Chapter 1: Introduction to computers
>> Learning
outcome
-
Describe the importance of computers in todays
world
-
Identify the main parts of a computer and learn
how to use them
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that you can use to store
and process information. Computers can be used to help you perform various
tasks, such as:
- Sending email messages
- Delivering presentations
- Tracking data
- Writing text
- Organizing files, to mention a few.
Roles of computers
Brief on how important computers are in today’s world i.e.
how computers manage traffic lights, regulate machines in hospitals etc..
What is a computer made up of?
Computers consists of 2 main components:
·
Hardware
Definition: physical parts of a
computer.
(What physically makes up a computer, what are the functions
of each partand show them how each is operated)
Input device
|
Output device
|
Storage
|
Keyboard
|
Monitor
|
Internal storage
|
Mouse
|
Printer
|
External storage
- CD
- DVD
- Hard Disk Drive
- Flash Drive
- Floppy
(Explain difference between bits/bytes and compact/hard
disk)
|
Scanner
|
Speakers
|
Modem
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
Central Processing Unit
-
Cables
(Additional hardware components, which include RAM, Memory,
Cards, Case and Digital Cameras etc. may be added if time permits)
·
Software
Definition: set of instructions
that enable a computer to perform a certain task.
-
What is the purpose of computer software?
-
Types of software and their examples
-
Commercial software’s and open source software’s
and their examples
End of first lecture
Basic Computer Operations
How computer works
input, output and its central processing unit
·
How to turn on/off a computer and monitor and
about the power saving modes.
-
Log off
-
Restart
-
Shut down)
·
Keyboard layout and data entry
-
Overview
-
Special keys
-
Function keys
-
Alphabet keys
-
Navigation keys
-
Numeric keys
·
Using a mouse *bring a different mouse for
variation
-
Right click
-
Left click
-
Middle scroll
·
Files and documents and how to save them and
print
·
Backing up files
·
Folders and Directories
·
Menus, Desktop, Taskbar and control panel
·
Troubleshooting
Brief intro into
common computing devices
·
Desktop computers
·
Laptops
·
All in one computers
·
Tablets
·
Smartphones
Try and bring some for illustration purpose?
End of second lecture
Chapter 2: Introduction to computer programs
>> Learning outcome:
- Explore programs available in windows
-Learn how to use
Word, Excel and maybe PowerPoint?
Computer programs
Programs help us do a variety of things on the computer such
as write a letter, create a spreadsheet, or develop a presentation. Programs
may also be used for entertainment purposes such as listening to music, playing
games and communicating with others.
·
Describe the types of productivity
programs and their uses.
·
Describe the types of communications
programs and their uses.
·
Describe the uses of educational and
entertainment programs.
Built in programs
Additionally
Installed programs
Microsoft
Word
·
Word Processing
-
Definition and how it works
-
Inserting, deleting, moving and copying
characters
-
Database and its operations
Example exercise (writing a letter, how to save it and how
to access/edit it later. Creating tables, changing font and sizing of
characters etc.)
End of third lecture
Excel
·
Spreadsheet
-
Functions of spreadsheets
-
Rows columns and cells
Example exercise (create simple file, use functions to
add/subtract values, create a basic graphs bar graph, line graph and pie chart)
Exporting excel files into word such as graphs etc.
Power point
End of fourth lecture
Chapter 3: Internet
>> Learning outcome:
-
Learn about the internet and how it works
-
The vast things that can be done with the
Internet i.e. research, communication etc.
-
How to use the internet to research
-
How to send an email (basic communication via
the internet)
·
What is the Internet?
-
Definition
-
History
-
How it works
·
How to access the Internet?
-
Modem
-
Browser software
-
Internet service provider (ISP)
·
What can you do with the Internet?
-
Email
-
World Wide Web
-
Social Networks
-
File transfer
-
Protocol
-
Instant messaging
-
Search Engines
-
E-commerce
·
Internet browser and some examples
·
Navigating the internet
Computer networks?
End of fifth lecture
Note:
-
Supply illustrated lecture notes for students to
use to follow in class incase class is to fast and for future reference.
-
Allow 10-15 minutes for follow up questions
-
Possibly bring a projector for demonstrations