Course Title: Use basic computing language and skills

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2012

Course Code: COSC5973

Course Title: Use basic computing language and skills

School: 360T Education

Campus: Brunswick Campus

Program: C3232 - Certificate III in ESL (Employment)

Course Contact : Soosan Kian

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9494

Course Contact Email:soosan.kian@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Jane Saunders +61 3 9925 9495   jane.saunders@rmit.edu.au

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 Certificate III in ESL.

Course Description

This course is part of a full time integrated program.

The 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:

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 assisstance 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:

  • 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+.

and

  • the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of competence in Reading and Writing at Level 3


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of Certificate III in ESL (Employment) 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.

This unit in part covers the speaking,listening, reading and writing macro skills addressed in the certificate.

Examples of how you will practice and study the units:

LISTENING
You will:
• listen to a range of audio and film and documentary texts
• take part in conversations
SPEAKING
You will:
• work in pairs and in small groups
• take part in formal and informal discussions
READING
You are encouraged to read a wide range of texts relevant to the study context. You will:
• read , analyse and review complex texts for research purposes
WRITING
• do a research project
• write formal letters
• learn to plan, draft and proofread your work.
• construct formatted texts for study purposes
The revision of important grammatical structures will be incorporated into each activity.


Teaching Schedule

Program Dates: Mon 25 June – Fri 30 November 2012

Term Break: Mon 24 September – Sun 7 October 2012

Public holidays: Tue 6 November (Melbourne Cup Day)

Teaching Schedule: This course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the program delivery plans
which are updated each week.

Your program is made up of:
• Orientation
• Learning activities
• Mid semester review
• Guest speakers
• Excursions
• Exit review

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 Carlton Library very cheaply)
• USB (Memory stick)


Overview of Assessment

You will be required to 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: 

  • evidence of the ability to source computer information 
  • evidence of the ability to respond to and interpret basic computer instructions and seek assistance as appropriate
  • presentation of a portfolio
  • a mid semester interview.


Feedback:
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions, 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

Summative assessments:

  • Using computer based language learning activities
  • Source computer information
  • Using correct computer terminology
  • Using navigational features
  • Problem solving computer related issues

 Formative assessments: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work

Please note:
Assessments tasks will include other courses (Units of competency) from the program.

All Assessment tasks should be submitted by the deadline. If an extension is required you must ask your teacher for
one before the due date.


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
occasions. 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. An assessment
matrix will be available on myRMIT

Course Overview: Access Course Overview