Computer I - (Grades 8 (mature)-12) Computer Science Credit

Teacher:  Mr. Bill Trinklein

Time:  Friday 11:00-11:55

Class & HSB Cost:  $245

Required Supplies: It is expected that each student have use of a computer at home with an operating system of Windows XP or higher; as well as Microsoft Office 2010, including Microsoft Outlook. This software should be installed and ready to be used before class begins. You will also need to have the ability to print at home (color preferred, but not required). Please be advised that the Microsoft Home and Student software package does NOT include Outlook, however Microsoft Home and Business software package DOES include Outlook.

Prerequisite: Students should practice during the summer on a program such as Mavis Beacon to ensure good keyboarding skills. There are also many free online keyboard training sites available that are easy to use and do a good job tracking progress, i.e. speed, error rate, etc.

In this course, students start out learning a few basics about computers and operating systems in general, but the primary goal of the class is to get experience using four of the most popular and practical business and personal use software applications available. This course will include the basics of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.

In Word, you will learn the fundamental concepts and techniques of word processing, including the ability to create, edit, print, and manage your documents. The focus will be on working with text, learning how to navigate within a document, character and paragraph formatting, setting tabs, running spell check, and managing files.

In Outlook, many of the powerful features in addition to email are explored. Outlook offers a calendar and task list, as well as contact/address book features and a notepad feature. This section covers Outlook's email features, message management, calendar usage, and learning how to optimize your time using Outlook's task, notes, and contact management capabilities.

In Excel, students learn about the basics of spreadsheets - what they're used for and how they work. You will create worksheets and learn to manage spreadsheet files. Hands-on time will be spent on formatting worksheets, page setup, and printing. In addition, we will be working with formulas and functions as well as learning to create graphs to depict your worksheet information graphically.

The PowerPoint section will cover how to create and modify slides and printouts. Adding pictures and other graphics as well as animation and transitions to your presentation will be a snap. Your PowerPoint presentations will be fun to create and to watch. You'll also be able to create your own speaker notes.

No textbooks to purchase. Students will be given exercises to do during class and weekly assignments will be given. Students should plan to spend a few hours each week at home to complete the assignments. Students will learn to use the powerful helps built into the applications, in lieu of hard copy references.

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