Basic Computer Skills

Course Description
Computer Basics: Getting Started in the Digital World is a four series class designed for
the very new computer user. NO computer knowledge or experience is necessary. Students
will have the chance to explore laptop and tablet computers and then learn the basics of the
a Windows-based computer.

Lessons
This class is divided into 4 different lessons or units. Each unit is 1.5 hours in length with
the last and final session an open lab to practice and ask questions from previous lessons. It
also provides a post assessment opportunity to show student progress and direct you as
the instructor opportunity to ensure course objectives and the skills list are mastered.

Unit 1: The Mouse, the Keyboard and the Desktop

Unit 2: The Start Menu, Explorer Window and Saving Files
Unit 3: Customizing your desktop, creating shortcuts and pinning to the task bar
Unit 4: Review and Practice

Learner Objectives
After completing this course, the student will be able to:

 Understand that computers are part of everyday life and the need to use them
will be more commonplace
 Differentiate between a desktop, laptop, and a tablet computer
 Understand the basic computer hardware components (mouse, keyboard,
ports/connectors, monitor, speakers, etc.)
 Understand what an operating system does and the difference between the
operating system and software or applications
 Turn on the computer and other hardware components (monitor, speakers,
printer)
 Log onto a computer
 Learn the desktop features and what they do (task bar, notification area, recycle
bin, icons and application shortcuts)
 Demonstrate the function and placement of the keyboard (Esc, Shift, Caps Lock,
Arrow Keys, Function Keys, Backspace and Delete Keys, Enter)
 Use the mouse (left click, right click, scroll wheel, double click, drag)
 Understand the Windows Explorer window anatomy
  Use the Start Menu to find programs, pin programs to the task bar, and use Help
and Support
 Open an application/program and save to the documents library

Pre and Post Assessments

The assessments at the follow link can provide you with a starting point when teaching
basic computer skills. Used as a pre- and post-assessment enables you to show student
progress based on your teaching experience.

Basic Computer Skills Assessment:

http://publicweb.digitalliteracyassessment.org/assessment/1.php

Windows 7 Assessment:
http://publicweb.digitalliteracyassessment.org/assessment/3.php

Handouts
Handouts for the Basic Computer Skills class are from the Community Workshop Series at
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Libraries (Carrboro Cybrary, Chapel Hill
Public Library, and Durham County Public Library). These handouts are updated on a
regular basis and are available for download at:

http://www.lib.unc.edu/cws/handouts/Computer_Basics.pdf
Skills List
The skills list for this module is based on the Basic Computer Handouts and lessons from
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computerbasics.

Task Completed
Understanding Computer Basics Pre Post
I understand the two basic parts of the computer
I understand the operating system and what it does
I know what an application is and some common applications to use
for the things I want to do (word processing, web, games, etc.)
I know what is meant by “cloud” computing and web applications
Mastering the Mouse Pre Post
I can move the mouse around on the screen.
I can drag and drop an icon into the trash
I can double-click to open a program or document.
I can move an icon around on my desktop.
I can “right-click” with my mouse to bring up a menu
Keyboard Components Pre Post
I know what the Control, Shift and Function Keys do
I know what the Escape key does
I know the functions of the alphanumeric keys
I know the function of the cursor control keys (arrows, delete, page,)
I know what the Enter Key is used for
Desktop Basics Pre Post
I can turn on the computer
I know the Desktop Components
I know the icons in the Task Bar
I can access the Start Menu
I can add a gadget to the Windows Sidebar
I know the basic components of a computer
Start Menu (Windows 7) Pre Post
I open a program
I can pin a button to the task bar
I can see all programs on my computer
I can see the drives on “My Computer”
I can open the Control Panel
I can Adjust my Desktop Display
I can add a Gadget to my desktop
I can search for a program, document, or file
Task Completed
I can use “Help” and find an answer to my question

Quick Reference

Instruction Sheets
Lesson Plan
 Class Evaluation
I hope you enjoyed the Basic Computer Skills class and that it met your expectations! To
help me improve course content and instruction, and to provide quality information to new
computer users, please complete this survey and provide your feedback to help improve
our UW-Extension offerings.

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This class met my expectations.
The content was easy to understand
The topics were covered in sufficient
detail
Learning resources and handouts were
useful and easy to understand.
The length of this course (4 weeks) was
adequate for learning basic computer
skills.
Computer exercises were relevant and
reinforced learning.
The instructor was knowledgeable and
provided one-on-one help.
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course
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Please check any of the class topics below that would be of interest:
Microsoft Word (Word Searching the
Facebook/Social Media
Processing) Internet
Microsoft PowerPoint Filling out Government
Photo Editing
(presentation) Forms
Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheet) Skype Genealogy
 Microsoft Publisher
Digital Photography Digital Photography
(Graphics)

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