Education America

CN115 COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS

Clock Hours in Theory (48)/Clock Hours in Lab (48)

Credit Hours in Theory (4.0)/Credit Hours in Lab (2.0)

  

Ron Collins, BS, MCSE, MCP

727.532.1999 ext 409

727.531.7999  9am – 3pm

distancematters@hotmail.com

 

Approved Textbooks:

Discovering Computers 2002 – Concepts for a Digital World by Shelly, Cashman, Vermaat.  Course Technologies ISBN 0-7895-6185-9

Microsoft Windows 98 for Power Users by Phillips.  Course Technologies ISBN 0-7600-7272-8

 

Course Prerequisites: None

 

Course Description:

This course presents the theory and operations of computers. Students will be introduced to the concepts of hardware, software, networking, the Internet, programming languages, and information systems. Students will receive extensive training in a Windows operating system. Students will practice: customizing Windows; configuring hardware, software, and peripherals; using Windows on a network; and using Web browsers.  In addition, fundamental DOS and HTML concepts will be introduced. 

 

Course Objectives:

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

 

1.        Identify the main elements of computer technology development.

2.        Identify and correctly use the main PC hardware components.

3.        Identify and list the categories of software and popular brand names.

4.        Describe how a computer processes files and stores information.

5.        List the generic components of networks and the Internet.

6.     Configure the Windows and DOS operating systems.

7.     Manage folders and files in Windows and DOS.

8.        Execute application programs in Windows and DOS.

9.     Browse shared resources on Windows Networks.

10.     Connect to Internet resources with Web Browser applications.

 

Instructional Methods

A variety of techniques will be utilized by the instructor to ensure that the students reach the stated objectives for this course.  The instructor will primarily use lectures, but due to the need for the student to acquire practical knowledge of the material, demonstration, structured  “walk-through” techniques and hands-on practice will also be used.  Audio-visual materials, as available, will also be used. 

 

Grades

Midterm Test       20%

Final Test              30%

Quizzes                 50%

 

Tests

A comprehensive mid-term written and hands-on test will count 20%, and the comprehensive written and hands-on final examination will count 30% toward the final grade.  Make-up tests must be taken the next school day the student is present. 

 

Quizzes

There will be ten (10) quizzes that will be given during the quarter.  Each quiz will count 5% toward the final grade, and may be administered at any time during the class.  There are no make-ups for students who are absent when a quiz is given unless the student provides documentation of mitigating circumstances.

 

Lab Practicals and Homework

Students must be able to demonstrate their mastery of concepts covered in class.  Laboratory practicals and homework will be assigned on a frequent basis to allow students the opportunity to showcase their abilities.

 

Class Participation

Lectures will be lead by the instructor to prepare for tests, quizzes and lab practicals.   Current event updates will include discussions relating to course matter.  The school’s attendance policies apply.  Please note that severe violations of the school’s attendance policy may be cause for failure or dismissal.

 

Grading Scale

A Excellent            90-100%

B Very Good         80-89%

C Good                   70-79%

D Poor                    60-69%

F Failing                 0-59%

RF                            Repeated Failed 

RP                           Repeated Passed

W                             Withdrawal

I                               Incomplete

TR                           Transfer Credit  

TO                           Test-Out Credit

 

Evaluation of Instructor

Students will evaluate the instructor at least once during the quarter using the Education America Student Survey.

  

Course Outline

 

Week 1 Introduction to Computers and Society – Chapter 1 and Chapter 11

Computer Usage, Computer Components, Software, Networks, The Internet, Categories of Computers,  Computers and Society

 

Week 2  The Internet and the World Wide Web – Chapter 2 & Chapter 12

History, WWW, HTML, Web-casting, E-commerce, Publishing, ISPs, Netiquette, Cookies, Intranets, Appliances, Security Risks, Privacy

Laptops Issued for those who have completed appropriate paperwork

 

Week 3  Application Software, Careers and Certifications; – Chapter 3 and Chapter 16

Applications, Productivity, Graphics, Multimedia, Home, Personal, Educational, Communications, Web Browsing, Web Applications, Industry, Careers, Certifications

 

Week 4  System Unit – Chapter 4

CPU, Data Representation, Memory, Expansion Slots & Cards, Ports, Buses, Bays, Power Supplies, Laptops

 

Week 5  Input – Chapter 5

Definitions, Devices, Keyboards, Pointing Devices, Scanners, Digital Cameras, Web Cams, Audio, Accessibility Options

 

Week 6  Output – Chapter 6

Definitions, Devices, Display Devices, Printers, Audio, Terminals, Accessibility Options

Mid-Term Review

 

Week 7   Storage – Chapter 7

Memory vs. Storage, Floppy Disks, Hard Disks, CDs, Tapes, PC Cards, Alternative Storage Types

 

Week 8 Operating Systems – Chapter 8 and Chapter 14

Software, OSes, Utility Programs

 

Week 9 Communications – Chapter 9

Uses, Channels, Physical and Wireless Media, Transmission Characteristics, Telephone Networks, Software, Devices, Networks

 

Week 10  e-Commerce – Chapter 10

Business Models, Markets, On-line Stores

 

Week 11  Databases – Chapter 13

Data and Information, Data Hierarchy, Maintenance, File Processing vs. Databases, Data Management Systems, Relational and Object-Oriented Databases, Administration, Information Quality, Types of Information Systems

 

Week 12  Review and Final Exam

 

The information contained herein is subject to revision at the discretion of the instructor.