Notes on the computer syllabus:
In the First term, computer teachers should have their students complete the following:
Practical:
Starting and Shutting down
Practice with at least one program from Groups 1, 2, and 3.
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Theory:
LEDs, On/Off
Computer Parts
Desktop, Window Manipulation, Mouse Pointer, Start Menu, Taskbar
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In the Second term, do the following:
Practical:
Extensive Typing practice (the first 15 minutes of each class can be devoted to drills)
Wordprocessing Basics: Chose one program from Group 4 and have students learn it. Aassign students some Wordprocessing tasks from the manual.
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Theory:
Why learn use computers?
Special Keys (Enter, Tab, Shift, Backspace, Del, ect.)
Hardware & Software Concepts
Operating System Concept
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In the Third term, do the following:
Practical:
Continue Typing practice (15 minutes each class)
Additional Wordprocessing tasks from the manual.
If students can type over 20 wpm then chose one or two supplemental topics (Group 5) to give your students, depending on what they want or on what software is available.
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Theory:
Computer Types & Hardware Peripherals
Computer Maintenance (i.e. 110v-220v )
Different OS
Input/Output Concept
Internet and Email (POP)
How computers work
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Suggested Programs
To the Teacher: The following programs are grouped in INCREASING order of difficulty. Students should begin with a program from Group 1 and continue with it until they have mastered it. Then they should use a program from Group 2 and do likewise.
Group 1 (Mouse Basics)
Spell the Fruit
Simon
Signs Tutor
Jacks
Group 2 (Windows Basics)
Wintutor (from Win 3.1)
Note: There is a definite lack of Group 2 software - programs that help the computer illiterate user learn how to navigate Windows.
Group 3 (Keyboard)
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
Maviswin
Typing Tutor IV
Iankey Typing
WinType
Scrabble
Group 4 (Applications)
Notepad
Wordpad
MsWorks
Word
Wordperfect (WP51 is not recommended.)
Educational Games and Programs from the CD
Windows Explorer
Win95 Find utility
Start Menu tutorial
Group 5 (Tasks for the Computer Literate or Supplemental)
Windows Explorer - directory and file management
Adding Shortcuts to Start Menu
Installing Software
System Tools (Scandisk, Defrag, Antivirus)
DOS commands
Office Accessories (PowerPoint, Access, Excel)
Programming basics (HTML or QBasic only)
Internet Browsing, POP email (Eudora, Foxmail, Outlook, Netscape)
Sample Schedule for First term of computer classes
Below is a time table for a computer lab that has 10 computers and 40 students in each class. Due to under-staffing, one teacher will be teaching each class in two parts, with 2 students to a computer, once a week. Twenty of the students will have an elective while the other 20 take computer classes and then switch the following week.
With two students to a computer, much of the practical will take twice as long to ensure that each student is progressing. This 10 week schedule would in fact take 20 weeks under those circumstances. But a student that learns and RETAINS 100% of the material in these ten classes will have achieved the basic computer literacy.
| Week |
Practical |
Theory |
| 1 |
Students will play Spell the Fruit for 25 mins |
After learning the meaning of LEDs on the monitor and computer, students will turn computers on and off. They will be able to name major parts of the computer. |
| 2 |
Students run Wintutor to learn about Window manipulation and the mouse. |
Learn names and purpose of parts of the Windows software |
| 3 |
Introduction to Maviswin (60mins) or repeat Wintutor for the slower students. |
Learn keyboard concepts: home row, shift, escape. |
| 4 |
Maviswin (30mins), practice using Start Menu. |
Understand the Start Menu and the Taskbar. |
| 5 |
Maviswin (45mins), students that perform well play game. |
None |
| 6 |
Maviswin or Test on Windows Basics and Typing Speed |
None |
| 7 |
Maviswin (15mins), introduction to MsWorks. |
Save, Open, Exit commands using the "File" menu. |
| 8 |
Maviswin (15mins), MsWorks Assignment 1 |
Left, Right Center alignment |
| 9 |
Maviswin (15mins), MsWorks Assignment 2 |
Bold, Underline, Italic, font, size |
| 10 |
Test of Typing and Wordprocessing skills |
None |
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