This semester long course will introduce students to computer application software including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  An understanding of ethics and use of operating systems, information resources, and electronic mail is included.

Unit 1:  Computer Ethics

The students will understand standards of right and wrong behavior and guage personal integrity while using computer technology.

• I know the difference between right and wrong and use that judgment to guide my behavior while using the computer.
• I have signed an Acceptable Use Policy.
• I can discuss the role of an Acceptable Use Policy.
• I can discuss the rights of privacy, property, intent, and accessibility with respect to computer-based information.
• I can discuss copyright and licensing laws regarding software, database contents, Internet publications, and other published materials.
• I can describe the differences between Freeware, Shareware, Public Domain, Open Source and All Rights Reserved.

Unit 2:  Computer Basics and Operating Systems

The students will understand that technological communication and purchasing decisions require an understanding of basic computer terminology and operating systems.

• I can list several different types of computers and the settings in which those computers are generally used.
• I can describe how a computer functions including the boot process, input, data processing, memory and output.
• I can identify the hardware components of a microcomputer and categorize them according to their function (system unit, microprocessor, RAM, ROM, storage devices, input devices, output devices, peripheral devices).
• I can discuss the differences between different platforms and the differences between different operating systems.
• I can discuss different software applications and their uses for performing specialized tasks.
• I can describe the differences between a Local Area Network (LAN) and a Wide Area Network (WAN).
• I can discuss the importance of vigilance in the detection, prevention and repair of computer viruses.

Unit 3:  Proper Keyboarding Technique

 The students will understand that by learning and using proper keyboarding techniques they can increase their speed and productivity while reducing the likelihood of developing computer related stress injuries.

• I sit properly at the keyboard with my body centered, my elbows naturally at my sides and my feet flat on the floor to provide balance.
• I keyboard with my forearms parallel to the slant of the keyboard; my wrists are low but not resting on any surface.
• I can type with my fingers oriented on the home row and I keep my fingers curved.
• I can use the correct fingers for each of my keystrokes.
• I can key with a smooth rhythm and quiet hands.
• I can keyboard while keeping my eyes on the copy or the screen, not on the keyboard.

Unit 4:  Document Processing with Microsoft Word

The students will understand that word processing software can be used to create professional documents such as letters, memos, reports or other documents.

• I can create and format original documents including: a block letter, a modified block letter, a memo, and a report.
• I can retrieve, edit, save and print a document.
• I can include textual citations and references (a bibliography) in a report.
• I can insert graphics and other objects into my documents.
• I can change the margins, text alignment, line spacing, tables, indents and page setup of my document.
• I can move and copy and paste text in a document.
• I can change the typeface and emphasis (font, underscore, italics, and boldface) of existing text.
• I can use the grammar and spelling tools as well as the thesaurus to proofread and correct all language mechanics in my documents.

Unit 5:  Creating Spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel

The students will understand that spreadsheet software can be used to efficiently organize, sort and display numerical data.

• I can create, retrieve, modify, format, save and print a spreadsheet.
• I can copy, move, insert and delete data in a spreadsheet.
• I can insert and delete columns and rows.
• I can calculate formulas using mathematical operators (+,-,*, /).
• I can calculate data using simple functions (SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, COUNT).
• I can sort data in a spreadsheet.
• I can create, save, retrieve, print and interpret a chart/graph.

Unit 6:  Creating an Electronic Presentation with Microsoft PowerPoint

The students will understand that electronic presentations are used to enhance oral presentations and help the audience gain a better understanding of the message.

• I can create a presentation using a variety of slide layouts.
• I can enhance my presentation by using transitions, automatic timing and animation.
• I can change the typeface and emphasis (font, underscore, italics, and boldface) of text in my presentation.
• I can insert graphics and other objects into my presentation.
• I can use the grammar and spelling tools as well as the thesaurus to proofread and correct all language mechanics in my presentation.

Unit 7:  Accessing and Sharing Information on the World Wide Web

The students will understand that the internet can be a reliable tool that can be used to access and share information if they can learn to evaluate sources for reliability and authenticity.

• I can identify a URL.
• I can use a web browser to navigate the World Wide Web, to reload/refresh web pages, and to show a history of recently visited websites.
• I can search the internet for information using online databases, catalogs and libraries.
• I can use search engines and keywords to find information on the World Wide Web.
• I can conduct advanced Internet searches using Boolean Operators and quotation marks.
• I can recognize different types of web sites by noting the differences in their domains (.edu, .gov, .com, .net, .org, .mil).
• I can evaluate websites for authorship, legitimacy, and bias.

Unit 8:  Using Electronic Mail

The students will understand that email is the most commonly used business document and by learning how to properly format and send an email they can expedite the communication process.

• I can create an email account on the World Wide Web.
• I can use a personal email account to perform various functions including:  send, receive, reply to, reply all and forward.
• I can send an attachment with an outgoing message.
• I can receive, open and save an attachment to an email message.