Course Title: Use advanced features of computer applications
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2020
Course Code: OFFC5307C
Course Title: Use advanced features of computer applications
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5371 - Diploma of Business (Public Relations)
Course Contact: Felicity Burns
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5486
Course Contact Email: felicity.burns@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Federico Viola
federico.viola@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
NA
Course Description
This course describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use computer applications employing advanced features. It involves manipulating data and accessing support resources to solve routine problems.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
ICAICT308A Use advanced features of computer applications |
Element: |
1. Manipulate data |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Employ advanced features of applications in the preparation and presentation of data 1.2 Transfer data between applications, linking and embedding related data files as required 1.3 Create and employ objects, macros and templates for routine activities 1.4 Use shortcuts and features to increase personal productivity |
Element: |
2. Access and use support resources |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Solve routine problems using support resources 2.2 Use online help to overcome difficulties with applications 2.3 Solve problems with manuals and training booklets 2.4 Access and apply technical support for system problems, using troubleshooting results and alert messages |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this subjects students will attain the skills use advanced computer applications for the use of a variety of commercial uses.
Details of Learning Activities
A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced, collaborative and simulated industry case study activities.
The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, 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 workplace environment.
It is expected that you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
Teaching Schedule
| Week | Commencing on | Topic | Readings and Activities | Assessment |
| Week 1 | 6-Jul | Course introduction Assessment 1 briefing |
Course shell | Assessment 1 Briefing Overview of assessments 2 and 3 |
| Week 2 | 13-Jul | Advanced use of MS Word | Explore Microsoft Help with activities Set and change default functions Formatting a document Create a template |
|
| Week 3 | 20-Jul | Advanced use of MS Word | Work with tables Conventions to use Document styles (headings) |
|
| Week 4 | 27-Jul | Assessment 1 Work | Assessment 1 Due, Sunday 11pm (Digital Upload) | |
| Week 5 | 3-Aug | Advanced use of MS Excel | Explore Microsoft Help with activities Set and change default functions Formatting a document Create a template |
Assessment 2 Briefing |
| Week 6 | 10-Aug | Advanced use of MS Excel | Work with tables Conventions to use Document styles (headings) |
|
| Week 7 | 17-Aug | Advanced use of MS Excel | Create a master document Automate the workflow |
|
| Week 8 | 24-Aug | Advanced use of MS Excel | Automate data flow between document and external sources | |
| SEMESTER BREAK | 31-Aug - 4-Sep | |||
| Week 9 | 7-Sep | Advanced use of MS Excel | Develop infographic dashboard | |
| Week 10 | 14-Sep | Assessment 2 Work | supervised | |
| Week 11 | 21-Sep | Assessment 2 Work | supervised | Assessment 2 Due, Sunday 11pm |
| Week 12 | 28-Sep | Advanced use of MS PowerPoint | Explore Microsoft Help with activities Set and change default functions Formatting a document Create a template |
Assessment 3 Briefing |
| Week 13 | 5-Oct | Advanced use of MS PowerPoint | Conventions to use Document styles (headings) |
|
| Week 14 | 12-Oct | Advanced use of MS PowerPoint | Create advanced graphics Use of SmartArt Use of other graphic elements |
Assessment 3 Due, Sunday 11pm |
| Week 15 | 19-Oct | Assessment 3 | Presentations | Assessment 3 |
| Week 16 | 26-Oct | Resubmissions only | ||
| Week 17 | 2-Nov | Resubmissions only |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
All resources are included on RMIT's teaching website: CANVAS.
Overview of Assessment
Overview of Assessment
In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:
Required skills
- communication skills to:
- communicate with supervisors and peers
- seek assistance and expert advice
- use online help
- literacy skills to interpret technical documentation, equipment manuals and specifications
- planning and organisational skills to prioritise and monitor own work
- problem-solving skills to solve operational problems as they arise
- research skills to source support resources to solve routine problems
- safety awareness skills to work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment
- technical skills to:
- apply technical support for system problems
- operate software applications
- use applications features
- use online help.
Required knowledge
- basic knowledge of operating systems software and system tools
- vendor product directions in computer applications
- vendor applications and their features.
Assessment Conditions
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
- use at least three computer applications employing advanced features and import and export capacities for efficiency and productivity purposes
- solve routine problems using support resources.
You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
Feedback
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.
You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
Assessment Tasks
There are three assessment tasks to complete:
Assessment 1: Action Plan With Software Analysis
Due: Week 4
This assessment evaluates your ability to:
- Operate a vendor's software package (Microsoft Word) using two operating systems (OS), namely Windows 7 or Windows 10 as well as OS X (Apple’s operating system)
- Create and save a new document to specifications (follow instructions)
- Use advanced features of the vendor software as well as creating objects, such as creating tickboxes and dropdown options
- Specify and use keyboard shortcuts to increase productivity
- Follow features of the vendor’s applications and solve routine software problems in various ways
You will be required to apply keyboard shortcuts while the teacher is observing in class and complete the questions and action plan and upload it on Canvas.
This is an individual assessment task.
Assessment 2: Budget
Due: Week 11
This assessment evaluates your ability to:
- Operate a software package (Microsoft Excel) using two (2) operating systems/versions: Excel online (Office 365) and Microsoft Excel (desktop version using MS Office 16 or similar)
- Create and save a new document to specifications (follow instructions)
- Use advanced features of the software as well as creating objects
- Specify and use keyboard shortcuts to increase productivity
- Solve routine software problems in various ways
This is an individual assessment task.
Assessment 3: Presentation
Due: Week 15
This assessment evaluates your ability to:
- Operate a software package (Microsoft PowerPoint) using two (2) operating systems/versions: PowerPoint online (Office 365) and the desktop version using MS Office 16 or similar
- Create and save a new document to specifications (follow instructions)
- Use advanced features of the software as well as creating objects
- Specify and use keyboard shortcuts to increase productivity
This is an individual assessment task.
Each assessment has a focus on specific software components that will help you in your work as a PR professional. You have to pass each assessment task to be deemed competent for this course.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on CANVAS.
Submission Requirements
You should:
- Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. Non submission without supporting evidence such as ELP or special consideration will mean a result of Did Not Submit (DNS)
- Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
- When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
- Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.
Other Information
Late Submission Procedures
You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.
More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for Special Consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.
More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration
Resubmissions:
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a particular Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) you will be allowed one resubmission. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission.
If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.
Grading & re-submissions
Successful re-submissions will contribute a CA (Competency Achieved) result to your overall grade for the course.
Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:
Marking Guide (Competency):
You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.
You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.
Final Grades table
CA |
Competency Achieved |
NYC |
Not Yet Competent |
DNS |
Did Not Submit |
Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.
Other information:
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a form of cheating in assessment and may occur in oral, written or visual presentations. It is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person, without appropriate referencing, as though it is your own.
The penalties for cheating in assessment are severe, whether the cheating involves plagiarism, fabrication, falsification of data, copyright infringement or some other method. Penalties can include charges of academic misconduct, cancellation of results and exclusion from your course. It is also a disciplinary offence for you to allow your work to be plagiarised by another student.
Referencing
RMIT Business produce their own referencing guidelines entitled written reports and essays: guidelines for referencing and presentation in RMIT Business which all Business students should use.
RMIT Business referencing guidelines (RTF, 1,286 KB, 52 pages). A supporting Referencing website has been developed for the RMIT Business guidelines. You can find out more about Academic Integrity at RMIT Academic Integrity webpage.
Group Assessment
A number of your assessments will rely upon group work. This is a critical part of your program as in the workplace you will be regularly required to work in a team environment. Teamwork is also one of the key employability skills for this qualification.
The key to being successful in group work is getting to know your classmates and finding out what they want to achieve. You should seek to find a team which shares your key interests and drivers.
If you are facing issues with your group, the key is to resolve them quickly well before assessments are due. If you need to you can seek support from your teacher.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview