USIU COURSE OUTLINE

SUBJECT: 099 COMPUTER COMPETENCY

LECTURE HOURS: WED 11.00-1.00, FRI 1.30-4.50 P.M
LECTURER: MS. JANE MUCHIRI
EMAIL: jmuchiri@usiu.ac.ke

HOURLY SESSION
TOPIC/SUBTOPICS

1. Introduction: Why use computers? Advantages

Basic computing terminology
1 Definitions: software, hardware, CPU components
2 Memory concepts: units of measurement, RAM/ROM
3 I/O device: examples and classification (peripheral device)
4 Storage media- magnetic disks/ tapes, floppy diskettes, flash
5 Operating systems, system and application software examples

2. Windows concepts
1 Key features: WIMP, GUI vs CLI, minimize, maximize, restore, close windows,
mouse/keyboard skills
2 Desktop customization, start menu, task bar
3 Directory tree structures – create, save, copy, delete folders
4 Windows explorer, control panel, etc
5 Examples of word processors
6 Running applications in windows/DOS

3. Word Processing
1 Typing text, editing, copying/cut and paste blocks of text
2 Text formatting, bold face, italicizing, underlining, bulleting
3 Create, save and retrieve document
4 Pagination, inserting objects and pictures from clip art gallery
5 Find and replace text, toolbars
Exercise 1

4. Tables
1 Table creation and manipulation, column handling
2 Securing a document with a password
5.
3 Page set up procedures, previewing and printing
4 Additional features
Exercise 2

6. Spreadsheet concepts
1 Significance/use, examples
2 Create, insert, save, retrieve worksheets
3 Working with formulas and functions
4 Creating charts, different types and charts
5 Cut, copy and paste charts to a document
Exercise 3

7. Cell referencing
1 Relative references
2 Absolute references
3 Simple IF…ELSE processing

8. Introduction to Databases
Simple database terminology
1 Definition of database, record, field, primary key, secondary key, give examples
of each
2 Create database in MS Access
Exercise 4

9. Connectivity Concepts
1 Basic network concepts
2 Introduction to internet

10.
1 Browsing, searching for information
2 Email communications – create, send, reply, mail, attachments

11. Revision/Tutorials – answer questions

12. Revision/Tutorials – answer questions

13. –

14. Final Examination (Theory – 45min, Practical – 45 min)

Course outline developed by Ms. Jane Muchiri