Draft - Introduction To Computer Applications
Overview
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The focus of this class is on learning the basics of commonly used computer applications, web concepts, multimedia, and general digital literacy to prepare you for living a digital life. Students will be able to navigate basic computer functions, MS Office Suite, understand computer ethics and the basics of ADA and accessiblity. The course is designed to gain and enhance students' abilities to effectively apply digital tools, technologies, and resources to communicate ideas and solve problems. Students will learn how to navigate, evaluate, create, and critically apply information by using a wide variety of applications such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access and MS PowerPoint. This course will also provide guidance on the professional and ethical application of these tools.
Materials in this course are OER materials as well as published articles and videos.
Welcome To Introduction to Computer Applications Class
The focus of this class is on learning the basics of commonly used computer applications, web concepts, multimedia, and general digital literacy to prepare you for living a digital life. Students will be able to navigate basic computer functions, MS Office Suite, understand computer ethics and the basics of ADA and accessiblity. The course is designed to gain and enhance students' abilities to effectively apply digital tools, technologies, and resources to communicate ideas and solve problems. Students will learn how to navigate, evaluate, create, and critically apply information by using a wide variety of applications such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access and MS PowerPoint. This course will also provide guidance on the professional and ethical application of these tools. Materials in this course are OER materials as well as published articles/videos.
OER books used in this course
- Business Computers 365 Copyright © 2019 by Marcus Lacher is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
- Key Concepts of Computer Studies by Meizhong Wang is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
- Beginning Excel 2019 Copyright © by Noreen Brown; Barbara Lave; Hallie Puncochar; Julie Romey; Mary Schatz; Art Schneider; and Diane Shingledecker is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
Module 1: Introduction to Computers - Your Computer and How it Works
Overview
In our first module we will discuss the basics about computers; such as equipment, input and output devices, and the operating systems.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the key components of a computer.
- Define basic computer terminology.
- Describe file management system.
Computer Basics
Let's review more about the computer. The history, the hardware, the operating system, and the file management app. All the videos below have closed captioning. To view the closed captioning, select the CC symbol.
Read from online Business Computers 365 book: Personal Computer Basics.
Articles:
History of computers: A brief timeline. by Timothy Williamson - December 2021
Everything You Need to Know About Computer Hardware. by Tim Fisher - 2021
Videos:
Computer Basics - Hardware – (YouTube video) 6:52
Computer Basics - The Peripherals – (YouTube video) 7:24
The Operating System
How to communicate with your computer
All the videos below have closed captioning. To view the closed captioning, select the CC symbol.
Computer Basics: Understanding Operating Systems YouTube video - 1:30
Operating System (OS) Definition
An operating system (OS) program that manages a computer’s resources, especially the allocation of those resources among other programs. Typical resources include the central processing unit (CPU), computer memory, file storage, input/output (I/O) devices, and network connections. Management tasks include scheduling resource use to avoid conflicts and interference between programs. Unlike most programs, which complete a task and terminate, an operating system runs indefinitely and terminates only when the computer is turned off.
Hemmendinger, D. (2022, June 30). operating system. Encyclopedia Britannica
Read article: Operating System (OS) by Stephen J. Bigelow. There is also a brief video within this article.
Videos:
Computer For Beginners - Software and Operating System – 6:09
Types of Software - 5:47
Windows 10 - Beginners Guide 33:25
Common Tools with Windows
File Management
Once you begin creating and saving files on the computer, it becomes important to have great organizational habits. If you save your files wherever and however you feel, you may have a hard time locating them later when you need them. The following material will help you with tips on organizing your files. All the videos below have closed captioning. To view the closed captioning, select the CC symbol.
Articles:
11 ideas for how to organize digital files
How to Organize Your Digital Files
Videos:
Best Practice to Organize Your Computer Files - 8:58
The Best Way to Organize Your Computer Files - 16:42
File Explorer
How to create a new folder on Windows 10 | Level 1
Screenshot Tools
Windows has multiple options for capturing a screenshot. Below are two examples using the Snipping Tool and the Snip & Sketch.
How to use Snipping Tool in Windows 10 - 8:44
How to Use Windows 10 Snip & Sketch (Beginners Guide) - 6:33
Module 2: Internet, Computer Ethics, Privacy, and Safety Online
Overview
In this module we will discuss internet, web browsers, search engines, netiquette, computer ethics, and privacy and safety issues.
Objectives
- Explore internet basics and netiquette.
- Define Ethics.
- Explore internet privacy concerns.
- Identify trust seals used to increase security.
The Internet
You know all about the internet? Or do you?
Read article: A Short History of the Internet from the Science & Media Museum. There are two videos within this article.
Netiquette
Videos:
Netiquette: A Student's Guide to Digital Etiquette - 1:51
Netiquette Rules - 1:58
Articles:
Netiquette: The Rules of the Internet
Digital Literacy: Computer Skills, Netiquette & Internet Safety
Metaverse
Internet Browsers
Web Browser
What is a web browser? According to Wikipedia
A web browser (also referred to as an Internet browser or simply a browser) is application software for accessing the World Wide Web or a local website. When a user requests a web page from a particular website, the web browser retrieves the necessary content from a web server and then displays the page on the user's device.
A web browser is not the same thing as a search engine, though the two are often confused. A search engine is a website that provides links to other websites. However, to connect to a website's server and display its web pages, a user must have a web browser installed.
Web browsers are used on a range of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. In 2020, an estimated 4.9 billion people used a browser. The most used browser is Google Chrome, with a 63% global market share on all devices, followed by Safari with 20%.
Web Browser by Wikipedia is licensed under CC-SA 3.0
Read from Key Concepts of Computer Studies online book: Web Browser
Read article: Internet Browsers: A Simple Guide to How Browsers Work
Web Search Engines
What is a search engine? According to Techopedia
A search engine is a service that allows Internet users to search for content via the World Wide Web (WWW). A user enters keywords or key phrases into a search engine and receives a list of Web content results in the form of websites, images, videos or other online data that semantically match with the search query.
Read from Key Concepts of Computer Studies online book: Web Search Engines
Articles:
Computer Ethics
The Oxford Dictionary definition of ethics is:
“NOUN – 1. [USUALLY TREATED AS PLURAL] moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity: medical ethics also enter into the question.
[USUALLY TREATED AS SINGULAR]the branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles: neither metaphysics nor ethics are the home of religion.”
"ethics, n." OED Online. Oxford University Press, March 2022. Web. 25 May 2022
The Computer Ethics Institute (CEI) established some guidelines to ethical computing that they called the "Ten Commandments of ethical Computing".
These CEI guidelines explain that it is unethical for users to:
- Use a computer to harm others
- Interfering with other people’s computer work
- Snoop in other people’s files
- Use a computer to steal
- Use a computer to lie.
- Copying or using proprietary software without paying for it (aka stealing)
- Use someone else's resources without authorization or compensation
- Appropriate other people's intellectual output
The CEI Guidelines also encourage individuals to:
- Think about the social consequences of a program they are writing or the system they are designing.
- Use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow human being.
Computer Ethics
Articles:
- Computer Ethics Institute and its "Ten Commandments for Computer Ethics"
- Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics You Should Follow Without Fail - Techspirited
- Computer Ethics - Teach Computer Science
- What are Examples of Computer Ethics?
Online Safety
Security Issues on the Internet
While we love to search and explore our favorite topics on the internet, there are some security things you should be aware of.
Read from Key Concepts of Computer Studies online book: Security issues on the Internet
Videos:
- Digital Literacy – Staying safe online 6:27
- Online safety for grown ups 7:31
- What Parents Need to Know About Online Safety 14:36
- Digital Citizenship | Things Explained 4:40
Module 3: Word Processing
Overview
In this module, we will discuss word processing; the definition, the history, and will begin creating documents.
Objectives
- Define word processing.
- Identify top word processing software.
- Create documents using MS Word.
Word Processing
Definition and Brief History
According to Techopedia
"A word processor is a type of software application used for composing, editing, formatting and printing documents. Word processors have a variety of uses and applications within the business environment, at home and in educational contexts."
Read article: History of Word Processors
Type of Word Processing Software
Read article: 15 Word Processing Software Examples 2022
Microsoft Word
During this course, we will use Microsoft Word.
Read from online Business Computers 365 book:
If you have problems understanding the 'Ribbon' options explained in images from above chapters or if you use a screen reader, please review:
- Overview of the Microsoft Office Ribbon
- Understanding the "Ribbon" in Microsoft Word: Screen Reader
- Screen reader support for Word – Microsoft
Go to Microsoft Word Help & Training. Watch the videos and read the text for lessons;
- Write & edit,
- Format text,
- Layout pages and
- Save and print.
There are several smaller lessons within each of these - click the tabs along the left to view all of them.
Writing Formats
As a student, you will probably write many papers during your time at the university. Once you get out of school, you will need to know how to write professional communication letters, emails and a resume.
In this section, we will discuss several writing styles and formats you will probably need to know.
Written Communication
Everything You Need to Know About Written Communication - Indeed
The Importance of Written Communication Skills
Professional Letters
How to Start a Letter (With Professional Greeting Examples) - the balance careers
Letter Format Example and Writing Tips - the balance careers
How to Make a Resume (With Examples)
Email Communication
Not only is it important at the university, but essential as a professional:
How To Write a Professional Email
10 Tips for Writing Professional Emails
APA Formatting and Citation
If you are a student at a college or university, you will need to know how to write in APA.
- APA Style: Paper Format
- APA Style: Style and Grammar Guidelines
- Scribbr article: APA Formatting and Citation
- Purdue Online Writing Lab: General Format
Module 4: Spreadsheets
Overview
In this module, we will discuss spreadsheet programs; definitions, history, top software programs and creating spreadsheets.
Objectives
- Define spreadsheet.
- Identify top spreadsheet software.
- Create documents using MS Excel and Google Sheets.
Definition and Brief History
According to Techopedia ,
"A spreadsheet is a software application that enables a user to save, sort and manage data in an arranged form of rows and columns.
A spreadsheet stores data in a tabular format as an electronic document. An electronic spreadsheet is based on and is similar to the paper-based accounting worksheet.
A spreadsheet may also be called a worksheet."
Articles:
Type of Spreadsheet Software
Articles:
Microsoft Excel
During this course, we will use Microsoft Excel.
In the Beginning Excel 2019 online book, read Chapter 1: Fundamental Skills
- Overview of Microsoft Excel
- Entering, Editing, and Managing Data
- Formatting and Data Analysis
- Printing
- Chapter Practice
In the Beginning Excel 2019 online book, read Chapter 2: Mathematical Computations
- 2.1 Formulas
- 2.2 Introductory Statistical Functions
- 2.3 Functions for Personal Finance
- 2.4 Preparing to Print
For additional resources, Microsoft has a page titled: Microsoft Excel Help & Training.
Resources: Screen reader support for Excel
Module 5: Databases
Overview
In this module, we will begin to look at databases as tools and begin an introduction to a free database tool, Microsoft SQL Express.
Objectives
- Explain the difference between data and information
- Describe what a database management system is and how it functions
- Compare the various database models.
- Learn and Apply basic tools in Microsoft Access
Definition and Brief History of Databases
"A database is an organized collection of structured information, or data, typically stored electronically in a computer system. A database is usually controlled by a database management system (DBMS)Links to an external site.. Together, the data and the DBMS, along with the applications that are associated with them, are referred to as a database system, often shortened to just database". - What is a database, by Oracle, the worlds largest database management company.Links to an external site.
History of Databases
Overview of Databases
Please read ACCESS Chapters 1 & 2 of our open educational textbook resource: Business Computers 365 (Links to an external site book by Marcus Lacher and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (Links to an external site.) (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).
Type of Database Software
Top 30 Most Popular Database Management Software: Complete ListLinks to an external site.
13 Best Database Software and Systems of 2022Links to an external site.
Best database software in 2022Links to an external site.
Microsoft SQL Server Express
SQL Server 2019 Express is a free edition of SQL Server, ideal for the development and production of desktop, web, and small server applications.
Introduction to Access
During this module, we will read from online OER course: Business Computers 365 (Links to an external site book by Marcus Lacher and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (Links to an external site.) (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
- Resources: Screen reader support for AccessLinks to an external site.
Module 6: Presentations
Overview
In this module, we will discuss presentation design and how to use two different presentation softwares. We will also discuss ADA - Americans with Disability Act and accessibility.
Objectives
- Define ADA and accessibility
- Utilize presentation design
- Create two presentations
Presentation Design
Designing a Presentation– LinkedIn Learning
Best practices for designing presentation slides– Virtual Speech
Presentation Design: Beginner’s Guide (Tips, Tools & Templates– visme
4 tips to design better presentations– Pitch
20 tips for better presentation design
Presentation Design Guide: How to Summarize Information for Presentations– Venngage (includes some videos)
4 Principles To Live By When You Design Presentations
Presentation Design and the Art of Visual Storytelling
YouTube Videos:
13 Presentation Design Tips 9:16
Presentation Software
What is presentation software– Techopedia
15 Best Presentation Software for 2022 (Full Comparison Guide– Visme
14 Best Presentation Software Alternatives to PowerPoint - Vyond
The 7 Best Presentation Software to Use in 2022– pictochart
Best presentation software of 2022 - techradar
Microsoft PowerPoint
In this course, we will use Microsoft PowerPoint.
Read from online Business Computers 365 book:
If you have problems understanding the 'Ribbon' options explained in the images in the above chapters or use a screen reader, please review:
- Overview of the Microsoft Office Ribbon
- PowerPoint and Screen Readers - Perkins School for the Blind
- Screen reader support for PowerPoint - Microsoft
Go to Microsoft PowerPoint Help & Training. Watch the videos and read the text for lessons
- Intro to PowerPoint
- Slides & Layouts
- Texts & Tables
- Pictures & Graphics
There are several smaller lessons within each of these - click the tabs along the left to view all of them.
ADA and Accessibility
Americans with Disability Act and Accessibility
Before developing a presentation, let’s discuss the Americans with Disability Act and Accessibility. What do these things have to do with creating a presentation? You need to ensure that any document you create and share is accessible to everyone. If documents are not formatted correctly, individuals using assistive technology such as a screen reader, would not be able to read the document.
Articles:
Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Accessibility
Enabling Accessibility to content you create online is not only ethical (remember the CEI guidelines), it also increases the number of people who can engage with your content. Fortunately, there are standards that we can follow to ensure that our content is accessible. The standards, linked below, are created by the World Wide Web Consortium (WC3)
Introduction to Web Accessibility (4:07)
What is Digital Accessibility? 2:40
Accessibility Checker
Many software programs have a built-in accessibility checker tool that scans documents for problems with accessibility.
- Improve accessibility with the Accessibility Checker- Microsoft
- Best practices for making PowerPoint presentations accessible - Microsoft
- Learn about accessibility features in Office - Microsoft
Additional Resources
- Web accessibility standards
- Perceivable information and user interface
- Operable user interface and navigation
- Understandable information and user interface
- Robust content and reliable interpretation