COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER

CURRICULUM

Courses have been developed to fit the needs of our Clients.
Presently there are 3 Core Courses, 5 specialized electives, and 1 workshop.

CORE COURSES

The Core Curriculum consists of three courses based on the Maran Graphics Reference Books titled "Windows XP Illustrated" and “Windows VISTA Illustrated”.

"Computers Fundamentals" is very basic, how to start and shut down, how to play games to develop mouse skills, how to use the basic Windows text editors, and how to use the Keyboard.  The main emphasis is to stimulate the client's interest in personal computing by showing them how to perform practical tasks and enjoy games.  Time permitting file management basics will be provided.  Chapter 1 is primary with Chapters 2 and 3 available depending upon the client’s abilities.

"Windows XP” is for clients who have the Windows XP operating system. Clients start here if they have an understanding of computer fundamentals and are able to use the mouse and keyboard.  They should have had access to and use of a personal computer for several months.  The course will cover Chapters 1,2,3,5, and 8 in detail.  Time permitting additional topics in other chapters will be introduced.  (This course is highly recommended as a prerequisite for taking the electives described below.)

“Windows VISTA” is for clients who have the Windows VISTA operating system.  Clients start here if they have an understanding of computer fundamentals and are able to use the mouse and keyboard.  They should have had access to and use of a personal computer for several months.  Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 8 will be covered in every course.  The speed of the class and their consensus of interest will determine other items to learn.  Elective courses will cover material in other chapters.  (This course is a prerequisite for taking the electives described below.)

SPECIALIZED ELECTIVES

It is strongly recommended that Clients complete either "Windows XP” or “Windows VISTA” prior to taking electives.  There maybe exceptions where clients have had considerable experience with the material covered in the core courses.

"The Internet and The Web" course includes extensive instruction in the use of "Outlook Express" to handle and manage e-mail.  Clients will learn how to establish an e-mail account following instructions provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP).  Both types of e-mail accounts will be discussed (POP3 and Web Accounts).  The features of Internet Explorer will be investigated.  The several Internet Service Areas will be discussed including, Forums, News Groups, Mailing Lists, Chat, and On-Line Commerce. Internet research using the latest combination of major online searching facilities will be covered.  Use will be made of exercises to familiarize clients with searching techniques.  Some of the material and exercises will be obtained from the CLC's on line server.  Chapters 11 and 12 of the Windows books will be used

"Computer Graphics / Photo Graphics" has been a popular course for some time.  Making fliers and greeting cards is discussed.  Extensive use is made of working with photographs.  The course in its entirety is available on a CD which is furnished to each Client.  This course stresses the basics of using a computer to perform graphics functions.  The "Paint" program furnished with the Windows Operating Systems is the basis for all other Graphics Programs (Applications).  Three classes are devoted to the use of Paint and all of its features, including combining objects from one photo into another, copying transparent and opaque, and adding borders to photographs.  The last five classes are devoted to the more robust Graphics Applications.  Corel’s "Paint Shop Pro" has been selected as representative of more powerful programs.  It will be used for instruction on the use of auto selection tools, layers, and vector graphics.  Clients are taught how to tint old family photographs (grayscale/non-color photos). Chapters 6 and 7 from the Windows XP book and chapters 4, 5, and 6 from the Windows Vista book will be used as references.  A CD is furnished with material for exercises.

"Word Processing”   This course teaches most of the features of the MS Word program.  Use will be made of exercises (hands on) to explore these features.  This course is for clients who enjoy the art of writing.  Most text editing software available today has many advanced features.  MS Word has set many standards in the word processing field.  The information handling features of Word are extensive.  As many of these features as possible will be covered in the eight classes.  The course will be paced by the abilities of the majority of the class.

"Spreadsheets"  This course uses MS Excel.  It is for anyone who desires to keep records of all types.  Spreadsheets are the accountants "work horse".  This course will cover many of the features of the software, including using it to create charts and graphs.  The features available for data analysis along with printing financial records will be covered.  Summary sheet and cross referencing between sheets within a work book will be discussed.  Use will be made of exercises (hands on) to explore these features.

"Windows Extended" is a course to be taken after the materials presented in the core courses have been absorbed in the elective courses.  The instructor follows the lead of the class.  Questions are answered and discussed. The course provides insight for taking care of and maintaining a PC.  Security measures are discussed.  The "Help and Support" section on the operating system will be covered along with the features of the Control Panel. (This course should not be considered unless you have completed one of the Windows core courses and have had experience using the information studied.)

"Workshop for Publishing Personal Web Pages" (1 Week in Length).  This workshop is a goal which many clients wish to achieve.  This workshop has been presented several times at the CLC.  It is for clients who have completed the Graphics and the Internet Classes.  The Internet is "World Wide Shared Resources".  It comes alive when you begin to share your wisdom and lifetime experiences with family and friends.  Nearly all Internet Services Providers furnish at no extra cost file space for your use in sharing information with the world.  It is not difficult to construct and publish Web Pages.  It does require some time and a desire to share.  The CLC's Mission Statement is... "To provide understanding of and access to Computer Technologies to allow older citizens to share their knowledge and wisdom with others."  It is the goal of the CLC staff volunteers to provide you this opportunity.  The goal of this workshop is that every participant have a working personal Web Site constructed on their ISP's server and accessible to the world.  It is your personal bulletin board.

Note:  A CD containing supplemental material for individual study and practice exercises is provided for most courses.  The clients are expected to work these exercises and practice outside of class.

LEARNING CAN AND SHOULD BE FUN!

“PEERS EMPOWERING PEERS”

The COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER
(256) 880-7080 Ext. 221
December, 2007
www.hsvclc.org