Course Title: Operate computing packages

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2010

Course Code: COSC5882C

Course Title: Operate computing packages

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6068 - Advanced Diploma of Computer Science

Course Contact: Geoff Moss

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4852

Course Contact Email: geoff.moss@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Alex Bezen

alex.bezen@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None. 

Course Description

This unit provides the participant with the knowledge and skills required to identify, select and correctly operate desktop applications for a range of purposes while observing OH&S practice: to use a word processing software package to produce documents in the most efficient manner; to use a spreadsheet package to create, to edit and format a worksheet effectively; to create, and to manipulate and maintain a database package for common scientific application.
This semester length course consists of 4 separate modules. These are: Word Processing (MS-Word) Spreadsheets (MS-Excel); Scientific Databases (MS-Access); and Introduction to HTML Design.  (Introduction to HTML Design is taught as a separate course within the semester:  Use Development software and IT tools to build a basic website to specification, Course Id: 035329)
The Word Processing module is a short introduction to the course and is aimed at providing students with basic skills useful in their TAFE / University courses for producing word-processed documents.  It is also designed to develop skills in mail-merging and the layout and presentation of documents.
The Spreadsheets module provides students with an understanding of the main concepts of a spreadsheet at an Intermediate level, and the necessary skills to create tables, charts, formulae and Macros.  Students will use a range of functions to perform a set of tasks.
The Scientific Databases module provides students with an understanding of the main concepts of a database, and the necessary skills to create and maintain a database, using MS Access as the application software.  Students will produce forms and reports and undertake basic queries.
There are no pre-requisites for this unit, however, it is assumed that students will have a basic knowledge of computer systems and basic keyboard skills.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICAITU006C Operate computing packages

Element:

Access and use help

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Select software appropriate to perform activity

1.2 Use software to produce required outcome using a range of features related to the activities

1.3 Save documents in appropriate directories/folders

Element:

Access, retrieve and manipulate data

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Select and access files 

2.2 Amend and save files according to requirements 

2.3 Produce documents and files that meet organisational needs 

2.4 Save files in appropriate directories/folders 

2.5 Exit software correctly without loss of data

Element:

Use appropriate software

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify the help resources available for basic difficulties with the software 

3.2 Access user help documentation and other resources for basic difficulties with the software

Element:

Use keyboard and equipment

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Follow Occupational Health and Safety standards and regulations to avoid injury or illness 

4.2 Use wrist rests and document holders where appropriate 

4.3 Use monitor anti-glare and radiation reduction reduction screens where appropriate 

4.4 Ensure user equipment is maintained and free from defects that could cause injury

Learning Outcomes


Students will learn how to use, and develop skills in efficiently using, the software packages: MS Word, MS Excel and MS Access to produce documents and reports to an intermediate standard.

Students will be provided with classroom &/or tutorial instruction in each of the three software packages and tasks associated with the topics above including the use of relevant software.
Self-paced materials and tasks will be provided on a network drive. Self-paced materials to be supported by active teacher supervision, guidance and consultation during lessons.
Learning of theoretical concepts of each topic using provided and recommended materials.
Individual exercises for each software application (MS Word, MS Excel and MS Access) will be presented in handouts and/or provided as part of the class materials on the network drive.


Details of Learning Activities

Students will be provided with classroom &/or tutorial instruction in each of the three software packages and tasks associated with the topics above including the use of relevant software.

Self-paced materials and tasks will be provided on a network drive. Self-paced materials to be supported by active teacher supervision, guidance and consultation during lessons.

Learning of theoretical concepts of each topic using provided and recommended materials.

Individual exercises for each software application (MS Word, MS Excel and MS Access) will be presented in handouts and/or provided as part of the class materials on the network drive.

Students will complete a range of problem-solving tasks and activities during the course of their studies.


Teaching Schedule

Weekly Schedule

Weeks Topic Software / Reading Practical Exercises Assessment
1 Word:
Correspondence; tabulation and tables; mail merge

MS Word;
Mail Merge handout

As per class handout;
Mail merge exercise		  
2 Word:
Mail merge;
Business cards; Insert/layout images 		MS Word;
Handout 		  Global assessment
3 Excel:
Excel overview; data entry; drag & fill; formulas; relative & absolute cell references; format worksheets 		MS Excel
Reading from Web based materials on S-Drive 		As per PowerPoint presentation:
Excel Practical tasks 1-3 		Excel Practical tasks 1-3
4 Excel:
Basic Excel functions; logical functions; nested functions;  		MS Excel
Reading from Web based materials on S-Drive 		Excel Practical tasks 4 & 5 Excel Practical tasks 4 & 5
5 Excel:
Creating charts; managing multiple worksheets 		MS Excel
Reading from Web based materials on S-Drive 		Excel Practical tasks 6 & 7 Excel Practical tasks 6 & 7
6 Excel:
Macros; copy\link to Word documents; VLookup 		MS Excel
Reading from Web based materials on S-Drive 		Excel Practical tasks 8 & 9 Excel Practical tasks
8 & 9
7 Complete Excel Assignment;
Start Access 		Excel/Access
Reading from Web based materials on S-Drive 		Access Practical task 1 Excel Assignment
8 Access:
Overview of Database elements; tables; relationships; queries; forms; Access objects;		 MS Access
Reading from Web based materials on S-Drive 		Access Practical tasks 1 & 2
Access Practical tasks 1 & 2
9 Access:
Access objects; importing data		 MS Access
Reading from Web based materials on S-Drive 		Access Practical tasks 3 & 4 Access Practical tasks 3 & 4
10 Access:
Create databases; queries; queries using functions 		MS Access
Reading from Web based materials on S-Drive 		Access Practical tasks 5 & 6 Access Practical tasks 5 & 6
11

Access:
Refine Queries; Forms and Reports; Sub-Reports; Assignment task

MS Access
Reading from Web based materials on S-Drive 		Access Practical tasks 6-8 Access Practical tasks 6-8
Access Assignment

12-16


Use development software and IT tools to build a basic website to specification (COSC5772C)
[see separate course description] to make up the remainder of the semester


HTML tasks;
Website assignment
17 Revision for Final Exam (Excel and Access)     Final Exam:
(Excel and Access)
18 Course review and assessment feedback      


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

Advanced Applications using Microsoft Word 2003; TAFESA, Pearson Education Australia

BSBADM302A Produce Text From Notes - Using Microsoft Word - Student Workbook, Netcorptraining

Advanced Applications using Microsoft Excel 2003; TAFESA, Pearson Education Australia

BSBCMN214A Create and use simple spreadsheets - Using Microsoft Excel – Student Workbook, Netcorptraining

Advanced Applications using Microsoft Access 2003; TAFESA, Pearson Education Australia


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will require demonstration of:

  • Consistent performance of each element of the unit across a representative range of applications, autonomously and to requirements
  • Performance criteria for each element of competence
  • Underpinning knowledge and skills specified.

This is a competency-based course. Each assessment task specifically relates to demonstration of knowledge, skills and/or attitudes relevant to an element of competence. To achieve a Grade of ‘Competent’, the student must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required in each assessment task of the course to the level required by industry.
Students will be assessed on whether they are competent by demonstrating their skills and underpinning knowledge in practical tasks in the labs, as well as demonstrating broader skills and knowledge in analysing and designing assignments and tests. In general, the assessment of the student level of competence is made through continuing evaluation of their level of work and their progression in the development of skills.

The style of assessments will provide them with:

  • Opportunities to demonstrate application of the necessary knowledge, attitudes and skills not just recall information. 
  • Information on their progress through the course with emphasis on encouraging them to monitor their own progress and plan their program of study.
  • An open system where standards are specified and the required level of competence is known beforehand

Assessment method:

MS Excel

  • Practical tasks
  • Class Tests and Observation
  • Assignments 
  • Examination

MS Access

  • Practical tasks
  • Class Tests and Observation
  • Assignments
  • Examination

Each element of competence will be assessed twice during the course


Assessment Tasks

Refer to Teaching Schedule and Weekly Schedule above.


Assessment Matrix

Element Assignment Practical Tasks Examination In Class Observation In Class Testing Individuals and Group discussion
1.1 x x   x x x
1.2 x x x x x x
1.3 x x   x x x
2.1 x x   x x x
2.2 x x   x   x
2.3 x x   x x x
2.4 x x   x   x
2.5 x x   x    
3.1 x x   x   x
3.2 x x   x   x
4.1       x   x
4.2       n/a   x
4.3       n/a   x
4.4       x   x

* Elements 4.2 and 4.3 are not assessed due to the non-availability of appropriate equipment. Assessed through group / individual discussions and problem-solving.

** Small group discussion and problem solving on variety of issues at appropriate times during delivery of the course.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview