Course Title: Fundamentals of Computing Concepts and Applications

Course Code: GED110

Credits: 3
Lecturer:
Duration: 45 hours
Prerequisite(s): none

Rationale

Our world is now known for its change, voluminous data, and complex dynamics, hence, this course is
intended to prepare the graduate to become the driving force behind organisations as they seek to
utilise various application tools to advance the productivity within the workplace. These skills will enable
graduates to achieve gainful employment, and equip them to ably assist others within the work
environment to develop and hone technical application skills.

Course Description

This course provides students with comprehensive exposure to the nature, purpose, functions and
utilisation of application tools in different organisations. It entails a thorough introduction to computers,
word processing, presentation, spreadsheets and database application uses and functions. It seeks to
develop application usage skills in all students and provide multiple opportunities for students to use
them to solve problems in their everyday life. This course has some theoretical experiences, but the
majority of the contact hours that have been embedded are focused on providing students with hands-
on experiences with these tools.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Define the terms computer, internet, intranet, extranet and worldwide web (WWW).

2. Differentiate between the following (i) internet, intranet and extranet, and (ii) internet and
WWW.

3. Discuss the uses of the internet.

4. Discuss the positive and negative impact of the internet on governmental organisations, health
and educational institutions and local business organisations.

5. Describe and use different application software to solve real organisational problems

6. Apply the principles of data processing, storage and output in real work settings.

7. Draw and label the parts of a computer system

8. Evaluate the usefulness of different computer application software

 9. Differentiate between type of computer, software and operating systems.

10. Use a spreadsheet application to calculate and analyse data

11. Use a word processing application to create, format and distribute different types of
organisational support documents.

12. Use a database application to create systems that will serve to store, organise and manage
organisational data.

13. Use a presentation and graphic application to create organisational present.

Content Knowledge
1. Overview of computers, internet and WWW:
• Key concepts (what is a computer, internet, intranet, extranet, www)
• Computer system components
• Types of computers

2. Computer Software:
 Types of computer software and their uses
 Types: single vs. multi-user

3. Data Processing Concepts:

• Input
• Output
• Processing
• Storage and retrieval

4. Word Processing Application:

• Loading a word processing programme
• Using a word processing programme:
i. Inserting Objects
ii. Text Formatting
iii. Page Formatting
iv. Mail merging

 Working with tables:

i. Creating tables
ii. Formatting tables: Merging cells, Splitting cells, Shading cells, Cell borders

 Working with columns

 Sorting
 Bullets and numbering (Insertion and customization)
 Printing documents:
i. Choosing a printer
 ii. Selection print quality
iii. Printing multiple copies of the same document

5. Presentation and Graphics Application:

 Features of PowerPoint
 Developing and Creating Presentation templates and backgrounds
 Run a presentation
 Viewing and editing presentations
 Working with slides:
i. Inserting new slides
ii. Inserting duplicate slides
iii. Deleting slides
iv. Rearranging slides

 Working with Graphics/Video/Sound:

i. Graphics
ii. Video
iii. Sound

 Working with animation:

i. Customized
ii. Timing

 Printing Presentation:
i. Single slides
ii. Handouts
iii. Notes Page

6. Spreadsheet Application:
 Load the spreadsheet program
 Introduction to the spreadsheet program:
 Page formatting:
i. Formulas and functions:
ii. Common Math operations:
iii. Add numbers
iv. Calculate the average of numbers in a range
v. Calculate the smallest number in a range
vi. Calculate the largest number in a range
vii. Convert measurements from one unit to another
viii. Count cells that contain characters
ix. Divide numbers
x. Multiply numbers
xi. Raise a number to a power
xii. Round numbers
xiii. Subtract numbers
  Copying formulas and functions:
i. Absolute cell referencing;
ii. Relative cell referencing
iii. Using auto-fill

 Creating conditional formulas:

i. Sum only numbers that meet a specified criteria
ii. Count only numbers that meet a specified criteria
iii. Perform an action/a calculation based on the result of a condition

 Looking up values in a:
i. Horizontal list
ii. Vertical list
iii. Date operations

 Adding dates
 Adding times
 Calculating the difference between two dates
 Calculating the difference between two times
 Inserting the current data and time in a cell
 Inserting other dates in a cell

 Sorting:
i. Data in a range.
ii. Using the first column in a sheet
iii. Using the column headings

 Formatting cells:
i. Number formats
ii. Conditional formatting

 Working with more than one spreadsheet

 Printing Spreadsheets and worksheets
 Graphs:
i. Bar
ii. Line
iii. Pie
iv. Inserting chart titles, axes, gridlines, legends, labels, the data source
v. Saving graph as a separate sheet and as part of the current sheet

 Formatting graphs:
i. Adjusting colours, font and borders
ii. Resizing the graph

7. Database Application
 Creating and Maintaining a SQL Database:
 i. Learn the guidelines for designing database and setting field properties
ii. Create a new database
iii. Create and save a table
iv. Define fields and specify a table’s primary key
v. Add records to a table
vi. Modify the structure of a table
vii. Delete, move and add fields
viii. Change field properties
ix. Copy records and import tables from another database
x. Delete and change records

 Querying a Database:
i. Learn how to use the Query window in Design mode
ii. Create run and save queries to retrieve data
iii. Update data using a query
iv. Delete data using a query
v. Sort data in a query
vi. Specify an exact match condition in a query
vii. Use the And / OR logical operators
viii. Creating Forms and Reports:
ix. Creating forms using the form wizard
x. Create forms using auto format
xi. Change a form auto Format
xii. Find data using a form
xiii. Preview and print selected form record
xiv. Create a report using the Report wizard
xv. Check errors in a report
xvi. Insert a picture in a report
xvii. Preview and print a report

Teaching and Learning Methods

 Instructor and Student Presentations
 Application Labs
 Whole and Small Group Discussions
 Group Presentations
 Group and Individual Projects
 Internet-Supported Research
 Instructor Demonstrations

Assessment Procedures
Coursework (60%)
a. Mid-semester 20%
b. Oral Presentation 10%
c. Labs 30%
Final Examination (40%)
Textbooks and References
Shelly G.B., & Cashman, T.J. (2007). Discovering computers 2008 (Complete Shelly Cashman 26
Series). KY: Course Technology Publishing.
Reading List
Long L., & Long, N. (2003). Computers: Information technology in perspective. (11th ed.). New Jersey:
Prentice Hall.

Shelly G., Cashman T., & Vermaat M. (2007). Microsoft Office 2007: Introductory concepts and
techniques (Windows XP Edition). Complete concepts and techniques. KY: Course Technology Publishing.