Computer Studies
Computer Studies: Fundamental Level
Goal Statement
Computers are an important part of education, work and personal life. Computer skills are introduced at the fundamental level to help students gain the knowledge and confidence to perform basic computer operations.
Core Skills
Students will be able to demonstrate the following skills:
A. Basic Knowledge of Computers
- List the basic parts of a computer system (system unit, monitor, keyboard, mouse, USB drive, hard disk drive and printer)
- Demonstrate the ability to properly start and shut down a computer system, including logging off a public computer
- Demonstrate the ability to start and close a program
- Describe some common uses of computers in society
- Create a folder and demonstrate basic file management skills
- Use a mouse, pointing device or touch pad
- Demonstrate the ability to operate a printer (power on, load paper and print)
B. Keyboarding
- Use correct touch typing techniques and procedures for letters only, not top row numbers symbols
- Achieve an adjusted typing speed of 10 wpm
C. Word Processing
- Create a new word processing document
- Open and edit an existing document
- Save a document
- Print a document
- Use editing tools, such as a spell checker or thesaurus
D. Electronic Communication
- Internet
- Use favorites/bookmark bar
- Fill in online forms
- Perform a search using a web search engine
- Use library websites to search for, request, and renew books and other resources
- Be aware of security issues on the internet
- Send and receive email including attachments
E. Options
1. Identify software maintenance issues
- Software updates and patches
- Deleting browser cache and history files
- Backing up important files
2. Internet
- Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, and bias on electronic information sources, such as Wikipedia, YouTube
- Identify the potential consequences of disclosing personal information on-line
- Access online student record information
3. Social Networking
- Identify and discuss the benefits and dangers of social networking, such as chat rooms, instant messaging, Twitter, Facebook
- Increase knowledge and real-world technical skills by using social networking technology
4. E-commerce
- Explain advantages and disadvantages of selling and buying on the Internet
- List steps involved in making an on-line purchase (print and save proof of transactions; archive and print emails)
- Create a checklist of questions to ask before making an on-line purchase (e.g., reliability of supplier, shipping and handling, delivery times, warranty information, return policy, Canada customs, privacy policies, business practices record)
- List security indicators for on-line credit cards, PayPal, and other online payment forms
- Investigate online banking options
- Navigate websites to plan a trip: book a flight, hotel and/or a car rental
5. File Management
- Create, name, and organize folders and files
- Identify file types and sizes
- Perform file backups
6. Ergonomics
- Be aware of workspace ergonomics
7. Digital Photography
- Transfer and organize pictures from a digital camera to a computer
- Manipulate and improve basic digital images
- Build and manage photos on a photo sharing site, such as DropBox or FaceBook
- Send images via Email
8. Communication
- Use online synchronous communication tools, such as Skype, Google+ Hangouts or ooVoo
