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Basic Computer
Competency – Objectives
OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION OF SKILLS TO BE DEMONSTRATED
NOTE: An asterisk (*) is used to denote a skill a student has to demonstrate on a computer; if an
entire category consists of demonstration questions, then an entire category is marked as *
1. Knowledge of basic computing concepts,
2. The ability to perform fundamental operating system functions,
3. The ability to use computers in a secure manner,
4. The ability to use common software applications, such as:
a.
word processing – create, save, retrieve text file
b. spreadsheet program - create, manage, and manipulate numeric data
c.
presentation software – create presentations
5. The ability to use the computer for Internet access and electronic communication, specifically the
ability to:
a.
gain access to the University’s computer system (e.g., Blackboard, Pipeline)
b. send and retrieve email
c.
conduct Internet and database searches to obtain information and resources.
(1) Knowledge of Basic Computing Concepts
1. Explain storage types
2. Understand the storage and performance measures, such as mega, giga, tera
3. List storage media and explain their relative capacities
4. Describe the difference between Internet and the Web
5. Describe different ways you can connect your home computer to the Internet
6. Explain what an URL is
(2) Fundamental Operating Systems Functions
1. Identify different operating systems for personal computers
2.* Use the user interface
Manipulate windows: resize, move, close, scroll
3. Manage files
a.* Manipulate folders: create, delete, rename
b.* Manipulate files: create, delete, rename, sort
c. Understand what a directory and file specification path are
Revised 01/05/2006
d. Understand file formats
4. Understand disk operations
Understanding the purpose for disk formatting
5. Understand the concept and need for backups
6.* Install software
7. Understand the need for operating systems updates and patches
(3) Using Computers in a Secure Manner
1. Define the following terms: virus, worm, Trojan horse, spyware, spam, cookie
2. Understand the need for antivirus and spyware protection software and their constant updates
3. Understand the need for firewalls
4. Know how to check for different types of Internet hoaxes, such as virus hoaxes, phishing
5. Understand what it means to be a secure user
a.
Be aware of copyright issues and plagiarism
b. Understand what constitutes a computer crime
(4) Common Software Applications
(a)* Word Processing Skills
1. Use word processing software
a.
Open and close the application
b. Create a new blank document
c.
Open an existing document
d. Save documents as Web pages
e.
Preview and print documents
2. Manipulate text
a.
Enter text
b. Move and copy text
c.
Delete text
d. Use Find and Replace
e.
Change the font: type, size, color
f.
Highlight text
g. Italicize, bold, underline
h. Align text
i.
Number tasks
Revised 01/05/2006
3. Format documents
a.
Set tabs
b. Set line spacing
c.
Set background
d. Add and delete document headers and footers
e.
Add and delete page numbers
f.
Set margins
g. Set page layout (columns, page orientation)
4. Use spell check
a.
Correct the spelling in the document
b. Use thesaurus
c.
Check the grammar in the document
5. Use additional features
a.
Use the Word Count feature to count the total number of words in the document
b. Create and modify tables
c.
Insert pictures and objects from other files
d. Use undo and redo
(b)* Spreadsheet Skills
1. Use spreadsheet software
a.
Open and close the application
b. Create a new blank spreadsheet
c.
Open an existing spreadsheet
d. Save spreadsheets as Web pages
e.
Preview and print spreadsheets
2. Manipulate cells, rows, and columns
a.
Enter and modify text
b. Insert and delete cells, rows, and columns
c.
Clear cells, rows, columns
d. Merge cells
e.
Move and copy cell, row, column contents
f.
Format cells: decimals, text, dollars
3. Sort tables
4. Manipulate functions
a.
Create formulas
b. Use functions (sum, average, minimum, maximum, count, square root, standard deviation)
c.
Use the fill handle to copy formula and create series
Revised 01/05/2006
5. Manipulate worksheets
Modify the orientation of the worksheet
6. Format spreadsheets
a.
Add and delete headers and footers
b. Set margins
c.
Add and delete page numbers
d. Add and delete gridlines
7. Create and modify charts
(c)* Presentation Software Skills
1. Use presentation software
a.
Open and close the application
b. Create a new blank presentation
c.
Open an existing presentation
d. Save presentation
e.
Preview and print presentations (handouts, speaker notes)
2. Manipulate slides
a.
Add and delete slides using different layouts
b. Copy slides from other presentations
c.
Change the color scheme for slides
d. Apply design templates
e.
Change slide background
f.
Rearrange and hide slides
g. Add and remove slide numbers
h. Enter and modify text
i.
Add and remove footers
j.
Add and remove pictures
3. Set up presentation properties
a.
Display the presentation in different views: slide show, normal, outline
b. Promote and demote parts of an outline
c.
View the presentation
d. Set up the presentation for manual delivery
(5) Use the Computer for Internet Access and Electronic Communication
(a)* Use the Web
1. Open and close a browser
2. Go to a Web page by using links
Revised 01/05/2006
3. Enter and save URLs
4. Refresh a page
5. Print a Web page
6. Stop a Web page transfer
7. Use back and forward buttons
8. Copy text and graphics
(b)* Use E-mail
1.
Compose and send a message
2.
Reply to a message (reply to one sender, reply to all)
3.
Print a message
4.
Delete a message
5.
Transfer messages between different folders
6.
Create and delete folders
7.
Work with attachments: add
8.
Sign up and use other Web-based e-mail
(c)* Conduct Internet Searches
1. Use a search engine and metasearch engines
2. Use keywords
3. Use Boolean search
4. Refine a Web search
5. Find specific information on a Web site
(d) Conduct Database Searches
1. Search a library catalog
a.
Identify characteristics of information on the Web
b. Identify characteristics of library resources
c.
Use connectors in constructing a search
d. Understand the difference between keyword and field searching, (i.e., subject, author, title)
e.
Recognize that the catalog contains more than books and be able to find appropriate information
f.
Distinguish between popular and scholarly periodicals
g. Interpret and evaluate Web search engine results
h. Recognize different parts of a citation
i.
Describe when to cite sources used in your work.
Revised 01/05/2006