CST 133 - Computer Competencies

Here is where you will find information related to the class. Course documents can be accessed by using the links to the left. As the course progresses, this webpage is where I will post Powerpoints, lectures notes, assignments, and any other information relevant to the class.

To navigate, use the scroll bar with the yellow arrows to the right or the speedlinks below:

Speedlinks : 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

If you have questions about the class, check out the syllabus or drop me an email. (link below)

Course Description: Presents the concepts and terminology needed to become computer literate. Discusses hardware, software, and data/telecommunications. Reviews the analysis and design of computer systems and programs and their effect on our lives. Describes computer platforms, architecture, and how data is processed and stored. Introduces competencies and skills in operating systems, programming, and Windows applications, such as: word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, database, internet, and graphics.

To view the course objectives - click here.

** This is a tentative schedule of class activities. Instructor reserves the right to make changes as course work dictates.

** Tentative Exam Dates: EX1 2/11, EX2 3/24, Final 4/28

Course Presentations, Lecture Notes, etc.

• Week 1 - 1/12 and 1/14 - Course Intros, Orientation, Chapter 1
  • Syllabus Quiz (In D2L)
  • Lecture - Chapter 1 - Computers & Digital Basics (PDF Link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • Orientation Lab (if needed) (link)
    • Download data files for labs (link)
    • Files and Folder Management Lab (link)
    • Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Orientation section, Chapter 1
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 1 (In D2L)

• Week 2 - 1/19 and 1/21 - Hardware
  • Lecture - Chapter 2 - Computer Hardware (PDF Link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • Control Panel Lab (link)
    • Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Chapter 2.
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 2 (In D2L)

• Week 3 - 1/26 and 1/28 - Software
  • Lecture - Chapter 3 - Computer Software (PDF link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • MS Word Lab 1, Units A&B (link)
    • Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Chapter 3
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 3 (In D2L)
  • Research Project Assignment (link) - Due 2/10

• Week 4 - 2/2 and 2/4 - Operating Systems & Files
  • Lecture - Chapter 4 - Operating Systems, File Mgmt. (PDF link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • MS Word Lab 2, Units C&D (link)
    • Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Chapter 4
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 4 (In D2L)
  • Homework Assignment - Research Paper - Due 2/9

• Week 5 - 2/9 and 2/11 - Exam I
  • Research Paper Due 2/10
  • Exam Prep and Review - Chapters 1 - 4
  • Exam 1: Chapters 1-4
  • Lab Activity - TBD, Working Session

• Week 6 - 2/16 and 2/18 - Networks
  • Lecture - Chapter 5 - Lans and WLans (PDF link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • Browsers Lab (link)
    • Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Chapter 5
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 5 (In D2L)

• Week 7 - 2/23 and 2/25 - Internet
  • Lecture - Chapter 6 - The Internet (PDF link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • HTML Lab (link)
    • Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Chapter 6
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 6 (In D2L)

• Week 8 - 3/1 and 3/3 - Web & Email
  • Lecture - Chapter 7 - The Web and Email (PDF link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • MS Excel Lab 1, Units A&B (link)
    • Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Chapter 7
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 7 (In D2L)
  MS Excel Project Assignment (link) - due 3/22

• Week 9 - 3/15 and 3/17 - Digital Media
  • Budget Project - due
  • Lecture - Chapter 8 -Digital Media (PDF link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • MS Excel Lab 2, Units C&D (link)
    • Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Chapter 8
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 8 (In D2L)
  MS Excel Project Assignment (link) - due 3/22
• Homework - Study for Exam II - Chapters 5-8

• Week 10 - 3/22 and 3/24 - Exam II
  • MS Excel Project Assignment (link) - due 3/22
  • Exam Prep and Review - Chapters 5 - 8, Tech Focus
  • Exam II: Chapters 5-8
  • Lab Activity - TBD, Working Session

• Week 11 - 3/29 and 3/31 - Computer Industry
  • Lecture - Chapter 9 -History, Careers, & Ethics (PDF link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • MS Access Lab 1, Units A&B (link)
    • Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Chapter 9
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 9 (In D2L)

• Week 12 - 4/5 and 4/7 - Systems Analysis
  • Lecture - Chapter 10 - Info Systems Analysis, Design (PDF link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • MS Access Lab 2, Units C&D (link)
    • Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Chapter 10
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 10 (In D2L)

• Week 13 - 4/12 and 4/14 - Database Concepts
  • Lecture - Chapter 11 - Databases (PDF link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • MS PowerPoint Lab 1 (link)
    • Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Chapter 11
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 11 (In D2L)
  • PowerPoint Project (link) - Presentations 4/21, 4/26, & 4/28

• Week 14 - 4/19 and 4/21 - Programming
  • Lecture - Chapter 12 - Computer Programming (PDF link)
  • Lab Activity:
    • MS PowerPoint Lab 2 (link)
    Turn-in Instructions for Lab (link)
  • Reading Assignment - Chapter 12
  • Take-home quiz on Chapter 12 (In D2L)
  • PowerPoint Project (link) - Presentations 4/21, 4/26, & 4/28

• Week 15 - 4/26 and 4/28 - Wrapup, Final Exam
  • Lab Activity - Presentations, Working Session
  • Reading Assignment - Prepare for Final (Chapters 9 - 12)
  • Final Exam: Chapters 9 - 12
  • Keep in touch! Be well!

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