Course Description ~ Introduction to Computer Technology

	Introduction to Computer Technology
	DESCRIPTION This introductory course covers the development, components and uses of computers in everyday activities. How computers work, use of packaged programs for word processing, spreadsheets, file management, communications and graphics are all described and discussed. The centerpiece of the course is a series of Internet related activities. Enrollment in this course requires the student to have access to a personal computer with Internet connection. Textbook: Discovering Computers 2000: Concepts for a Connected World, World Wide Web Enhanced. (Shelly, Cashman, Waggoner). This course is 1 Unit of credit. OBJECTIVES After completing the course, students will be able to: Discuss the functions and uses of computers in our society. Describe the information processing cycle. Identify the major components of a computer. Explain and demonstrate the uses of the key features of the most widely used personal computer software applications. Explain how computers can benefit you. Describe information systems and their importance to organizations. Discuss security ethics, and privacy issues relating to the information age. Use computers and the World Wide Web to research and produce meaningful information.
	Course Outline, First Semester LESSON 1 Introduction to Using Computers Objectives Computer Literacy What is a Computer and what does it to? The components of a Computer Why is a Computer so Powerful? Computer Software Networks and the Internet Categories of Computers Personal Computers Minicomputers Mainframe Computers Supercomputers Examples of Computer Usage The Internet Objectives The Internet History of the Internet How the Internet Works The World Wide Web Webcasting Electronic Commerce Web Publishing Other Internet Services Netiquette Using the Internet: Cookies and Security Network Computers Application Software and the World Wide Web Objectives Application Software Productivity Software Graphics and Multimedia Software Software for Home, Personal, and Educational use Software for Communications Browsing the World Wide Web Learning Aids and Support Tools LESSON 2 The Components in the System Unit Objectives The System Unit Central Processing Unit Data Representation Memory Expansion Slots and Expansion Cards Ports Buses Bays Power Supply Laptop Computers Putting It all Together Input Objectives What is Input? What are Input Devices? The Keyboard Pointing Devices Scanners and Reading Devices Digital Cameras Audio and Video Input Input Devices for Physically Challenged Users Putting It All Together Output Objectives What is Output? What are Output Devices? Display Devices Printers Audio Output Other Output Devices Terminals Output Devices for Physically Challenged Users Putting It All Together LESSON 3 Storage Objectives Memory Versus Storage Floppy Disks Hard Disks Compact Discs Tapes PC Cards Other Types of Storage Putting It All Together Operating Systems and Utility Programs Objectives System Software Operating Systems Popular Operating Systems Starting A Computer Utility Programs Course Outline Second Semester LESSON 4 Communications and Networks Objectives Communications Uses of Communications Communications Channel Physical Transmission Media Wireless Transmission Media Transmission Characteristics The Telephone Network Communications Channel Example Communications Software Communications Devices Networks Databases and Information Management Objectives Data and Information The Hierarchy of Data Maintaining Data File Processing Versus Databases Database Management Systems Relational and Object-Oriented Databases Database Administration Qualities of Valuable Information Types of Information Systems LESSON 5 Information Systems Development Objectives What is the System Development Life Cycle? What Initiates the System Development Life Cycle? Planning Phase Analysis Phase Design Phase Implementation Phase Support Phase Program Development and Programming Languages Objectives What is a Computer Program? The Program Development Life Cycle Step 1-Analyze Problem Step 2-Design Programs Step 3-Code Programs Step 4-Test Programs Step 5-Formalize Solution Step 6-Maintain Programs Programming Languages and Program Development Tools Categories of Programming Languages Object-Oriented Program Development Popular Programming Languages Program Development Tools Web Page Program Development Multimedia Program Development Selecting a Programming Language or Program Development Tool LESSON 6 Multimedia Objectives What is Multimedia? Multimedia Applications Multimedia Hardware Developing Multimedia Applications Security, Privacy, and Ethics Objectives Computer Security: Risks and Safeguards Information Privacy Ethics and the Information Age Internet Security and Privacy Issues
	TEXTBOOK: Discovering Computers 2000, Shelly/Cashman/Waggoner Textbook: Parents Guide to the Internet, US Department of Education, 1997