Introduction To Modern Computing Concepts
RATIONALE
We are living in a world that is characterized by rapid change, voluminous data, and complex dynamics, the graduate of the ICT Associate degree programme will be employed by organizations that are striving to remain viable in the Information Age. The use of technological tools instead of humans to perform many job functions will increase in popularity in the years to come. As it is only through the use of these tools that organizations will be able to improve the efficiency of their operations. This course is intended to prepare the graduate to become the driving force behind organisations as they seek to utilise various application tools to advance the productivity within the workplace. This course is important to include in the offerings for all majors in the ICT Associate degree programme as it seeks to develop relevant application utilisation skills in ICT students. These skills will enable graduates to achieve gainful employment, and equip them to ably assist others within the work environment to develop and hone technical application skills.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides students with comprehensive exposure to the nature, purpose, functions and utilisation of application tools in different organisations. It entails a thorough introduction to computers, word processing, presentation, spreadsheets, and database application uses and functions. It seeks to develop application usage skills in all students and provide multiple opportunities for students to use them to solve problems in their everyday life. This course has some theoretical experiences, but the majority of the contact hours that have been embedded are focused on providing students with hands-on experiences with these tools.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this course students should be able to:
- Describe and use different application software to solve real organisational problems
- Create a graphical representation of the history of computing.
- Write an essay on the genesis of the World Wide Web and use personal experiences to explain its value to modern society.
- Apply the principles of data processing, storage and output in real work settings.
- Draw and label the parts of a computer system
- Evaluate the usefulness of different computer application software
- Differentiate between type of computer, software and operating systems.
- Use a spreadsheet application to calculate and analyse data
- Use a word processing application to create, format and distribute different types of organisational support documents.
- Use a database application to create systems that will serve to store, organise and manage organisational data.
- Use a presentation and graphic application to create organisational present.
- Use an e-mail and web browser application to communicate, distribute and locate different kinds of informational documents.
- Use a web browser to locate information on different topics.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
- Instructor and Student Presentations
- Application Labs
- Whole and Small Group Discussions
- Group Presentations
- Group and Individual Projects
- Internet-Supported Research
- Instructor Demonstrations
ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
Coursework (60%)
a) Mid Term | [20 Marks] | |
b) Oral Presentation | [20 Marks] | |
c) Research Project | [20 Marks] |
Final Examination (40%)
ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
Task / Assignment No. & Name | Due Date | Time | Weight | Type | Learning Outcomes |
1. Oral Presentation | Sept. 21st | 8 am | 20% | Group / Summative | 1,2,3,4,5 |
2. Research | Oct. 19th | 8 am | 20% | Project | 6,7,8,9 |
3. Mid Term Examination | Nov. 16th | 8 am | 20% | Test | 10,11,12,13 |
4. Final Exam | December | 40% | Individual | 1-13 |
Nb: Dates are subjected to be changed.
TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCES
READING LIST
- Long L., & Long, N. (2003). Computers: Information technology in perspective. (11th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
- Shelly G., Cashman T., & Vermaat M. (2013). Microsoft Office 2016: Introductory concepts and techniques (Windows XP Edition). Complete concepts and techniques. KY: Course Technology Publishing.
I loved this course from the beginning to the end!