Applied Computer Concepts: A Project-Based Course I. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE This course is designed to enhance students computer application, keyboarding, and presentation/public speaking skills. It is designed around project-based activities applying word processing, spreadsheets, database, and electronic presentations, as well as e-mail and Internet applications. This course emphasizes the use of computer software as a problem-solving tool. The course activities provide students with the opportunity to build their computer and keyboarding skills as they build their communication, mathematics, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. The material presented will aid the student in understanding that the subjects studied at school are not isolated in a particular classroom. Students will practice and apply language arts, social studies, and mathematics skills in a variety of situations while incorporating computer technology. The material presented will also prepare students for the type of computer situations that will be encountered outside the classroom. Today s workers often utilize several different types of software to complete a job. Students in this course will use more than one application software and will learn to select the best type of software for accomplishing a task. In addition, emphasis will be placed on developing students abilities to become effective speakers by creating and delivering effective oral presentations. Public speaking is an important real life skill because it is one of the most effective forms of communication. The clear presentation of ideas enables those thoughts to take on a life of their own, and effective leaders depend on their speaking skills to inform, persuade, and motivate. Students who take this course will learn how to overcome initial anxiety to present their thoughts in a direct and convincing manner. They will learn to develop their own style so that they are comfortable speaking in a variety of situations. As a part of their presentations, they will be required to develop audio visual aids to support their speeches. II. STUDENT OUTCOMES Students will demonstrate the ability to: A. Key and format business letters and memos B. Compose correspondence C. Format agendas and signs D. Create and format tables and forms E. Prepare Table of Contents pages F. Create, sort, and edit data files G. Create labels H. Perform mail merge I. Design certificates, calendars, and brochures J. Create newsletters K. Embed and link files L. Insert a sound clip M. Create hyperlinks in presentations
Applied Computer Concepts Curriculum Page 2 of 8 N. Build a worksheet with formulas and functions (including SUM, AVERAGE, IF, logical, financial, and nested functions) O. Edit a worksheet, adding and deleting rows, columns, and records P. Sort data, add comments, freeze panes Q. Insert a hyperlink into a worksheet R. Format worksheet columns S. Copy worksheet data to a word processing document T. Build multiple worksheets in a workbook U. Name, insert, and move worksheets V. Link data on multiple worksheets W. Use logical functions (What If Analyses) X. Use advanced formatting Y. Embed and edit spreadsheets in a word processing document Z. Record and run macros AA. Search for information on the Internet BB. Sort and filter lists CC. Create callouts DD. Create tables EE. Run queries and reports from databases FF. Design advanced queries, queries with calculations and summaries, reports, and grouped reports GG. Edit data field definitions HH. Add data validation rules II. Build various templates JJ. Plan and build a presentation using storyboards KK. Create a presentation in outline view LL. Modify a presentation MM. Create speaker s notes NN. Enhance a presentation with clip art, draw objects, color, backgrounds, charts, tables, and multimedia effects OO. Create handouts and other visuals PP. Give effective oral presentations QQ. Show improvement in keyboarding ability III. COURSE OUTLINE **Note: this outline will not be completed in any particular order. Rather, the topics will be covered through projects that integrate a variety of topics** I. Keyboarding A. Analyze keyboarding ability B. Participate in individualized skill-building practice C. Improve keyboarding speed and/or accuracy based on individual skill and assessment level II. Word Processing A. Key/compose memos, letters, thank you notes and e-mail following all rules of grammar and spelling
Applied Computer Concepts Curriculum Page 3 of 8 III. IV. B. Compose appropriate introductions for speakers C. Create and enhance tables D. Develop agendas and schedules E. Design signs, personalized stationery, notepads and certificates F. Compose e-mail and memos with hyperlinks G. Design forms H. Merge letters I. Update and sort data files J. Create labels K. Create calendars of events Spreadsheets A. Format columns and rows B. Add and sort records C. Create hypertext links D. Add and delete records E. Enter values, formulas, and functions F. Prepare e-mail/reports with spreadsheets G. Create a workbook with multiple worksheets H. Link data on multiple worksheets I. Create templates J. Create charts K. Create a worksheet from a table L. Apply logical functions M. Use What-If analysis N. Embed worksheets in word processing documents O. Create comments and macros P. Sort data Q. Filter records Database A. Create and enter data B. Edit fields and sort records C. Run queries and print reports D. Add data validation rules E. Create reports F. Create grouped reports from a query G. Create and modify forms H. Create mailing labels V. Presentation Graphics A. Plan and build a presentation a) Organize, storyboard, and edit the presentation content b) Create master slides, title slides, multi-level bulleted slides, and closing slides B. Create a presentation in Outline View a) View the outline feature b) Outline the presentation content c) Import an existing outline into a presentation
Applied Computer Concepts Curriculum Page 4 of 8 VI. C. Modify a presentation a) Insert and delete text b) Add and delete slides c) Change text attributes, slide template layout, master slides, bullet style, slide order d) Copy a slide from another presentation e) Create a build effect f) Add transitions between slides g) Set slide timings h) Add hidden slides D. Enhance a presentation with Clip Art a) Add clip art graphics b) Add text to a clip art object c) Add clip art to geometric shapes d) Create an object build with clip art e) Create special effects with graphics E. Enhance a presentation with draw objects, color, and backgrounds a) Add draw objects b) Add borders c) Change the color of objects d) Add distinct backgrounds F. Enhance a presentation with charts and tables a) Add an organizational chart b) Add a table c) Create bar, pie, and line charts d) Link spreadsheet data to a chart G. Create handouts and other visuals a) Use outlines and handouts b) Prepare audience handouts and speaker notes c) Prepare slide in other visual formats H. Add multi-media effects a) Add sound b) Add movies Public Speaking A. Practice effective speaking, listening, and nonverbal skills B. Handle conversations, interviews, routine communication, and dealing with differences C. Participate effectively in teams by solving problems in groups D. Analyze audiences and adjust to the needs of an audience E. Research topics F. Prepare visual aids G. Gain confidence in delivering formal and informal presentations IV. EVALUATION Class participation Individual classwork and projects
Applied Computer Concepts Curriculum Page 5 of 8 Teacher made tests and quizzes Group work (research reports and projects) Oral presentations V. BIBLIOGRAPHY Berry, Minta. Activities for Presentation Graphics South-Western Educational Publishing 1998. Jaehne, Julie Simon. Dynamic Presentations: Strategies for Computer Slide Shows South-Western Publishing 1998. Miculka, Jean. Speaking For Success South-Western Publishing 1999. Olinzock, Anthony, et. al. Integrated Business Projects South-Western Publishing 2000. Sharp, William, et. al. KeyChamp South-Western Publishing 1999. Steffee, John. Academic Applications with Technology South-Western Publishing 1996. Timm. Basics of Speech Communication South-Western Publishing 2000 VI. NEW JERSEY CORE CURRICULUM CONTENT STANDARDS Cross-Content Workplace Readiness Standard 1: All students will develop career planning and workplace readiness skills..1 Demonstrate employability skills and work habits, such as work ethic, dependability, promptness, and getting along with others, needed to get and keep a job..7. Describe the importance of academic and occupational skills to achievement in the work world. Standard 2: All students will use technology, information and other tools..1 Understand how technological systems function..2 Select appropriate tools and technology for specific activities..3 Demonstrate skills needed to effectively access and use technology-based materials through keyboarding, troubleshooting, and retrieving and managing information..4 Develop, search, and manipulate databases..5 Access technology-based communication and information systems..6 Access and assess information on specific topics using both technological (e.g. computer, telephone, satellite) and print resources available in libraries or media centers..7 and other tools to solve problems, collect data, and make decisions..8 Use technology and other tools, including word-processing, spreadsheet and presentation programs, and print or graphic utilities, to produce products.
Applied Computer Concepts Curriculum Page 6 of 8.9 Use technology to present designs and results of investigations..10 Discuss problems related to the increasing use of technologies. Standard 3: All students will use critical thinking, decision-making, and problemsolving skills..1 Recognize and define a problem, or clarify decisions to be made..4 Identify and access resources, sources of information, and services in the school and the community..8 Organize, synthesize, and evaluate information for appropriateness and completeness..12 Interpret and analyze data to draw conclusions..13 Select and apply appropriate solutions to problem-solving and decision- making situations..14 Evaluate the effectiveness of various solutions..15 Apply problem-solving skills to original and creative/design projects. Standard 4: All students will demonstrate self-management skills..1 Set short and long term goals..2 Work cooperatively with others to accomplish a task..3 Evaluate their own actions and accomplishments..4 Describe constructive responses to criticism..5 Provide constructive criticism to others..9 Use time efficiently and effectively..10 Apply study skills to expand their own knowledge and skills..11 Describe how ability, effort, and achievement are interrelated. Language And Arts Literacy Standard 3.1: All Students Will Speak For A Variety Of Real Purposes And Audiences..1 Use listening, writing, reading, and viewing to assist with speaking..2 Adjust oral communications for different purposes and audiences..3 Use oral communication to influence the behavior of others..4 Modify oral communication in response to the reactions of others..7 Talk with others to identify, explore, and solve problems..8 Speak before a group to express thoughts and ideas, convey an opinion, present information, and tell a story..9 Use the conventions of spoken English, such as grammar and appropriate forms of address..13 Use visual aids and nonverbal behaviors to support spoken messages..14 Use clear, concise, organized language in speaking situations..15 Speak before a group to defend an opinion and present an oral interpretation..16 Recognize when audiences do not understand the message, and make appropriate adjustments..18 Receive and use constructive feedback to improve speaking ability.
Applied Computer Concepts Curriculum Page 7 of 8 Standard 3.2: All Students Will Listen Actively In A Variety Of Situations To Information From A Variety Of Sources..6 Develop listening strategies, such as asking relevant questions, taking notes, and making predictions, to understand what is heard..8 Demonstrate comprehension of, and appropriate listener response (e.g., listening attentively) to, an oral report, discussion, and interview..9 Give appropriate feedback to a variety of speakers..10 Recognize persuasive techniques and credibility in oral communication..11 Demonstrate comprehension of, and appropriate listener response to, ideas in a persuasive speech, an oral interpretation of a literary selection, interviews in a variety of real-life situations, and educational and scientific presentations..12 Evaluate the credibility of the speaker..13 Evaluate media techniques and messages. Standard 3.3: All Students Will Write In Clear, Concise, Organized Language That Varies In Content And Form For Different Audiences And Purposes..17 Cite sources of information..18 Write for real audiences and purposes, such as job applications, business letters, college applications, and memoranda. Standard 3.5: All Students Will View, Understand, And Use Nontextual Visual Information..7 Use symbols, drawings, and illustrations to represent information that supports and/or enhances their writing..8 Use simple charts, graphs, and diagrams to report data..12 Articulate the connection between visual and verbal message..13 Choose and use multiple forms of media to convey what has been learned..14 Integrate multiple forms of media into a finished product. Mathematics Standard 4.1: All Students Will Develop The Ability To Pose And Solve Mathematical Problems In Mathematics, Other Disciplines, And Everyday Experiences..16 Recognize, formulate, and solve problems arising from mathematical situations, everyday experiences, applications to other disciplines, and career applications..17 Monitor their own progress toward problem solutions. Standard 4.2: All Students Will Communicate Mathematically Through Written, Oral, Symbolic, And Visual Forms Of Expression..9 Formulate questions, conjectures, and generalizations about data, information, and problem situations..10 Reflect on and clarify their thinking so as to present convincing arguments for their conclusions.
Applied Computer Concepts Curriculum Page 8 of 8 Standard 4.5: All Students Will Regularly And Routinely Use Calculators, Computers, Manipulatives, And Other Mathematical Tools To Enhance Mathematical Thinking, Understanding, And Power..5 Use technology to gather, analyze, and display mathematical data and information..7 Use computer spreadsheets and graphing programs to organize and display quantitative information and to investigate properties of functions..8 Use calculators and computers effectively and efficiently in applying mathematical concepts and principles to various types of problems.