Course Syllabus

Computer Literacy

Teacher: Mrs. Traci Prater

Location: Magoffin County Career & Technical Center
Length: 1 year
Prerequisite: Word Processing
KDE Course #: 110110
CIP Code: 47.0104.00
KCTCS Articulation
Equivalent: CIT 105 (Introduction to Computers) **
**Note: For students to receive credit for this course, they must pass all three sections of
the IC3 Internet and Computing Core Certification (Computing Fundamentals, Key
Applications, and Living On-line)

Course Description:
This course introduces students to the main components of computer literacy including
Computer Fundamentals, Key Applications and Living Online. It provides an
introduction to the computer and the convergence of technology as used in today’s global
environment. The course is designed to introduce topics including computer hardware
and software, file management, the Internet, e-mail, the social web, green computing,
security and computer ethics. It presents basic use of application, programming, systems
and utility software. Basic keyboarding skills are strongly recommended.

Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course and based on the Program of Studies, students will be
able to:
1. Considering the Computer:
a. Identify what a computer does
b. Provide a brief history of the computer
c. Explain the different types of persona and multiuser computers
d. Identify other computer devices such as handheld, mobile, and video game
systems
e. Identify proper ergonomics to improve comfort and safety of the end user
2. Hardware:
a. Identify the CPU, the parts of the system unit and the motherboard
b. Briefly describe binary code
c. Identify different storage devices
d. Highlight different input and output devices and their uses
e. Explain the different types of printers
f. Describe communication devices and their purpose
g. Explain the impact of computers upon society including effects of social
technologies, green computing, dangers of excessive use, and disposal of
obsolete equipment
h. Maintain computer equipment and solve common problems relating to
computer hardware
3. File Management:
a. Use a graphical user interface-based operating system to manage files,
folders and disks
b. Create folders to organize files
c. Explain file extensions and file properties
d. Review the importance of backing up files and how to do it within the
operating system
e. Demonstrate how to compress files
f. Use search possibilities to locate files
g. Re-associate files to a different program
4. Application and System Software:
a. Use course management system
b. Utilize computer technology as a tool to access, manage, prepare and
present information
c. Identify trends in information processing and new emerging technologies
d. Identify and analyze ethical issues such as copyright, privacy and security
as related to computing
e. Explain the difference between application, programming, systems and
utility software
f. Use application software packages to prepare basic documents,
spreadsheets, databases and presentations.
g. Identify different types of business and personal software
h. Explain system requirements for installing and using software
i. Explain licensing, freeware, shareware, open source and retail software
j. Review different types of system software
k. Manipulate text and format a document using word processing software
l. Manipulate text and format a document using word processing software
m. Create worksheets, use basic formulas and create graphs using spreadsheet
software
5. Networking:
a. Describe and explain basic data communications and network
technologies and functions
b. Review the history of the Internet
c. Explain how networks operate and how to connect to them
d. Compare different web browsers
e. Identify different ways to navigate and search the web
f. Review social networking sand its impact on today’s society
g. Review forums, discussion boards, blogs, podcasts, etc.
h. Review e-commerce and social media marketing
i. Identify and use basic e-mail and Internet functions and understand their
capabilities
j. Describe globalization and challenges including technological barriers,
electronic payments and varying cultures
k. Describe cloud computing and its impact on business and personal
systems
 6. Online/Internet:
a. Apply Internet etiquette and safety
b. Explain the differences between a web browser and a search engine
c. Navigate a World Wide Web browser
d. Identify Internet search engines and their advantages and disadvantages
e. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the Internet
f. Discriminate between ethical and unethical use of computers and
information
g. Demonstrate an understanding of copyrights and licensing
h. Demonstrate an awareness of computer security and a basic understanding
of ways to protect a computer (e.g. viruses, Trojans, and Malware)

Nationally Recognized Certification Exam:

 IC3 – Internet and Computing Core Certification (Must pass all three (3) parts)
o Computer Fundamentals
o Key Applications
o Living Online

Course Approach:
Instructional methods of this course include lecture, discussion, group activities,
independent research, field research projects, examinations, and presentations.

Course Content:

 Module 1 – Computing Fundamentals

o Lesson 1 – Computers & Computer Systems
o Lesson 2 – Input, Output, and Processing
o Lesson 3 – Computer Protection
o Lesson 4 – Computer Maintenance
o Lesson 5 – Computer-Related Issues
o Lesson 6 – Software & Hardware Interaction
o Lesson 7 – Software Fundamentals
o Lesson 8 – Operating Systems
o Lesson 9 – Windows Management
o Lesson 10 – Operating System Customization
 Module 2 – Key Applications
o Lesson 11 – Exploring MS Office 2010
o Lesson 12 – Getting Started with Word Essentials
o Lesson 13 – Editing & Formatting Documents
o Lesson 14 – Sharing Documents
o Lesson 15 – Working with Tables
o Lesson 16 – Enhancing Documents
o Lesson 17 – Working with Graphics
o Lesson 18 – Getting Started with Excel Essentials
 o Lesson 19 – Organizing and Enhancing Worksheets
o Lesson 20 – Creating Formulas & Charting Data
o Lesson 21 – Getting Started with PowerPoint Essentials
o Lesson 22 – Enhancing Presentations with Multimedia Effects
o Lesson 23 – Getting Started with Access Essentials
o Lesson 24 – Managing & Reporting Database Information
 Module 3 – Living Online
o Lesson 25 – Network Fundamentals
o Lesson 26 – Communication Services
o Lesson 27 – Communications & Collaboration
o Lesson 28 – Using the Internet & World Wide Web
o Lesson 29 - Web Content
o Lesson 30 – Technology & Society
o Lesson 31 – Computer Safety & Ethics

Required Textbook(s):
Computer Literacy Basics: A Comprehensive Guide to IC3
4th Edition – Course Technology Cengage Learning

Grading Scale:

A = 90 – 100%
B = 80 – 89%
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
F = 59 or less

Articulation/Dual Credit Requirements:

This course has the ability to receive articulation credit through KCTCS (Kentucky
Community & Technical College System) as CIT 105. Articulation basically means that
a student who earns a grade of ‘C’ or higher in a pre-requisite course in the technical
program sequence is approved to enroll in the subsequent course and may apply for
articulated credit.

Note: For articulation purposes, credit earned by an ATC student will be applied to
KCTCS program requirements when the student enrolls in the KCTCS institution and
successfully completes a minimum of three (3) credit hours. OCTE and KCTCS agree
that to receive credit toward KCTCS program requirements, the ATC student must enroll
in an applicable post-secondary program. Students who do not complete three credit
hours in an applicable post-secondary program at the KCTCS college within three years
of the last course completed at the secondary institution may be required to take a special
examination or to repeat the course if there has been significant change in related
technology within the time period.