student who needs to go to the restroom must notify the invigilator who will
accompany them.
18. A student who has left the exam room after submitting the paper may not re-enter
the lab.
19. Any exam which has been saved after the elapsed exam time will not be marked.
20. No personal Internet surfing, e-mail correspondence etc. is allowed during an exam
session.
21. Students may not listen to music during an exam session.
22. Firearms or other dangerous objects may not be brought into the exam venue.
23. NO SMOKING is allowed in the exam venue.
24. No eating or drinking allowed in the exam venue.
25. Students must at all times prevent others from copying from them as this offence
will lead to both students’ exam mark being omitted.
26. Disregarding the instructions and/or orders of the invigilator and/or
irregular/unsatisfactory behaviour by a candidate may lead to his/her
disqualification and render him/her subject to disciplinary measures in terms of the
Disciplinary code.

7. Outcomes for learning areas

Six major learning areas contribute to this subject. These learning areas are:
 Basic concepts of Information Technology
 Using a computer and managing files
 Using a Word processing package
 Using a Spreadsheet package
 Information and Communication using Internet and e-mail
 Preparing electronic presentations

Each of these learning areas has certain main outcomes. Each learning area is discussed in
turn below:

7.1 Basic concepts of Information Technology

After completing the learning area for essential computing concepts, the qualifying
learner will have the ability to:
 Learn about the history of computers
 Identify the component parts of a computer.
 Distinguish between hardware and software and various type of computer
memory.
 Have a basic knowledge of some PC buying guidelines.
 Understand the concepts of data communications and its role in modern
information systems.

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 Distinguish between various application packages which will be introduced later

in the course.

7.2 Using a computer and managing files

After completing the Windows XP section, the qualifying learner will have the ability to:
 Manage the organization of a storage medium through being able to create, find,
copy, move, rename and delete files and folders.
 Select different printers from an installed list.
 Print from an installed printer.
 Examine folders in order to retrieve more information about the folder.
 Log on and off and shut down the computer properly.

7.3 Word processing

After completing this learning area the qualifying learner will have the ability to:
 Open an existing document; create a new document and editing text in a
document.
 Use the functions available in an existing word processing document.
 Change the appearance of text.
 Bullet points to highlight comments.
 Use spell check, headers and footers, printing, pagination and the help functions.
 Insert graphics.
 Create simple tables.
 Use the online help function

7.4 Spreadsheets
After completing this learning area the qualifying learner will have the ability to:
 Find, open, create, save or print a document.
 Enter labels, numbers and simple formulas.
 Indicate absolute and relative cell referencing in formulae.
 Use basic statistical functions.
 Sort spreadsheet data.
 Produce different types of charts and graphs from spreadsheet figures to analyze
the data.
 Copy and move values and formulas.
 Print graphs with titles and labels.

7.5 Information and Communication using the Internet

After completing this learning area the qualifying learner will have the ability to:
 Explain the meaning of electronic communication, and of how application
software for these purposes can be used.
 Describe the purpose of electronic mail, where he or she might use it, how to
connect to it; discuss the value of e-mail and the meaning of some of the
terminology.
 Do the following tasks on the Internet:
Connect to the Internet
Retrieve information and present it (by e-mail or in hard copy.)

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Connect to some public information service, retrieve information and present

it (by e-mail or in hard copy.)
Describe the purpose of the World Wide Web, its value, how to use it and the
meaning of some of the terminology.
Answer questions about the basics of corporate networking.

7.6 Presentations
After completing this learning area the qualifying learner will have the ability to:
 Find, Open, create, save or print a presentation.
 Demonstrate the use of slideshows.
 Recognize the properties of an effective presentation.

8. Critical Cross-field Outcomes

The following cross curriculum outcomes are emphasized:

 organize and manage oneself and one’s activities responsibly and effectively;
 collect, analyze, organize and critically evaluate information;
 use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards
the environment and the health of others;
 being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts;

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9. Detail of learning areas and Schedule

The following table shows the various topics covered in each learning area, the various
teaching and assessment methods that will be used, as well as an estimate of the time
allocated for each teaching method. The detailed weekly schedule can be found on the
F:drive.
9.1 Schedule Term 3:
Week Date Theory Lecture Practical Session 1 Practical Session 2 Comments
Admin and Intro to Bring this Study
NO PRACTICAL SESSION Guide to every
23- 27 Jul ITCL102
TIMETABLE SCHEDULING workshop and
practical session.
1 Prac 1 Prac 2
Technical Administration Windows NOTE:
Understanding Ensure all students can log on Understanding
Computer Essential and off. Computer Essentials
Concepts – Self-study Ensure all students can access is a self-study
30 Jul – 3 Mouse & Keyboard
August
WINDOWS student portal.(Test Booking) module
Skills
UNIT A: Getting Ensure all students can access
email. Windows: Unit A
started with Windows Skills Review P 21
7 Explain Lab rules.
Tell students where to go for
help.
2 Prac 3 Prac 4 Exemption Test:
Windows Internet Friday 10 August
Ensure students understand (Word, Excel,
files and folders, how to PowerPoint) 3Hrs
UNIT B:
Understanding File navigate through folders and
drives, manipulating files and
Management
6 – 10 August folders. Unit A Independent
INTERNET UNIT A: Explain resource folders(ref. Challenge 2 p 22
Getting started with Detailed Schedule p8)
Internet Explorer Create your resource Folders
– NB!!
Windows: Unit B Skills
review p45
3 Prac 5 Prac 6 Test 1: Friday 17
Email E-mail August (Essential
Computer Concepts,
Getting started with
E-Mail UNIT A: Show students the student Office 2010, internet
13 – 17 portal Students must know
Getting Started with how to use NMMU e- &email) = 50 Marks,
August How to see their progress 45 minutes
E-mail mail NB!!
report,
Outlook Unit A Skills
Book for test 1!! review p19
Internet: Unit A Skills
Review p 19
4 UNIT A: Getting Prac 7 Prac 8
Started with Office Word
Microsoft Office Understanding Office 2010:
20 – 24
August
UNIT A: Creating Work through pages 2, 4, Word - Independent
documents with 6 810 Challenge 1
Word WORD - Unit A: Skills
Review

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5 UNIT B: Editing Prac 9 Prac 10

27 – 31 Documents Word Word
August UNIT C: Formatting Unit B: Skills Review
Unit C: Skills Review
Text and Paragraphs Independent Challenge 2
6 Prac 11 Test 2: Friday 7
Prac 12 September
UNIT C: Formatting Word
Text and Paragraphs (Word) = 50
3 – 7 Sept Marks = 1 hour
UNIT D: Formatting Unit C: Independent
Unit D Skills Review
Documents Challenge 2

7 UNIT A: Creating a Prac 13 Prac 14

PowerPoint PowerPoint PowerPoint
10 – 14 Presentation &
September Unit A: Skills review
Unit B: Modifying a Unit B: Skills Review
presentation Independent Challenge 1
8 UNIT C: Inserting Prac 15 Prac 16 Test 3: Friday 21
Objects into a Power Point PowerPoint September
17 – 21 presentation PowerPoint &
September Windows = 50
UNIT D: Finishing a Unit C: Skills Review Unit D: Skills Review
presentation Marks = 1 hour
9 Prac 17 Prac 18
24 – 28 UNIT A: Getting Excel Excel
September started with Excel
Unit A: Skills Review p19 Independent Challenge 2 p21

RECESS 28 September – 8 October

10 8 – 12 UNIT B: Working with Prac 19 Prac 20 Formatted Table
October formulas and Functions Excel Excel
Unit B Skills Review p 43 Independent Challenge 1

11 15 – 19 Prac 21 Prac 22
October UNIT C: Formatting a
Excel Excel
Worksheet
Unit C Skills Review p 71 Independent Challenge 2
12 22 – 26 Prac 23 Prac 24 Test 4: Friday 26
October Unit D : Working with Excel Excel October (Excel) =
Charts 50 Marks, 1 hour
Unit D Skills Review p 97 Independent Challenge 1
13 29 Oct – 2
November

145 – 7 November REVISION Umbrella Test:

UMBRELLA TEST 7 November
Only students with pre-approved permission 9:00 – 12:00
for test

EXAMS COMMENCE – NO EXAM FOR ITCL102

NOTE:
 You are responsible for catching up any work missed due to illness or other reasonFormatted: Bullets and Numbering
 Tests are written on Fridays.
 In order to write the test, you MUST schedule your tests online by 12:00 noon on the
Thursday BEFORE your test date.
 Report problems to room 0239 before close of booking period. Formatted: Bullets and Numbering

 NO BOOKING = NO TEST.

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 Understanding Essential Computer Concepts (Theory) is a self-study

module.
 Exemption test & umbrella test require special permission from your
lecturer.
 Final year students with less than 50% average must apply for the
umbrella test via their lecturer or Mrs Vincent in room 090239.

10. Academic Support

10.1 General
 Do not leave your work until the last moment.
 Use the Weekly Schedule to make sure that you are up to date with the
course activities.
 Check what material you need to cover each week before you attend the
practical session.
 Should you miss a session ensure that you catch up in your own time.
 Practice, practice, practice!
 We recommend that you use a file exclusively to store this course guide,
your notes, your answers to exercises, review activities and practical
sessions as well as preparation for your practical sessions.
 Ensure that you have this file with you whenever you work on any section of
this module or participate in any module activities, so that you can refer to
material as needed.
 Read this Learner and Lecturer guide. It includes a schedule which indicates
which work needs to be covered when, important dates for semester tests
and information on how to obtain satisfactory performance.
 During the course, when you are not sure about how something works or
when you need to do certain things, refer to the module guide first, and then
ask your course coordinator.
 If you require extra computer time, there are free periods when you can
work. Look at the timetables on the doors of the laboratories to find out when
the laboratories are free. You are generally not allowed to work in the
laboratory during other sessions although some lecturers allow it. Always
check with the lecturer on duty, follow his/her ruling and do not argue. It is
unwise to ask for permission in the first 10 minutes of a new session.
Laboratory 1 is only available for use by the 3rd year Computer Science
students. You are therefore NOT allowed to work there.
 If you need help with content of the work, see your lecturer. Please check
the lecturer’s door for his/her consulting hours. Make a note of these. Your
lecturers are only available during consulting hours because of their other
responsibilities. If the lecturer is not there when you visit, write a note and
push it under the door, or leave it on the desk. Make sure that you follow this
up promptly with a personal visit. No action will be taken until the lecturer
sees you personally. You may also make appointments via email.

10.2 Practical Sessions

 During practical sessions, student assistants will be present to help you if
you have questions or problems.

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 Before you come to your session, prepare your work. Read through the
tasks and then plan what you are going to do. Bring all the resources that
you may need with you.
 If, while preparing your work, you foresee problems arising, see the lecturer
before your practical session. The lecturer and student assistants in the
session must divide their attention between all the students and cannot
spend a lot of time with one person.
 The assistants reserve the right to refuse to assist you should they feel that
you did not prepare for the session. In a case like this you will be asked to
prepare whilst in the lab or be asked to see you lecturer. Preparation is
imperative to practical sessions.
 The assistants will do spot checks to ensure that your work is up to date.
They will sign off completed practicals in your studyguide. Should the
assistants feel that you are too far behind you will be advised to seek extra
help.
 Should you be ahead of schedule and wish to miss a class you lecturer/lab
assistant must see the completed work before giving permission to skip a
lesson.

10.3 Checklist (To be completed by student during first

lecture)

Lecture
 Attend 1 per week – compulsory
Day Time Venue Lecturer

Practical Sessions
 Attend 2 per week
 Compulsory
 90 minutes in length
 Assistance provided
Practical Session 1
Day Time Venue Student Assistant name

Practical Session 2
Day Time Venue Student Assistant name

Preparation and Review

Weekly in your own time:
 Preparation for practical sessions Formatted: Bullets and Numbering

 Review of lecture material

10.4 Module Resource Locations

Course work storage folder: Each course has its own spot in a common place, which
can be shared by all students, no matter where you are working in a laboratory. This
common place is referred to as your COURSES folder and contains all the files and
folders you need for the entire semester. This is where you will get your work from.

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 For ITCL102 the location of this folder is:

 F:\ITCL102

General use storage folder: Each student has a permanent storage folder on the
network, with the same name as your username (Student Number). This folder may only
be accessed by the owner and is referred to as the HOME folder. You should always
save all your work in this folder and back it up to your floppy or flash disk, to minimize the
chances of losing your work. The location (or path) of this folder is: H:\

Test session storage folder: During a practical test or examination, you have to save
your work in the TEST drive, where the lecturer can easily access it for marking, no
matter where you are working in the laboratory. The T: drive will be accessible during the
test or examination only. You MUST ensure that you save to your session number and to
your user code folder on the T: drive. (E.g. T:ITCL102\First session\itc-087). It is your
responsibility to save your correctly. No excuses will be accepted for not saving your
work. Save your work often during a test as no extra time will be given for work lost.
Any accidental loss of work will be dealt with by the lecturer in charge. No more than 5
minutes extra time will be allocated in these cases. Remember you have to book your
test session by the Wednesday before the test date.

Notice Board
The notice board will be the means used to get important announcements to you. It is
your responsibility to ensure that you do not miss any announcements. Ensure that
you pass and read the notice board before every lecture or practical session.
The notice board is on the second floor of building 09, on the wall near room 0246.
Notices will also be placed on your student portal under your subject code for electronic
viewing.

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11. Exemption Procedure

To qualify for:
1. FULL exemption you must have completed at least one of the following
accreditations:
 Have completed an equivalent course at NMMU
 Have completed the ICDL examinations successfully
 Have completed Knowledge Network Level 4 with minimum 70%
 Have completed CAT with minimum 70%
 Have completed your above mentioned certificate not more than 5 years ago

A. To apply for full exemption you must:

1. Obtain the exemption request form from your Faculty Officer. There you will
also be informed of the fee for Exemption.
2. Complete ALL the details on this form (your Faculty Officer can assist with
providing you with subject codes etc.)
3. After you have paid the exemption fee, come to Room 0239 in order for Mrs
Petratos to sign the form.
4. The form is then taken back to your faculty officer in order to be processed.
NB!!! If unsure whether you qualify for full exemption please query in room 090239
before paying the fee!

2. The Competency Tests you must:

 Have self- taught computer literacy skills and be working on computers in your
work environment.
 Have completed computer literacy courses successfully at recognized
institutions covering Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Windows,
Presentations, e-mail and Internet.

B. To apply for the competency test you must:

1. Obtain the Competency Test Application form from room 090239.
2. Complete ALL the details on this form (your Faculty Officer can assist with
providing you with subject codes etc). If your form is not completed in full
your application will not be processed.
3. Pay your exemption test fee (R220) at the cashiers and get a receipt (proof of
payment).
4. Attach your receipt to the form.
5. Bring your form and proof of payment to Mrs Vincent or Mrs Petratos in room
090239.
6. Your name will be placed on the list of candidates to write the test on 10
August @ 13:00 – 16:00.
7. You must obtain a minimum of 50% to pass the test and get a full exemption.

12. General information and regulations

Please note the following extract from the Prospectus of the Faculty of
Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology:

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“Note: Every student of this Faculty is also bound by the NMMU

regulations as contained in the General Prospectus. The Dean of
the Faculty will take disciplinary action in the event of the
contravention of either a Faculty or a General Regulation.”

Objections to the lecturer’s conduct in class must be discussed with the relevant
Head of Department and/or furnished in writing to the Faculty Committee of the
Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information technology through
the Faculty Officer.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Once test marks are entered they are available to be
viewed on your student portal. Students have 2 weeks to query the mark. No
adjustments to test marks can be made after the two weeks are over.

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