Course Description

Technology Applications is a year long introductory computer course. The course introduces students to the fundamental concepts necessary to use computers; use word processing software to create documents; develop skills in spreadsheet software to format cells, work with data, and use advanced formulas and functions; and use presentation software to create dynamic slide shows featuring text, objects, animation, and transitions. The course prepares students for further study via computer-related courses. The use of hands-on learning experiences ensures important computer concepts are thoroughly understood. In addition to learning the essentials of word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software, students examine the building blocks of microcomputers, Microsoft Windows, and using the Internet wisely.

Course Outline

Unit 1: Inside the PC

• Introduction
  
• A History of Personal Computing
  
• The Key Building Blocks of a Computer
  
• Operating Systems
  
• Microsoft Windows
  
• Technology and the Future
  

Unit 2: Data Types

• Introduction
  
• Key Types of Data and Usage
  
• Presenting Data: Case Study
  
• Microsoft Office
  
• Knowing Your Audience
  
• The Internet
  
• Communicating Effectively
  

Unit 3: Documents

• Introduction
  
• Uses of Word
  
• Creating a Document with Word
  
• Formatting Fonts
  
• Formatting Paragraphs
  
• More Formatting
  

Unit 4: Spreadsheets

• Introduction
  
• Spreadsheets
  
• Anatomy of a Spreadsheet
  
• Creating a Spreadsheet
  
• Formatting a Spreadsheet
  
• Formulas
  

Unit 5: Presentations

• Introduction
  
• Presentations
  
• Creating and Formatting a Presentation
  
• Drawing Diagrams
  
• Tables
  
• Slide Show, Speaker Notes, and Outline Modes
  

Unit 6: When all you have . . .

• Introduction
  
• Analyzing a Problem and Using the Right Tool
  
• Getting Your Message Across
  
• Charts and Graphs
  
• More Charts
  
• When to Use a Tool
  

Unit 7: Documents and Presentations

• Introduction
  
• Styles and Headers
  
• Shading, Patterns, and Color
  
• Spelling and Grammar
  
• Slide Transitions and Animations
  
• Sharing Between Applications
  

Unit 8: Advanced Analysis

• Introduction
  
• More Formulas
  
• Sorting
  
• Filtering
  
• Conditional Formatting
  
• Multiple Worksheets
  

Unit 9: Electronic Communication

• Introduction
  
• E-Mail Dos and Don'ts
  
• Once It's on the Internet, It's There Forever
  
• File Size Matters
  
• Security
  
• Privacy
  

Unit 10: The System

• Introduction
  
• Comparing Operating Systems
  
• The Power of Search
  
• Solving Common Problems
  
• Ethical Computer Use
  
• Finding More Information
  

Unit 11: Final Project

• Final Project
  

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