Course Title: Use advanced features of computer applications

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: COSC6002C

Course Title: Use advanced features of computer applications

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5281 - Diploma of Business (Public Relations)

Course Contact : Sally Parrott

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5175

Course Contact Email:sally.parrott@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Contact Liz Grady
Email liz.grady@rmit.edu.au
Phone +61 3 9925 5423

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 defines the competency required to build a basic website that is consistent with design and technical requirements, and business expectations.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICAU3126B Use advanced features of computer applications

Element:

2. Access and use support resources

Performance Criteria:

2.1Solve routine problems using support resources
2.2Use on-line help to overcome difficulties with applications
2.3Solve problems with manuals and training booklets
2.4Access and apply technical support for system problems, utilising troubleshooting results and alert messages

Element:

1. Manipulate data

Performance Criteria:

1.1Employ advanced features of applications in the preparation and presentation of data
1.2Efficiently transfer data between applications , linking and embedding related data files as required
1.3Create and employ objects , macros and templates for routine activities
1.4Use shortcuts and features to increase personal productivity


Learning Outcomes


This unit defines the competency required to build a basic website that is consistent with design and technical requirements, and business expectations.
 


Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities. The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to homework activities, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.
The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment. We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.


Teaching Schedule

Topic 1
Course Introduction and overview
- key learning outcomes
- course in the context of PR

Topic 2
Assessing the needs of the business
- preparing a client brief
- business objectives + brand values
- functionality requirements

Topic 3
Assessing the needs of the business
- budget & project timeframes
- competitor analysis
Aesthetics and page design
Site navigation

Topic 4
Software tools, web design platforms and hosting options
- types of site architecture overview
- pro’s and cons of different software tools & computer applications
- domain name registration

Topic 5
Introduction to Weebly
- blogs/pages, contact forms, enewsletters

Topic 6
Further development in Weebly
-exploring principles of design
- exploring principles of site navigation

Topic 7
Social media/custom widgets
Google Analytics

Topic 8
Content development
-writing online copy
-embedding multimedia

Topic 9
SEO & Webmaster tools for site verification

Topic 10
Website Validation & Testing
- test site validity against web development standards
- conduct user navigation tests

Topic 11
Website Validation & Testing
- integrating user feedback
- assessing site effectiveness


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

There are no prescribed texts for this course. Resource materials will be provided through the course delivery.


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a particular competency 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.

Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including assignments, journals, presentation and written or test. Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
 


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1 Requirements Report (Due in class Week 6)
In pairs, students, are to find a real client who needs a basic website or to consider a niche business idea around which they would like to develop a website. Students are then to produce a detailed requirements report covering the business needs and appropriate recommendations for a new website. The report should contain a client brief, substantial research and analysis as to the market and competitor sites, functionality requirements, hosting and domain name recommendations, a site map, software tool recommendations and project timelines incorporating scope for user feedback and site testing.



Assessment Task 2 Individual Website (Due in class Week 12)
Working in the same pairs, the second assessment will focus on students’ ability to create a valid basic website based on the above requirements report. This project will involve a range of research and technical tasks to be completed using various software tools and computer applications.

Assessment Task 3 User Review and Feedback (Due in class Week 14)
In pairs students will review a website against design and functionality specifications, gather user feedback and test site navigation and functionality.

More detailed assessment sheets for each assessment task will be disseminated throughout course delivery.


Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview