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: C3231 - Certificate III in ESL (Access)

Course Contact : Soosan Kian, Bloss Robertson

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99259494, +61399254488

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

None

Course Description

This course 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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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

• The ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Reading and Writing. They contribute directly to the achievement of ISLPR Reading 2 and Writing 2

• The Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of Reading and Writing competence at Level 2


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.

 

Learning activites may include

Key words and phrases andComputer terminology
• computer specific use of common words e.g. mouse, names of computer hardware e.g. hard drive, keyboard, printer, data stick, CD Rom Drive, USB Port
• names of computer software programs, e.g. Word,
• verbs e.g. drag, click, double click, open, close, scroll down, download
Simple computer task
• start up/shut down
• games
• locate file
• sort files
• open/close programs
Computer-based language
Learning activities
• word games
• close exercises
• dictionary activities
• listening activities
• reading comprehension and multiple choice

 


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 of 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


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 Brunswick 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 classwork, projects, reports, observation,self assessment, participation in excursions, oral questioning and mid semester interview.

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 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.

Assessments may include

  • Following instructions checklist
  • Quizzes
  • Produce and save a word document


Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview