Topic outline

  • Welcome!

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    Welcome to Computer Applications!

    Course Introduction
    Welcome to the Computer Applications course. This course focuses on both theoretical knowledge and hands on application projects. The course will prepare students to not only utilize Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access software, but will also to be able to translate this knowledge to other similar application software commonly used in industry. 

    Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

      • Apply knowledge of computers and operating system fundamentals
      • Apply knowledge of word processing software
      • Apply knowledge of presentation software
      • Apply knowledge of spreadsheet software
      • Apply knowledge of database software

    Navigating the Course
    Adopting institution should provide learners information on how to navigate the course. Consider adding an introductory navigation video. Text description could include, for example:
    This course is set up in Modules covering various topics which may be accessed from the course navigation menu on the left or by scrolling below. Modules may be collapsed in the menu and it the body of the course to minimize scrolling. Each module includes the relevant chapters followed by various activities, which may include discussion forums, listening activities and quizzes, practice quizzes, module tests, and other relevant activities as appropriate for each module. Many items are required and may be marked as completed automatically when the activity has been submitted (the broken check box), but others will marked as done by the student (the solid check box). 

    Please move through the items below and continue through the Learner Support and Getting Started modules before moving on to Module 1. Be sure to check for announcements and due dates to stay on track.
    Creative Commons logo This course and its contents are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License by LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network, except where otherwise noted. 

  • Learner Support

    Operating Systems

  • Getting Started

    This module contains all the items you should review and complete before you begin Module 1. Before moving on, be sure to:
    1. Check the News and Announcements Forum
    2. Read the Course Syllabus
    3. Introduce yourself to the class
    4. Read the instructions for the Q & A Forum
    Good luck in the course!
    • Forum icon
      News and Announcements Forum
      This forum contains general news and announcements. You can find all announcements listed in the "Latest News" block in Course Tools within this course or on your My Courses page.
    • File icon
      Course Syllabus and Schedule File
      Students must
      Mark as done
    • URL icon
      Course Syllabus and Schedule URL
      Students must
      Mark as done
    • URL icon
      Textbook: Computer Applications (Pressbooks) URL
      Students must
      Mark as done

      We will be using the title Computer Applications in Pressbooks as the textbook for this class. You do not need to purchase a textbook. This book will be referred to as Pressbooks for the remainder of this course. This is a link to the whole book, and there are individual chapters embedded into each module. 

    • Forum icon
      Introduce Yourself! Forum
      Students must
      Mark as done

      Use this forum to tell us a little about yourself and your interests. Some topic ideas:

        1. What is your field of study/research interest or concentration?
        2. What are you most interested in learning about in this class and why?
        3. Have you ever taken an online class before?
        4. Any other information you would like to share with your classmates, such as special interests or activities.

      Post a picture!  We look forward to meeting you.

    • Forum icon
      Q & A Forum for Students
      Students must
      Mark as done

      Use this forum to ask your instructor any questions you have about the course. You may post at any time, and your instructor will respond here. Be as specific as possible.

      Please keep in mind that others can see your posts, so do not post any personal information. If you have questions about your grade, please email your instructor directly. You can expect a response to posts and emails within [X] hours. [Recommendation is 24 hours M-F, next business day on weekends.]

      Subscription should be set to Auto.

  • Computers and Operating Systems 1 - Hardware

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    Replace this text with a short module introduction in narrative form; provide context and instructor's perspective to review (prior knowledge), preview (highlights of the module), and motivate (relevance to students' personal and career goals). Avoid referencing textbook chapters, page numbers, or dates. To replace image, double click the image placeholder. Select 300–400 pixels wide, and update the description of image. Include attribution of your image (Title, Author, Source, License).

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    Hardware --- Introduction to digital technology; definition of a computer; types of computers; components of a computer; state of the knowledge of computers; binary, decimal, and hexadecimal numbers 




    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Apply functions of computer systems, digital technology, and underlying concepts related to information systems
    2. Recognize and distinguish between various computer components and computer applications
    3. Apply knowledge to work across various hardware systems (such as laptop, desktop, tablet, Macbook) and operating systems (such as Mac and Windows)


    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 1 Introduction
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 1 Pressbooks book chapter

    Note the check boxes to the right that help you track your progress: some are automatic, and some are manual. 

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Computers and Operating Systems 2 - Software

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    Replace this text with a short module introduction in narrative form; provide context and instructor's perspective to review (prior knowledge), preview (highlights of the module), and motivate (relevance to students' personal and career goals). Avoid referencing textbook chapters, page numbers, or dates. To replace image, double click the image placeholder. Select 300–400 pixels wide, and update the description of image. Include attribution of your image (Title, Author, Source, License). 

    [initial draft below]

    Software --- Various softwares such as application softwares and operating systems; need for an operating system; evolution of operating systems; components of an operating system; organization of files and data



    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Apply knowledge of and differentiate between application software and operating systems software
    2. Apply troubleshooting techniques related to computer and software system
    3. Produce original work using multiple software (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and databases) concurrently

    To achieve these objectives:

    1. Read the Module 2 Introduction
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 2 Pressbooks book

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Computers and Operating Systems 3 - Security & Email

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    Replace this text with a short module introduction in narrative form; provide context and instructor's perspective to review (prior knowledge), preview (highlights of the module), and motivate (relevance to students' personal and career goals). Avoid referencing textbook chapters, page numbers, or dates. To replace image, double click the image placeholder. Select 300–400 pixels wide, and update the description of image. Include attribution of your image (Title, Author, Source, License). 

    [initial draft below]

    Security --- computer networks; types of computer networks; email; issues of digital security, computer security, and network security; ethical and legal issues



    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Apply knowledge of computer technology, including cyber security, email software, ethical use of digital information and computer practices.

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 3 Introduction
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 3 Pressbooks book chapter

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Processing Software 1: Concepts

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    Replace this text with a short module introduction in narrative form; provide context and instructor's perspective to review (prior knowledge), preview (highlights of the module), and motivate (relevance to students' personal and career goals). Avoid referencing textbook chapters, page numbers, or dates. To replace image, double click the image placeholder. Select 300–400 pixels wide, and update the description of image. Include attribution of your image (Title, Author, Source, License). 

    [initial draft below]

    Word Processing Concepts: Type Letter Text, Font Settings, Styles, Select and Insert Text, Saving documents



    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate proficiency in understanding word processing concepts to create, edit, format, save, and print documents

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 4 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 4 Pressbooks book chapter
    3. Complete the Flyer assignment


    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Processing Software 2: Formatting and Editing Techniques

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    Replace this text with a short module introduction in narrative form; provide context and instructor's perspective to review (prior knowledge), preview (highlights of the module), and motivate (relevance to students' personal and career goals). Avoid referencing textbook chapters, page numbers, or dates. To replace image, double click the image placeholder. Select 300–400 pixels wide, and update the description of image. Include attribution of your image (Title, Author, Source, License). 

    [initial draft below]

     Cut, Copy, Paste Text
     Spelling and Grammar
     Format Painter
     Line and Paragraph Spacing
     Paragraph Indents


    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Enhance document design using formatting techniques

    To achieve these objectives: 


    1. Read the Module 5 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 5 Pressbooks book chapter
    3. Complete the Newsletter assignment

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Processing Software 3: Inserting

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    [initial draft below]

    Inserting:
    Synonyms
    Smart Art
    Tables
    Screenclips
    Special Characters



    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Insert and format shapes, pictures, charts, tables, columns, and screenshots into documents
    2. Insert citations, references, and bibliographies into documents, reports, manuscripts, etc. 
    3. Create tables, multi-page reports, fliers, and other print media

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 6 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 6 Pressbooks book chapter
    3. Complete the Letter assignment

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Processing Software 4: Other Features

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    Replace this text with a short module introduction in narrative form; provide context and instructor's perspective to review (prior knowledge), preview (highlights of the module), and motivate (relevance to students' personal and career goals). Avoid referencing textbook chapters, page numbers, or dates. To replace image, double click the image placeholder. Select 300–400 pixels wide, and update the description of image. Include attribution of your image (Title, Author, Source, License). 

    [initial draft below]

    Other Features:
    Headers and Footers
    Tabs
    Find and Replace
    Bulleted and Numbered Lists
    Footnotes, Endnotes, Citations, and Bibliographies


    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

    1. Create tables, multi-page reports, fliers, and other print media

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 7 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 7 Pressbooks book chapter
    3. Complete the Resume assignment

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Presentations 1: Creating and Editing

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    Replace this text with a short module introduction in narrative form; provide context and instructor's perspective to review (prior knowledge), preview (highlights of the module), and motivate (relevance to students' personal and career goals). Avoid referencing textbook chapters, page numbers, or dates. To replace image, double click the image placeholder. Select 300–400 pixels wide, and update the description of image. Include attribution of your image (Title, Author, Source, License). 

    [initial draft below]

    Creating and Editing a Presentation:
    Slides
    Font Size and color
    Bullets
    Images
    Transitions


    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Create, duplicate and arrange slides
    2. Change font size and color
    3. Create multilevel bullet list
    4. Insert, move and resize images
    5. Select and apply transitions

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 9 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 9 Pressbooks book chapter

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Presentations 2: Enhance

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    Replace this text with a short module introduction in narrative form; provide context and instructor's perspective to review (prior knowledge), preview (highlights of the module), and motivate (relevance to students' personal and career goals). Avoid referencing textbook chapters, page numbers, or dates. To replace image, double click the image placeholder. Select 300–400 pixels wide, and update the description of image. Include attribution of your image (Title, Author, Source, License). 

    [initial draft below]

    Enhance a Presentation:
    Images
    Shapes
    Background
    Notes



    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Insert and format images
    2. Insert, size and apply effects to shapes
    3. Inset and format backgrounds
    4. Add speaker notes

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 10 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 10 Pressbooks book chapter

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Presentations 3: Add Media and Animation

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    Replace this text with a short module introduction in narrative form; provide context and instructor's perspective to review (prior knowledge), preview (highlights of the module), and motivate (relevance to students' personal and career goals). Avoid referencing textbook chapters, page numbers, or dates. To replace image, double click the image placeholder. Select 300–400 pixels wide, and update the description of image. Include attribution of your image (Title, Author, Source, License). 

    [initial draft below]

    Add Media and Animation:
    Video
    Audio
    Effects
    Animation


    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Insert and edit video
    2. Insert audio clips
    3. Apply entrance, emphasis and exit effects
    4. Add custom animation

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 11 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 11 Pressbooks book chapter

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Spreadsheets

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    Replace this text with a short module introduction in narrative form; provide context and instructor's perspective to review (prior knowledge), preview (highlights of the module), and motivate (relevance to students' personal and career goals). Avoid referencing textbook chapters, page numbers, or dates. To replace image, double click the image placeholder. Select 300–400 pixels wide, and update the description of image. Include attribution of your image (Title, Author, Source, License).

    [initial draft below]





    Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the purposes of spreadsheets and the essentials of mastering the use of spreadsheet applications
    2. Identify the major components of electronic spreadsheets and how they work, including navigation of program menus and ribbon, and screen manipulation.
    3. Create, design, and edit spreadsheets and workbooks using formatting techniques
    4. Understand the syntax and apply electronic spreadsheet formulas and functions: including simple calculations; analyze and chart data; and summarize data with pivot tables
    5. Understand the basics of using spreadsheets statistical functions including average and standard deviation.
    6. Apply data analysis techniques to different data structures including lists and tables, techniques include charts and graphs.
    7. Create basic plots including histograms and dependent vs. independent variables.

    To achieve these objectives: 

    1. Read the Module 8 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Module 8 Pressbooks book chapter

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Database Software 1: Database Objects

    Database Image created by Dr. Jennifer Lavergne, cc

    In this module we will be introduced to a databases, the database system, and all of the objects associated with it. For the following modules we will be using Microsoft Access, © Microsoft, to explore a real world database system. Both theoretical knowledge as well as the hands on database management projects will be explored. These will prepare the student to not only utilize the Microsoft Access database software, but will also to be able to translate this knowledge to other database design software commonly used in industry. 

    Database image created by Dr. Jennifer Lavergne, CC. 

    When you complete this module, you can add the following to your resume:

    1. Basic knowledge of database systems, objects, and relationships design
    2. Basic knowledge of MS Access

    Topics covered will include:
    1. What is a database 
    2. How to use MS Access (overview)
    3. Database Maintenance (basic)
    4. Database objects
    5. Relationships - What connects tables (basic)

    Upon completion of the MS Access Project 1: Creating Database Objects activity listed below, you will gain a practical knowledge of the following student learning outcomes:
    1. Navigate program menus/ribbon elements, screen manipulation, drafting/printing/copying work using databases
    2. Understand and apply basic database maintenance
    3. Define relationships between tables including one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many


    To achieve the learning objectives listed above, you will need to complete the following instructional materials and assessment: 

    1. Read Database Software 1 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Database Software 1 in the Computer Applications Pressbooks book
    3. Complete the assignment MS Access Project 1: Creating Database Objects


    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Database Software 2: Querying a Database

    Database Image created by Dr. Jennifer Lavergne

    In this module we will be introduced to creating, adding, and querying database objects. We will be using Microsoft Access, © Microsoft Simple Query Wizard and Design View. Both of these tools will allow students to manipulate the objects and their contents for summarization and knowledge generation. Similar to the previous chapter, both theoretical knowledge, as well as the hands on database management projects, will be explored. These will prepare the student to not only utilize these tools in the Microsoft Access database software, but will also to be able to translate this knowledge to other database design software commonly used in industry. 

    Database image created by Dr. Jennifer Lavergne, CC. 

    When you complete this module, you can add the following to your resume:

    1. Basic knowledge creating, adding, and querying database objects.
    2. Basic knowledge of MS Access Simple Query Wizard and Design View

    Topics covered will include:
    1. Create Databases
    2. Create Tables in Datasheet View
    3. Enter Data into Datasheets
    4. Import Data into Tables
    5. Filter and Sort Datasheets
    6. Preview and Print Datasheets
    7. Create Queries with the Simple Query Wizard
    8. Create Queries in Design View

    Upon completion of the MS Access Project 2: Querying a Database activity listed below, you will gain a practical knowledge of the following student learning outcomes:
    1. Create, design, and modify databases, tables, and records 
    2. Apply database and table knowledge to create/modify database records. 
    3. Apply database and table knowledge in order to query a database and create information


    To achieve the learning objectives listed above, you will need to complete the following instructional materials and assessment: 

    1. Read the Database Software 2 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Database Software 2 in the Computer Applications Pressbooks book
    3. Complete the assignment MS Access Project 2: Querying a Database


    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.

  • Database Software 3: Creating Reports and Forms

    Database Image created by Dr. Jennifer Lavergne

    In this module first, we will be exploring information and why its important. We will cover data as input and output to answer questions requested by the user. Second, we will be introduced to designing and creating forms for a user to input information into the database. This allows dynamic changes to be applied to the database in real time. Finally, we will design and implement a report that can be dynamically generated at need to address questions asked by the user. (I.e. expense reports, employee time reports, etc.) Similar to the previous chapter, both theoretical knowledge, as well as the hands on database management projects, will be explored. These will prepare the student to not only utilize these tools in the Microsoft Access database software, but will also to be able to translate this knowledge to other database design software commonly used in industry. 

    Database image created by Dr. Jennifer Lavergne, CC. 

    When you complete this module, you can add the following to your resume:

    1. Basics understanding of creating knowledge and formatting it for the user's consumption
    2. Basic knowledge of using MS Access to create database forms and reports using the Design View.

    Topics covered will include:
    1. Exploring "What is information" 
    2. Creating a report 
    3. Creating a form

    Upon completion of the MS Access Project 3: Reports and Forms activity listed below, you will gain a practical knowledge of the following student learning outcomes:
    1. Use database software to create database forms for user input.
    2. Use database software to create database reports for displaying information.


    To achieve the learning objectives listed above, you will need to complete the following instructional materials and assessment: 

    1. Read the Database Software 3 Introduction 
    2. Read and view the materials in the Database Software 3 in the Computer Applications Pressbooks book
    3. Complete the assignment MS Access Project 3: Reports and Forms

    Module Pressbooks Resources and Activities

    You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.