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
- Describe some common uses of computers in society
- Identify healthy computer workspace practices (e.g., ergonomics, eye health, screen time)
- List the basic parts of a computer system (e.g., system unit, monitor, keyboard, mouse, USB drive, storage drive)
- Start and shut down a computer system, including logging off a public computer
- Use a mouse, pointing device, or touch pad
- Manage computer applications (e.g., start, close, maximize, minimize, move, resize)
- Create a folder and demonstrate basic file management skills
- Back up important files
- Operate a printer (e.g., power on, load paper, print)
- Update operating system and applications
B. Keyboarding
- Use correct touch-typing techniques and procedures for letters only
- Achieve an adjusted typing speed of 10 wpm
C. Word Processing
- Create a new word processing document
- Open and edit an existing document
- Format a document using basic tools (e.g., font, size, colour)
- Adjust view options (e.g., zoom, page display, ruler)
- Save a document in a specific location
- Print a document
- Use editing tools (e.g., spell check, grammar, thesaurus)
D. Electronic Communication
- Access the Internet using a web browser
- Search the Internet using a search engine
- Recognize a URL
- Create a bookmark
- Fill in online forms
- Send and receive email (e.g., open, download and attach files)
- Identify security problems associated with Internet (e.g., passwords, multi-factor identification, online shopping and banking, malware, phishing scams, suspicious file attachments)
- Use online synchronous communication tools
- Identify best practices for electronic communication (e.g., etiquette and formatting for emails, online forums, chats)
E. Options
1. Internet and Social Networking
- Delete browser cache and history files
- Recognize the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, and bias on electronic information sources, such as Wikipedia, YouTube
- Identify the potential benefits and risks of social networking (e.g., disclosing personal information online)
2. E-commerce
- Explain advantages and disadvantages of selling and buying on the Internet
- Identify best practices for making online purchases (e.g., reliability of supplier, shipping and handling, delivery times, proof of purchase, warranty information, return policy)
3. Digital Photography
- Transfer pictures from a device to a computer
- Apply basic editing techniques to digital images