ICT Training to Primary Schools’ Teachers - Training Guide

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

-          http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/dl/courses/2695DE/onlinelauncher.htm a good computers 101 program used for reference.

-          Possibly bring a projector for demonstrations

Prepared by Neema Mziray, Volunteer