The course is comprised of two distinct components. Readings focus on the conceptual workings of computer technology and its place in society and the business environment. The computer component will introduce the practical hands-on computing skills commonly used in today’s business world, including the Internet, electronic communications, electronic commerce, the operating system, and office desktop applications.
Upon completion, the student will:
– Describe the role of information systems and technology in today’s business environment.
– Develop solutions for a myriad of organizational, people, and technological business problems, including Internet applications and services, which reflect both conceptual and practical skills relating to contemporary hardware and software tools.
– Make appropriate use of new technology and new computer applications in a variety of problem-solving situations.
– Demonstrate a basic foundation in information technology, especially in the use of computers and networks and in creating MS Office files (Word and Excel) necessary to complete further courses in other programs.
Module 1: Introduction to Information Technology
Learning outcomes:
Discuss the social and ethical impact of information technology on our society.
Describe the basic structure and organization of a computer.
Describe Microsoft Office programs.
Demonstrate Microsoft Word techniques.
Module 2: Software Basics, Productivity Applications, and an Introduction to Excel
Learning outcomes:
Discuss the factors that make a computer application a useful tool
Describe role of the operating system in a modern computer system
Describe how file systems are organized
Explain why unauthorized copying of software is against the law
Describe how word-processing and desktop-publishing software have revolutionized writing and publishing
Describe basic functions and applications of spreadsheets and other types of statistical and simulation programs
Understand Excel
Demonstrate Excel basics including data management, formatting, editing and printing.
Module 3: Graphics, Digital Media, Multimedia, Networking, and More Excel
Learning outcomes
Explain effective techniques for improving quality of slides prepared with presentation graphics software
Describe how data compression works
Describe several present and future applications for multimedia technology
Describe the nature and function of local area networks
Explain how wireless network technology is transforming the ways people work and communicate
Describe current and future trends in telecommunications and networking
Calculate data including formulas, basic functions, and financial functions
Understand how Excel evaluates data including logical functions and lookup functions
Module 4: The Evolving Internet, Excel Charts, Financial Planning, and Accounting
Learning outcomes:
Explain how and why the Internet was created
Describe the technology that’s at the heart of the Internet
Describe the technology that makes the Web work as a multimedia mass medium
Discuss trends that are changing the Internet and the way people use it
Discuss some of the most important social and political issues raised by growth of the Internet
Present information with charts from creating to formatting to advanced chart options
Apply core competency skills with linking data, financial planning, and financial accounting
Module 5: Excel Functions and Managing Large Volumes of Data
Learning outcomes:
Apply advanced Excel skills with Date Text and Text functions
Manage large volumes of data with Pivot tables and filtering tools
The format of this course is 100% online. Prior to the start date of the course, an email will be sent to all registered students containing instructions on how to access the online Learning Management System.
Certificate of Completion is available upon finishing studying the course.
