Welcome to Computer Basics

CMG6675

 

WHAT IS THE COURSE ABOUT?

This course is an introduction to vocational and technical skills that are necessary to become (1) employable in the changing world of technology, (2) successful in education and employment by utilizing technology, (3) competitive in technology for today’s society.   

WHAT ARE THE COURSE OUTCOMES?

Upon completion of the course, students shall:

  1. Identify basic computer concepts and components.
  2. Perform basic maintenance of folders and files in Windows, SkyDrive and Canvas
  3. Create, edit, format and print documents using MS Word, Excel, Power Point Presentation. Student will complete assignments to include business scenarios and employability documents.
  4. Use the Internet, E-Mail, SkyDrive Live, Canvas, O*Net, and the Yakima WorkSource Website
  5. Understand and demonstrate Basic Computer and Business Application skills and the importance of how these skills relate to successful business settings.
  6. Learn about YVCC’s technical certificates and programs.

WHO IS THE INSTRUCTOR?

My name is Mari(said like "Mary") Page and I will be facilitating the course.

WHAT BROWSER SHOULD I USE?

Before you get started, please note the Canvas and Internet Explorer (IE) are not known to play nice together, therefore IE is not a recommended browser (you will experience the most problems with IE than other browsers).  The browser Canvas developers recommend is Chrome, but things work fine with Firefox and Safari as well.

WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST?

This course is divided into 5 sections: Computer Fundamentals, Internet Fundamentals, Microsoft Office/Word 2013, Microsoft Excel 2013 and PowerPoint 2013.  Please begin by reading and doing the following:

  • Click around and familiarize yourself with the tools and layout of the course... don't worry, you can't break anything!
  • Read the syllabus located on the Syllabus tool.
  • Read all the course announcements in the Announcements tool.  The announcements are listed by date, so please start reading from the bottom.
  • Click on Modules tool from the vertical navigation tool bar to your left and check out all the items listed in Module 1.  You will do all the first-day things here, like learning about the instructor, introduce yourselves to each other (format your profile to include a photo of yourself), learn about basic communication skills and how to submit assignments.  When working in Modules, it is very important to complete all the work within the current Module before starting the next Module,
  • Remember to participate in the introductory activity in Module 1 - Lesson 1.

 

WHAT IS THE LAYOUT OF THE ASSIGNMENTS?

There are 6 Weekly Modules in the quarter.  You will work your way through the course in number sequence. If you finish a lesson and still have time, you may work ahead.  Each module may contain:

1.  Instructions for that lesson: Be sure to read the instructions for that day's assignment

2.  Assignment materials:This may include PowerPoint lesson presentations that have been saved in .pdf file, worksheets or informational materials needed for that assignment

3.  Videos: The majority of the lessons will include links to videos that relate to the lesson's topic.  You are encouraged to watch additional videos if you need more examples

4.  Quiz/Assignment:  The majority of the lessons will have a quiz. The assignment quiz will allow you to take the quiz multiple times, with the best score being applied to the grade. The "fill in the blank" answers will be case sensitive, so read the complete sentence and put in the correct word using capitalization when needed, or whether the word is in singular or plural form. Correct spelling is also a factor on whether the answer will be correct.

5.  Discussion:  Each lesson will have a Discussion at the end.  Students will receive points for their participation in the Discussion piece.  Correct grammar and spelling will be included in the grade.  You can also include questions in the discussion.  If you are having difficulty, share it with your classmates to see if any of them can help you.  

It is very important that you read the Instructions, complete the PowerPoint and view all the documents that have been included within the module.  If you skip through it too quickly you may not do the assignment correctly and will have to re-do and re-submit your assignment until it meets that module's criteria.   

WHAT IF I NEED HELP?

If you have any questions about the course, please post them to our Ask a Question discussion board located in the Discussion tool.  You can also email questions to me at by clicking on your Inbox in the upper right hand corner of this page, selecting the class ABE 082 and sending me a message.