Course Title: Use standard computer applications

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2008

Course Code: CIVE5620

Course Title: Use standard computer applications

School: 130T Infra, Electrotec & Build Serv

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6066 - Advanced Diploma of Civil Engineering (Structural Design)

Course Contact : Tony Skinner Program Coordinator

Course Contact Phone: (03) 9925 4444

Course Contact Email:tony.skinner@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Program Coordinator:
Mr Tony Skinner
Tel. 9925 4444
Fax. 99254377
Email: tony.skinner@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

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 covers the competency to operate a stand-alone or networked personal computer in a range of standard applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, text editor, scanning and use of the internet. It also covers a standard operating system.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	EDX150 Use standard computer applications
Element:	Identify common applications of computers in the wider industry, and the type of hardware, software and skills needed for each of these
Performance Criteria:	1.1 The uses of industrial and commercial computer hardware and software are identified. 1.2 The skills needed for the operation of computers in industry are identified.
Element:	Operate a computer system, use operating system commands, and observe recognized safe and legal practices
Performance Criteria:	2.1 The computer is powered up and down correctly. 2.2 Logging onto and off the systems is carried out correctly. 2.3 General operating system commands are used. 2.4 Understanding is demonstrated of the directory structures and use, user interfaces, legalities, safe practices, access and restrictions. 2.5 The file system is used to manipulate files. 2.6 A floppy disc is formatted
Element:	Prepare text files for computer management applications.
Performance Criteria:	3.1 A batch file is prepared and executed. 3.2 An understanding is demonstrated of the distinction between a text file and a word processor file. 3.3 An understanding is demonstrated of the operation of a batch file.
Element:	Recognise the main features of different types of computer workstations (stand alone), and network systems and their relevance
Performance Criteria:	4.1 The component parts are visually identified. 4.2 The role and function of parts and peripherals is explained. 4.3 The role and function of parts and peripherals is explained.
Element:	Use a word processor
Performance Criteria:	5.1 A word processor is used to format and prepare a document. 5.2 A graphic is inserted into a word processor document and manipulated. 5.3 A scanner is used to copy a picture and is saved as a given file type.
Element:	Use database software
Performance Criteria:	6.1 Database software is used to set up a simple database for a specific purpose. 6.2 A query, form and report are created within a database. 6.3 Information is extracted from a database.
Element:	Use spreadsheet software
Performance Criteria:	7.1 A simple spreadsheet is formatted for a particular purpose. 7.2 Data is inserted into a spreadsheet and analysed using formulae and statistical functions. 7.3 A graph is produced in a spreadsheet from data.
Element:	Use the internet
Performance Criteria:	8.1 Understanding is demonstrated of internet terminology. 8.2 Information is retrieved from a given web site. 8.3 A search engine is used to research a given topic and retrieve information. 8.4 A plug-in is installed over the internet. 8.5 An email system is used to communicate. 8.6 A chat room and bulletin board is used to communicate.

Learning Outcomes

Identify common applications of computers in the wider industry, and the type of hardware, software and skills needed for each of these

Operate a computer system, use operating system commands, and observe recognized safe and legal practices

Prepare text files for computer management applications.

Recognise the main features of different types of computer workstations (stand alone), and network systems and their relevance

Use a word processor

Use database software

Use spreadsheet software

Use the internet

Details of Learning Activities

Teacher-led :
• Illustrate and describe the function of systems and components with an initial focus on the student’s workstation.
• Evaluate the level of students’ knowledge of computer commands and operation by using exercises of increasing levels of complexity. Supplement where necessary with individual or group tuition as appropriate.
• Differentiate between text and word processor files and demonstrate the operation of a simple batch file.
• Lead a discussion to investigate the range of hardware, software and associated skills prevalent in industry today.
• Evaluate the level of students’ knowledge of industry standard word processing, spreadsheet and database software by using exercises of increasing levels of complexity. Supplement where necessary with individual or group tuition as appropriate.
• Direct the access to, and the retrieval of information and graphics from, specified relevant websites.

Student-focused :
• Identify the components of a local workstation and develop an awareness of industrial/commercial systems
• Operate a computer system, use operating system commands, and observe recognized safe and legal practices.
• Write and execute a simple batch file to achieve a specified outcome
• Participate in discussions to establish the range of hardware, software and associated skills prevalent in industry today.
• Complete exercises involving word processing, spreadsheet and database software seeking advice from the teacher as appropriate
• Access and download data and graphics from specified websites

Teaching Schedule

See Online Learning Hub for details.

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

nil

References

nil

Other Resources

Overview of Assessment

This unit will be assessed in the computer laboratory using holistic assessment based on typical workplace activities

Assessment of this unit will involve completion of:
• a two-hour end-of-semester written examination
• four assignments related to
- word processing
- spreadsheets
- databases
- Internet data and graphics retrieval

Assessment Tasks

Assessment of this unit will involve completion of:
• A number of assignments related to
- word processing
- spreadsheets
- databases
- Internet data and graphics retrieval
The format of the assignments will include case studies and scenarios based on typical workplace activities.

Assessment Matrix

Element Covered	Assessment Task	Proportion of Final Assessment	Submission Time
1 to 4	Questionnaire/Test	15%	Week 1 & 2
5	Word processing: • Letter • Resume • Tables • Quotation* • Graphics import.	25%	Final Week
6	Spreadsheets: • Tables • Quantities • Quotation* • Balance Sheet • Data base	25%	Final Week
7	Databases: • Company contact list	20%	Final Week
8	Internet: • Retrieve company information. • Email database to tutor.	15%	Final Week

Course Overview: Access Course Overview