Course Title: Use basic computing language and skills

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: COSC5973

Course Title: Use basic computing language and skills

School: 360T Education

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C2180 - Certificate II in ESL (Access)

Course Contact : Bloss Robertson, Soosan Kian

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488 + 61399259494

Course Contact Email:bloss.robertson@rmit.edu.au, soosan.kian@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 50

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

This unit must be co-delivered and assessed with at least one of the language (Listening and Speaking or Reading and Writing) units

from the Certificates in ESL.

Course Description

This unit aims to develop computer skills of learners who are speakers of languages other than English to develop language skills.The unit provides an introduction to computer terminology related to hardware, software and functions. It provides the knowledge and skills to access a range of language learning options.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	VPAU554 Use basic computing language and skills
Element:	Element 1 Use correct computer terminology
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Identify key words and phrases used in talking about computers and their functions 1.2 Recognise and use computer terminology to identify computer hardware 1.3 Recognise and use computer terminology to identify computer software
Element:	Element 2 Describe items on the computer desktop
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Locate items on the desktop 2.2 Identify key features and functions of items on the desktop
Element:	Element 3 Perform a simple computer task
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Open the activity correctly 3.2 Follow steps given verbally or in writing 3.3 Request assistance or clarification as required 3.4 Follow occupational health and safety instructions related to use of computers 3.5 Correctly close activity
Element:	Element 4 Complete computer- based language learning activities
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Select a learning activity 4.2 Open and locate the program 4.3 Use the basic navigation features to move around the activity 4.4 Follow instructions to complete the language activity 4.5 Close the learning activity correctly
Element:	Element 5 Describe common computer related problems and seek assistance to solve them
Performance Criteria:	5.1 Identify a problem and request assistance using common expressions 5.2 Describe problems encountered using a range of computer related vocabulary and expressions 5.3 Respond to feedback and seek clarification as appropriate

Learning Outcomes

The outcomes described in this unit relate to:

Performance criteria of all four elements

Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate II in ESL (Access) which is an integrated program. This means that you will study this unit with several other units on the same day. Your program consists of Face to Face teaching and Directed Study. Your program will have a minimum of 8 hours Directed Study per week. You are not required to attend to complete Directed Study, however you are expected to complete all work given and will at times be required to show evidence that the work has been completed in this unit. This is a very important part of your program and we ask that you do 4-5 hours on your non attendance day and at least 1 hour each evening to cover all the units in the program. An outline of your Directed Study is published each week in the Weekly Program Delivery Plan.

Teaching Schedule

This is an 18 week program:

Program Dates: Mon 6 February – Fri 15 June 2012
Term Break: Mon 9 April – Fri 13 April 2012
Public holidays: Mon 12 March (Labour Day), Fri 6 April (Good Friday)Wed 25 April (ANZAC DAY) Mon 11 June 2012 (Queen’s Birthday)
Your program is made up of:
• Orientation

• Learning activities
• Mid semester review
• Guest speakers
• Excursions
• Exit review

Orientation is part of the introduction to the integrated program of the second language acquisition.
All students will be inducted. The induction includes
• Program Guide & Student Diary
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Explore RMIT ( an orientation to the university and its services)
• Orientation to RMIT Libraries (library tour & on line catalogue introduction)
• RMIT Online Systems Information Session

Library Orientation & an RMIT Online Systems Information Session will be scheduled during the first two weeks of your program. Information about student services, rights and responsibilities is contained in your student diary.

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There are no prescribed texts but it is recommended that students avail themselves of the many ESL resources available in the RMIT Library.

There are no prescribed texts but it is recommended that students avail themselves of the many ESL resources available in the RMIT Library.

References

Other Resources

TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT
There are no set texts in this course, but it is recommended that you bring
• English-English dictionary (We ask that you do not use a translation dictionary)
• Thesaurus
• Display folder with plastic sleeves
• Highlighter pens
• Notebook or loose leaf paper
• Headphones (use your own or they can be purchased from the Carlton Library very cheaply)
• USB (Memory stick)

Overview of Assessment

This course is part of a full-time integrated program. You must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of the competencies in order to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks. You may be assessed by computer activities (e.g internet research, online language learning tasks), following simple computer instructions and mid-term interviews.

Feedback:

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class both oral and written, through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and by individual consultation.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.

An assessment charter (http://mams.rmit.edu.au/kh6a3ly2wi2h1.pdf) summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your courses assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ln1kd66y87rc

Assessment Tasks

Assessment will take place throughout the course. Your work is assessed on a competent (CA)/not yet competent (NYC) basis – it is not graded. You will be given written feedback on all assessment tasks. There will be individual and group projects completed both in and out of class.

Assessment is ongoing and its purpose is to develop your skills. You will be given assistance in redrafting and editing written assessment tasks because developing your ability to identify and correct your own mistakes is an important part of the learning process. It is important that you read the specific elements each assessment task addresses on the cover sheet for each task. At the time of setting assessments you will be given clear guidelines about which course, elements and performance criteria you will need to meet in order to successfully complete the task. Submission dates & deadlines will also be clearly explained.

The tasks will include:
• computer related activitities, exercises and projects
• source computer information
• individual assignments, projects and oral presentations
• class participation including group and pair work.

Assessment Matrix

Each assessment cover sheet clearly outlines the competencies being addressed in the task in relation to performance criteria. The sum of assessment tasks will cover all units and their elements over a range of occassions. You will be given opportunities to demonstrate competency in a variety of ways throughout the program. You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or student co-ordinator.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview

Course Title: Use basic computing language and skills

Part B: Course Detail

Index

Explore

Admin essentials

Learning support

Services and facilities

Work and study opportunities

Library

Explore

My employment

Services and tools

Teaching and student resources

Research support

Intranets