Computer Fundamentals


Full Description


Computer Fundamentals is a seven day online course.  This course is introductory and provides the basics pertaining to using a computer. It includes the knowledge and skills required to identify different types of computers, the components of a personal computer (including internal components such as microprocessors) and how these components work together. The module also includes the knowledge and skills relating to computer storage as it applies to hardware components like floppy and hard disks and performance as it applies to processor speed and memory.

This course is offered by a State Accredited University and offers State Board Continuing Education credits for Michigan teachers.  If you are located in a state other than Michigan, please check to see if your State Board will honor the Continuing Education Credit.  The course provider will be happy to provide you with appropriate documentation.

This course is designed for K12 teachers but the concepts and examples will translate for any online course developer.



Outcomes:


After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • Identify different types of computers
  • Recognize the internal and external components that make up a computer
  • Understand how information flows or is transferred into or from the computer
  • Identify items that may increase or decrease the computer's performance
  • Understand what software is and how software is created
  • Identify the different types of software programs use in an office
  • Understand the purpose of an operating system
  • Understand what graphic user interface programs are and the advantages of using these types of programs
  • Identify some common problems with working with files and folders
  • add or remove a program
  • Integrate personal computers into your teaching


Assessment:


Grading Policies:  This course is self-directed and assessments are graded immediately upon completion. Please check your success in the Tools, Gradebook area. Assessments can be re-taken any time during the course. This course allows you to earn 1 SB-CEU which is available to anyone completing the course with a 70% or better passing score.



Course Information (see above or below lessons, outlines, activities, etc.)


Lesson 1
Lesson 1 - Computer Basics This lesson introduces the components commonly found on today's PC.  The PC is broken down into bits and pieces from memory and storage to diskettes and networks.
Lesson 2 - Hardware Components Lesson 2 defines hardware components both inside the PC case and outside devices that work with the PC.
Lesson 3 - Performance Issues You learn the reasons some PCs perform better than others.  This lesson suggests ways you can upgrade your PCs performance both by purchasing new parts or by analyzing what you have running at any time and determining if an internal program is causing conflicts.
Lesson 4 - Purchasing a PC This lesson walks you through the process of purchasing a PC that will work well for your computing needs. You will learn to evaluate systems and make an educated purchase.
Lesson 5 - Operating Systems Lean the functions of an operating system.  Hard drive organization and using files and folders are discussed.
Lesson 6 - System Maintenance Lesson 6 teaches importance of keeping your system clean.  Removing old files, formatting diskettes for storage and having an emergency disk are covered.  Also discussed are using the Control Panel and adding and removing programs.

Contact Hours: 10