Basic IT Skills
NQF Level 4
10 CREDITS
Prerequisites: None
Course Description
This course will give students the basic skills and knowledge they need to know about how
computers operate and how. The course will also enable students to be trained in using all
Microsoft applications through practical sessions in the laboratory.
Outcomes of Learning
Upon the completion of this course students will be able to:
 Identify and use window components.
 Name the basic components of a computer
 Use word processing, spread sheet, and database and presentation software.
 List the advantages of computer technology in business.
Course Content
1.Introduction to Microcomputers
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
1.4.
1.5.
1.6.
1.7.
1.8.
1.9.
1.10.
1.11.
1.12.
1.13.
1.14.
Generation of computers
Types of computers
Main components of a computer
Software
Types of software
Information processing
Online, offline processing, real-time, batch processing, single tasking and
multitasking
Current IT issues
Open & proprietary systems and compatibility, information systems security.
Data communications
Introduction to Networks
Central and distributed computing
Wide area and global networks.
Wi-Fi
2. Number Systems and Units of Measurements
2.1 Binary Numbers
2.2 Decimal Numbers
2.3 Hexadecimal Numbers
2.4 Octal Numbers
2.5 Converting memory sizes from one unit to another
3. Microsoft Windows
3.1 Navigating the desktop, customising the desktop, file and folder management,
installing and de-installing a program
3.2 Logging onto an internet Service Provider or Online service provider, managing
the mailbox, email security, using a browser and search engine effectively and
downloading pages, refining searches
4. Microsoft Word
4.1 Open a blank document and type text, recognise the toolbars, Ruler Bar, Scroll Bar,
Status Bar
4.2 Spell checking, search and replace, thesaurus
4.3 Page set-up, styles and general Formatting
4.4 Creating a tab set, Columns, Tables and Borders/Shading/Page
4.5 Use word Processor Wizard to create a document such as a flyer, an invitation or a
CV
4.6 Print preview and printing
5. Microsoft Excel
5.1 Start a blank spreadsheet and navigate between workbooks and sheets
5.2 Enter data, change column widths and row heights, Formatting values,
Calculating, creating and understanding formulae, using Math and statistical
functions
5.3 Creating and editing charts
5.4 Auto Form
5.5 Introduction to Macros
6. Microsoft Powerpoint
6.1 Create and present PowerPoint slides.
6.2 Format and design slides to suit presentation.
7. Microsoft Access
7.1 Create a simple database.
7.2 Creating, opening, saving, printing and closing database tables.
7.3 Using the menus, toolbars and shortcuts to copy, move, delete, restore and search for
data.
7.4 Database basics such as records, fields, data types, filters and sorts.
7.5 Using the table, query, reporting and form wizards.
Recommended Text
1. Computing Essentials. Timothy O Leary and Linda I. O Leary.
2. Basic Concepts of I.T. Dr. Richard Clark.
3. New Perspectives on Computer Concepts, 2012, Introductory. June Jamrich
Parsons, Dan Oja.
4. Word Processing Uses and Features. Monaghan Institute
5. Essentiall skills for digital literacy, CCI Learning Solutions Inc., 2004
6. Ellerby, J et al. 2001. Insights: Succeeding in the Information Ag, Irwin Publishing