Effective Date: 2005 Version Number: 2005-2
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to the most common microcomputer software applications. These software packages should include typical features of applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and presentation software. Upon completion, s will be able to utilize selected features of these packages .
This course will help prepare s for the MOS and IC 3 certification. This course or an equivalent is CORE for the AAT and AAS CIS programs.
CREDIT HOURS
Theory 3 credit hours
Lab 0 credit hour
Total 3 credit hours
NOTE: Theory credit hours are a 1:1 contact to credit ratio. Colleges may schedule lab hours as manipulative (3:1 contact to credit hour ratio) or experimental (2:1 contact to credit hour ratio).
Alabama College System
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Microcomputer Applications CIS 146
PREREQUISITE COURSES
Determined by college unless stated otherwise.
CO-REQUISITE COURSES
Determined by college unless stated otherwise.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES:





Explain the basic operating system of a computer.
Use word processing software.
Use electronic spreadsheet software.
Use database management software.
Use presentation graphics software.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES:
The cognitive objective for this course is for each student to comprehend foundational knowledge of common microcomputer application software.
The performance objective of this course is for each student to apply foundational knowledge of common microcomputer application software.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES/OBJECTIVES:
Unless otherwise indicated, evaluation of student
’s attainment of cognitive and performance objectives are based on knowledge gained from this course. During performance evaluations, s will be provided necessary tools, equipment, materials, specifications, and any other resources necessary to accomplish the task.
Specifications may be in the form of, but not limited to, manufacturer’s specifications, technical orders, regulations, national and state codes, certification agencies, locally developed lab assignments, or any combination of specifications.
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Microcomputer Applications CIS 146
MODULE A
– BASIC OPERATING SYSTEM
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
A1.0 Explain the basic operating system of a computer.
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
(B)
A1.1 This competency is measured cognitively.
KSA
Indicators
A1.1.1 Define terms associated with operating systems.
A1.1.2 Identify features of an operating system.
A1.1.3 Explain use of input and output devices.
A1.1.4 Explain the process of file management.
A
A
B b
MODULE B – WORD PROCESSING
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
B1.0 Use word processing software.
(2b)
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
B1.1 Prepare a word processing document containing specified features.
B1.1.1 Explain the process of planning a document.
B1.1.2 Identify the components of the document window.
B1.1.3 Identify the functions of commands found on toolbars and menus.
B1.1.4 Explain the processes to develop word processing documents.
B1.1.5 Explain how to use on-board help features.
KSA
Indicators b a a b b
MODULE C - ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEETS
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
C1.0 Use electronic spreadsheet software. (2b)
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
PERFORMANCE
C1.1 Create a spreadsheet containing specified features.
KSA
Indicators
C1.1.1 Define terms identified with spreadsheets.
C1.1.2 Identify uses of spreadsheets.
C1.1.3 Identify major components of a spreadsheet.
C1.1.4 Explain the processes of developing and working with a spreadsheet.
A
A a b
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Microcomputer Applications CIS 146
MODULE D
– DATABASE MANAGEMENT
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
D1.0 Use database management software. (2b)
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
D1.1.1 Create a database containing specified features.
D1.1.2 Manage a database.
KSA
Indicators
D1.1.1 Define terms associated with database management.
D1.1.2 Explain how to open an existing database.
D1.1.3 Identify the components of a database.
D1.1.4 Explain the processes of developing a database.
A b a b b
D1.2.1 Explain the process of managing a database.
MODULE E
– PRESENTATION GRAPHICS
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
E1.0 Use presentation graphics software. (2b)
ENABLING OBJECTIVES
E1.1 Create a presentation containing specified features.
KSA
Indicators
E1.1.1 Define terms associated with presentation graphics.
E1.1.2 Identify components of the presentation software.
E1.1.3 Explain the processes of developing a presentation.
A a b
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Microcomputer Applications CIS 146
COURSE CONTENT OUTLINE
MODULE A – BASIC OPERATING SYSTEM

Terms

Input/Output Devices

File Management
MODULE B – WORD PROCESSING

Components of the document window

Toolbars and menu commands

Planning a document

Develop word processing documents

Create a new document

Scroll a document

Correct errors

Save, preview, and print a document

Enter information using automatic features

Insert and resize graphics

Check spelling and grammar

Move the insertion point around the document

Select and delete text

Reverse edits using the Undo and Redo buttons

Move text within the document

Find and replace text

Change margins, line spacing, alignment, and paragraph indents

Change fonts and adjust font sizes

Emphasize points with bullets, numbering, boldface, underlining, and italics

Add a comment to a document

Insert headers and footers

Insert footnotes and headers
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Microcomputer Applications CIS 146
MODULE C
– ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEETS

Components of spreadsheets

Developing and working with spreadsheets

Planning a spreadsheet

Insert text, values, and formulas into a worksheet

Insert and delete worksheet rows and columns

Copy and paste formulas and functions

Resize worksheet rows and columns

Navigate within and between worksheets

Select and move worksheet cells

Print a workbook

Work with the Insert Function button

Financial functions

Work with absolute and relative references

Use auto-fill features

Create simple logical data and financial functions formulas

Create charts and graphs

Integrating software applications
MODULE D
– DATABASE MANAGEMENT

Database terms

Components of a database

Developing and managing a database

Create a new database and set filed properties

Open an existing query, and create, sort and navigate a new query

Create and save a table

Def ine fields and specify a table’s primary key

Open and navigate a table
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Add records to a table

Modify the structure of a table
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Delete, move and add fields

Change field properties

Save a database

Create and navigate a form

Create, preview and navigate a report

Delete and change records

Opening an existing database

Integrating software applications
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Microcomputer Applications CIS 146
MODULE E
– PRESENTATION GRAPHICS

Components of the presentation software

Developing a presentation

Planning a presentation

Open and view an existing presentation

Create a folder for saving presentations

Create a presentation using the templates or wizard

Add, move and delete slides
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Promote and demote text in the Outline tab

Create speaker notes for slides
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Check the spelling and style in a presentation

Preview and print slides

Print outlines, handouts and speaker notes

Create, resize and move text and graphics

Add a design template and modify the design using the Slide Masters

Insert tab stops to align text
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Change the layouts of existing slides
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Insert and resize pictures and clip-art images

Insert transitions, animations, and sounds

Create tables, diagrams, and graphs

Draw and manipulate a simple graphic using AutoShapes

Integrating software applications
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Microcomputer Applications CIS 146
RECOMMENDED METHODS OF EVALUATION: The tables of specifications below identify the number of cognitive (knowledge) enabling objectives and psychomotor
(performance) objectives per module. Instructors should develop sufficient numbers of evaluation items to ensure complete coverage of each cognitive and/or psychomotor objective identified in each module.
For cognitive objectives, use appropriate written test type based on the complexity indicator for each objective.
Create comprehensive, checklist evaluations for each psychomotor objective.
Facts/Nomenclature (A/a): Multiple Choice, Fill-in, List, Matching, Alternative
Response (true/false or yes/no)
Principles/Procedures (B/b) : Multiple Choice, Fill-in, List, Short Answer
Analysis/Operating Principles (C/c): Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Essay
Evaluation/Complete Theory (D/d): Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Essay
ENABLING OBJECTIVES TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS
Cognitive Domain
Module A
Module B
Module C
Module D
Module E
Total
Facts/
Nomenclature
2
2
3
2
2
11
Principles/
Procedures
2
3
1
3
1
10
Analysis/
Operating
Principles
-
-
-
-
-
0
Evaluation/
Complete
Theory
-
-
-
-
-
0
Total
4
5
4
5
3
21
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS
Psychomotor Domain
Module A
Module B
Module C
Module D
Module E
Total
Limited
Proficiency
(Level 1)
-
-
-
-
-
0
Partially
Proficient
(Level 2)
-
1
1
1
1
4
Proficient
(Level 3)
-
-
-
-
-
0
Highly
Proficient
(Level 4)
-
-
-
-
-
0
Total
-
1
1
1
1
4
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Microcomputer Applications CIS 146 d c b a
D
C
B
A
*5
Value
4
3
2
1
*4
*3
Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) Indicators
Key Word(s)
Highly
Proficient
Definition
Performs competency quickly and accurately. Instructs others how to do the competency.
Proficient
Performs all parts of the competency. Needs only a spot check of completed work.
Partially
Proficient
Performs most parts of the competency. Needs help only on hardest parts.
Limited Proficiency
Performs simple parts of the competency. Needs to be told or shown how to do most of the competency.
Complete
Theory
Operating
Principles
Procedures
Nomenclature
Evaluation
Analysis
Principles
Predicts, isolates, and resolves problems about the competency.
Identifies why and when the competency must be done and why each step is needed.
Determines step-by-step procedures for doing the competency.
Names parts, tools, and simple facts about the competency.
Evaluates conditions and makes proper decisions about the subject.
Analyzes facts and principles and draws conclusions about the subject.
Identifies relationship of basic facts and states general principles about the subject.
Facts Identifies basic facts and terms about the subject.
Characterization by
Value
Acting consistently with the new value
Organization
Integrating a new value into one's general set of values, giving it some ranking among one's general priorities
Valuing Showing some definite involvement or commitment
*2 Responding Showing some new behaviors as a result of experience
*1 Receiving Being aware of or attending to something in the environment
Alpha Scale Values - Any item with an upper case letter (A, B, C, D) by itself is taught as general information on a topic. This information may be related to the competency or encompass multiple competencies. Examples might include mathematical computations or knowledge of principles such as Ohm’s Law.
A lower case letter indicates a level of ”Knowledge of Skills." Individuals are taught information pertaining to performing a competency . These may be indicated alone or in conjunction with a numerical scale value. A lower case letter by itself indicates the individual is not required to perform the task-just know about the task.
(example: Can state or explain procedures for doing a task).
Numerical Scale Values - The numbers reflect the levels the individual will be able to perform a competency. Number values are always accompanied by lower case letters (i.e. 1a, 2b, 3c...etc.) in order to specify the level of knowledge of skills associated with the competency.
Example: An individual with a competency with a scale indicator of 3b has received training of knowledge of skills whereby he or she can determine the correct procedures and perform with limited supervision; only requiring evaluation of the finished product or procedure.
Asterisk items indicate desired affective domain levels and are used to indicate the desired level for a given competency. They may be used independently or with other indicators (i.e. 1a-*1, 2c-*3). If used with another indicator, separate with a hyphen.
NOTE: Codes indicate terminal values.
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