Introductory Computer Skills Lab
Learning Skills 320
Course Syllabus
BASIC INFORMATION
Instructor:
Instructor's Office:
Telephone/Email:
Lab Time:
Room:
Units:
Prerequisites:
Text and Materials:
Alexis Copeland
Supportive Services & Instruction
646-4067/acopeland@mpc.edu
See semester schedule and individual section number
AD-102
1 unit = 3 hours per week; 48 hours per semester
This class is offered on a CREDIT / NO CREDIT grading basis.
none
Online registration for SimNet at https:\\mpc.simnetonline.com OR
Serial codes can be purchased at the MPC Bookstore
SimNet for Office 2010 Single Module $30 ISBN: 9780077394950 OR
Simnet for Office 2010 Full Suite $55 ISBN: 9780073516493
RATIONALE FOR THE COURSE
Introductory computer skills lab for students with disabilities to develop basic computer competency
and word processing, email usage, and Internet skills.
The course can include the identification and implementation of adaptive software to individualize the
computer environment for a particular student.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Access and use information technology of their choice including: a. Word processing.
b. Email. c. Internet.
2. Apply principles outlined in software tutorials to the acquisition of software and web application
skills.
COURSE CONTENT
Complete self-paced lessons which build in complexity in order to attain competency in the basic
computer skills students are learning. Assignments emphasize practical application of learned
computer skills. Topics will include:
Computer Fundamentals
1. External hardware of a personal
computer
2. Interior parts of a personal computer
3. Operating system fundamentals
4. Software application fundamentals
5. Modifying the operating system for
accessibility
Basic Word Processing Features
1. Basic terminology
2. Parts of the word processor screen
3. Document creation
4. Document printing
5. Document editing
6. Moving within a document
7. Resave and use of "Save As"
8. Moving text
9. Spell check and thesaurus
Formatting Features
1. Line spacing
2. Character Formats
3. Alignment, Tabs, Indents, Margins
4. Styles and Borders
5. Numbered and Bulleted Lists
6. Table Features
7. Creating Tables
8. Operations with Cells
9. Formatting Tables
Graphics
1. Inserting Graphics
2. Sizing and Moving Graphics
3. Formatting graphics
Basic Internet Features
1. Identify Parts of the Browser
2. Basic Internet terminology
3. Navigating websites
4. Customizing the browser for
accessiblity
5. Using Bookmarks and History
6. Using search engines
Basic Email Features
1. Creating Web based email account
2. Basic Email terminology
3. Reading and answering email
4. Using Addresses or Contacts
5. Inserting attachments
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
Computerized instruction in a lab setting, individualized work with multisensory learning materials,
and teamed learning for problem solving.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
This course is offered on a credit/no credit basis only. The instructor will evaluate each student’s
ability to make measurable progress as defined in Section 56028 of Title 5 regulations. Students
enrolled in this course are required to make measurable progress based on the goals of their
Education Plan, adherence to attendance policy, satisfactory participation in, and completion of, lab
activities. Credit for course will be given if the student makes measurable progress on his/her objectives for the course and the assignments given and if attendance is regular. The student will accrue
units based on the number of hours spent in the lab for the semester. If you meet these two criteria,
you will receive credit for the course.
ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is required. If a student misses more than four lab sessions he/she may be
dropped from the course. If more than four absences are accumulated, the student should make
arrangements with the instructor to make-up missed lab hours. Students should leave a message at
646-4067 if they will miss a class and inform the instructor beforehand if they know the absence will
occur.
Students are expected to be punctual. A student who is 20 minutes or more late to lab without prior
arrangement with the instructor will be counted as absent unless the missed lab time is compensated
for or made up by arrangement. Classes start on the hour. Should you be allowed to come in late,
please do so quietly and consciously in order to respect the classroom environment and other
students’ learning processes.