Main content

This class is for first-time computer owners to learn basic computer concepts for off-line projects, safe/confident online applications, and more. (8 weeks, 16 hours)

Learning Objectives: To give students a better understanding of their system, so they can manage files and solve problems on their own.

First half of the semester: Computer Basics Introduction

• This noncredit course introduces basic computer fundamentals, keyboarding and basic Microsoft Word features in a Windows environment. Topics include basic Windows features, taskbar settings, computer operations, terminology, keyboarding and mouse features. Create and format a business letter and save files in folders and in multiple locations.

  Meeting 1	Introduction, class goal, explore the computer's GUI.
  Meeting 2	Explore the file system and file types.
  Meeting 3	Using applications like Microsoft Word and LibreOffice.
  Meeting 4	Metadata, editing song file details, removing personally identifiable data such as GPS from photos.
  Meeting 5	Encryption and cybersecurity, signing messages, fingerprints.
  Meeting 6	Overview on the internet, how data is sent to servers, Domain Name System (DNS).
  Meeting 7	Online cloud services, such as Google Docs.
  Meeting 8	Exploring proxies, VPNs, internet censorship with explorer.ooni.org/internet and network server balance.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate basic computer and keyboarding functions to create and save a document.
• Create, organize and manage files and folders using basic Windows features and settings.
• Identify and define Internet dangers, and safety precautions.
• Demonstrate how to navigate the Internet to conduct an effective search using web browsers, search engines and bookmarks to manage and organize searches.