451- COMPUTER STUDIES GENERAL OBJECTIVES By the end of the course, the learner should be able to’ Nauaw 1.0.0 11.0 appreciate computers and their components, develop basic skills in the safe use and care of computers and their peripheral devices; be acquainted with the fundamental concepts of computing, appreciate the use of computers in different areas of application; appreciate the impact of computer technology on society; develop the skills to use application packages, appreciate programming and acquire the knowledge to write and run simple programmes; identify different educational and occupational opportunities available in the computing field: acquire a firm base for further education, training and the world of work. INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to: a) b) °) d) ) 1.2.0 124 1.22 123 124 125 126 127 state the different parts of a computer, explain how computers have developed, classify the various types of computers; state the safety precautions and practices in a computer laboratory; demonstrate basic hands-on-skills on the use of a computer. Content Definition of a computer Parts of a computer Development of computers Classification of computers © Physical Size © Functionality © Purpose Areas where computers are used Definition of a computer laboratory Safety precautions and practices in a computer laboratory © Behaviour © Handling of materials and equipment © Fire + Cabling * Stable power supply 425Burglar proofing Ventilation Lab layout Dust/damp control Lighting Standard furniture 12.8 Hands-on skills Start-up, restarting and shut-down (Booting) Keyboard layout Practical keyboard and mouse skills 2.0.0 COMPUTER SYSTEMS 21.0 Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to: a) b) 9 d) °) i 8) h) i) d describe a computer system; explain the functional organization of the elements of a computer system; describe input devices of a computer system; describe the central processing unit (CPU), describe the output devices of a computer system; describe the types of secondary storage devices and media, distinguish between power and interface cables; explain basic computer set-up and cabling; distinguish between system software and application software, evaluate the criteria for selecting a computer system. 2.2.0 Content 2.2.1 Description of a computer system 2.2.2 Functional organization of the elements of a computer system Hardware Software Live-ware 2.23 Input devices e.g Keying devices Pointing devices Scanning devices Speech recognition devices Other digital devices 2.2.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Control Unit Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) Memory Processors @ types (ii) clock speeds 426229 2.2.10 Output Devices * Soft copy output devices eg i) Visual display unit — Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), flat panel, cathode ray tube (CRT) ii) Sound output iii) Light emitiing * Hard copy output devices e.g i) printers (impact, non-impact) ii) plotters Secondary/Auxiliary Storage Devices and Media * Fixed e.g. Hard disk * Removable eg, i) floppy disks ii) tape iii) optical disks (CD-R, WORM, CD-RW, DVDs) iv) zip disks Power and Interface Cables © Power cable * Parallel cable © Serial cable Basic computer Set-up and Cabling ‘© Connecting basic computer components + Connectitig other computer peripherals Classification of software © Purpose a) System software i) firmware ii) networking software iii) i iv) b) Application software * Acquisition (i) standard software (ii) user developed (in-house) Criteria for selecting a computer system (specifications) Hardware considerations Processor speed Memory capacity Warranty Uparadability User needs Cost Portability Other considerations 427300 3.1.0 3.2.0 3.21 3.22 i) ii) i ii) f ii) User friendliness System requirements Compatibility Portability Documentation © Cost © Other software considerations OPFRATING SYSTEMS Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the leaner should be able to: a) define an operating system; ») state the functions of an operating system; ¢)_ describe types of operating systems, 4) describe how operating systems organize information; e) manage files using an operating system; f) manage disks using an operating system; 2) identify internal and peripheral devices under Operating System control. Content Definition of an operating system Functions of an operating system Job scheduling Resource control Inpuvourput handling Memory management Error handling Interrupt handling Types of Operating Systems Number of users single user multi user Number of tasks single tasking multi tasking Interface command line menu driven interface iii) Graphical user interface (GUD) 324 Organization of Information using an operating system 4284.0.0 4.1.0 4.2.0 43.0 440 Files Directories/folders Storage media File management using an operating system Description of files Types of files system files application files Functions of files storage of data organization of information Creating files Manipulating files i) viewing files and directories organization of information creating files/directories opening editing renaming vii) finding/searching vii) sorting ix) copying x) moving xi) deleting Disk Management using an operating system Formatting Partitioning Defragmentation Disk diagnostics/Disk compression Back up Devices under operating system control Processor. Memory (Ram) Storage devices Input/output devices and ports Communication devices and ports Installation and configuration of an operating system Trouble shooting APPLICATION PACKAGES Word processors Spreadsheet Database Desktop publishing 42945.0 4.1.0 411 4124 Internet and E-Mail WORD PROCESSORS Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the leamer should be able to a) define a word processor, b)_ state the purpose of word processing, ©) use a word processing package; ) format and edit a document, ©) create and edit a table; f) create and update a mail-merge document; g) print a document; h) insert and edit objects Content definition of a word-processor Purpose of word processing e.g Letter preparation Reports Newsletters Using a Word processing package Getting started Screen layout Running the program i) Creating a document ii) Saving iii) Retrieving iv) Closing vy) Exiting Editing and formatting a document Editing a document Block options i) Selecting ii) — Moving ili) Copying iv) Deleting vy) Inserting and type over Find and replace i) Search/find ji) Replace Proof-reading i) Spelling and grammar checking it ‘Thesaurus iii) Auto-correet iv) Undo and redo 430») 4,125 Formatting a document Text formatting i) Bolding ii). Talizing iii) — Underlining iv) Fonts vy) Drop caps vi) ‘Change case vii) Superscript/subscript Paragraph formatting i) alignment ii) indenting m) spacing iv) section breaks vy) _ bullets and numbering i) columns ii) headers/footers Setup i) Margins ii) Orientations iii) Paper size iv) Tabs Creating and Editing a Table Create a table i) Rows ii Columns Enter data Editing tables i) Resizing rows/columns ii) Inserting rows/columns iii) Deleting rows/columns iv) Merging rows/columns v) Splitting rows/columns Formatting tables i) Borders ii) shading Table conversions i) Converting text to table ii) Converting table to text iii) Importing Arithmetic calculations i) Perform calculation Insert formulae Sorting 4314.1.26 Sorting creating and updating a mail merge document Creating main document i) Formletters ii) Labels iii) envelopes © create/import data source i) editing ii) saving © Merging Fields © Main and data source to i) Printer or ii) New window or iii) Fax or iv) E-mail * Updating merged document 4.1.27 Printing a document i) Printer setup ii) Print preview iii) Print option ~ printer selection - orientation = page and copies iv) Printing 4.1.28 Inserting Graphics © Types of graphics i) Drawing ii) Pictures iii) Charts © Inserting i) importing ii) drawing Editing graphical objects i) Updating ii) Resizing iii) Enhance 4.2.0 SPREAD SHEET 4.2.1 Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the leamer should be able to: a) define a spreadsheet, ) describe the components of a spreadsheet, ) state the application areas of a spreadsheet; 4) create and edit a worksheet; e) explain different cell data types, apply cell referencing; 4322) apply functions and formulae; h) apply worksheet formatting, i) apply data management skills; i) apply charting and graphing skills; k) print worksheet and graph. 4.2.2 Content 4.2.21 Definition ofa Spreadsheet 4.2.22 Components of a spreadsheet i) worksheet ii) database :) —graphe 4.2.23 Application areas of a spreadsheet ‘© Statistical analysis, © Accounting + Data management © Forecasting (what if analysis) © Scientific application 24 Creating a worksheet/workbook © Getting started * Worksheet layout © Running the program i) creating a worksheet ii) editing a cell entity iii) saving iv) retrieving v) closing a worksheet vi) __ exiting from spreadsheet 4.2.25 Cell Data Types © Labels © Values © Formulae © Functions 26 Cell referencing © Cell addressing © Absolute referencing © Relative referencing 27 Basic functions and formulae © Functions i) statistical (average, count, max, min) ii) logical (if, count-if sum-if) iii) mathematical (sum, product, div) ‘* Arithmetic formulae (using operators +,-/,*, brackets) 4.2.28 Worksheet formatting 433432 43.21 43.22 Text ‘Numbers Rows and columns Global Data management Sorting Filtering Total/subtotals function Forms Charts/graphs Types Data ranges Labels Headings and titles Legends Printing i) page set-up ii) print preview iii) print options select printer selection worksheet workbook orientation pages and copies v) printing DATABASES Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the leamer should be able to: a) define a database, b) explain the concepts of a database; ©) explain data organization in a database; d) create a database, ©) edit a database; f) design a form; ) apply basic concepts of queries; h) create report and labels; i) print queries, forms and reports, Content Definition of Database Database concepts Traditional filing methods (manual flat files) Functions of databases 4344.4.0 4.4.1 Types of database models Database software Features of a database (e.g. data structures, report generating, querry language, modules) Data Organization Character types Fields Records Files Database Creating a database Design a database structure Field properties and data types Key.fields and index Data entry Editing a database Modify structure Updating database Form design Form layout Data manipulation Formatting fields Queries Creating Updating Viewing Printing Reports layout Creating (using relational and logical operator, local operators ~ AND OR, NOT) Modifying Sorting and grouping Labeling Printing DESKTOP PUBLISHING (DTP) Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to: a) define desktop publishing: ) state the purpose of DTP; ©) identify types of DTP software; 4) design a publication; ©) edit a publication; format a publication; g) print a publication. 43544.2 4421 442 4.4.25 4.4.26 4427 4.5.0 454 45.2 4.5.21 45.22 45.23 4.5.24 ‘Content Definition of Desktop publishing Purposes of DTP Graphic design Page layout design Printing Types of DTP software Graphical based Layout based Designing a publication ‘Types of publications e.g. newsletters, cards, brochures, posters ete Running the program Screen layout Setting up a publication Manipulating text and graphics Editing a publication Editing tools Formatting a Publication Text Graphics Printing Page set up Print options INTERNET AND E-MAIL Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the leamer should be able to: ) define internet; b) explain the importance of internet, 0) describe internet connectivity, 4) identify internet services; €) access internet, 4) use e-mail facilities; g) state the moral, social and spiritual issues that may emerge through access to the internet. Content Definition of internet Development of internet Importance of internet Internet connectivity Telecommunication facilities Modems 43645.28 5.0.0 5.1.0 5.2.0 5.21 5.2.2 Internet services providers (ISP) Internet software Internet services e.g, World Wide Web (www) Electronic mail (e-mail) Electronic Commerce (e-commerce) Electronic Learning (e-learning) Accessing Intemet Log-in/sign-in Surffbrowse Search engines and hyperlinks Downloading/saving/printing Electronic Mail (e-mail) Definition E-mail software E-mail facilities i) Mails (checking, composing, forwarding, sending, saving and printing) ii) Fax iii) File attachment 1) On-line meetings v) Telephone messages vi) Contact management NB: Emphasis is on the procedure and not necessarily on on-line connectivity Use the internet to access information on emerging issues e.g. HIV/AIDS Drug abuse Environmental issues Moral integrity DATA SECURITY AND CONTROLS Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the leamer should be able to: a) define the terms data security and privacy; b) identify security threats on ICT and possible control measures; ©) identify types of computer crimes. Content Definition of data security and privacy Security threats and control measures +. Threats eg. i) virus ii) _unauthored access iii) computer errors and accidents 437523 524 6.0.0 6.1.0 6.2.0 621 622 623 624 iv) theft ‘© Control measures e.g. i) anti-virus software ii) password iii) user access levels iv) backups Computer crimes e.g trespass hacking tapping cracking piracy fraud sabotage viii) alteration * Detection and Protection e.g. iy audit trail ii) data encryption iii) log files iv) firewalls Laws governing protection of information systems DATA REPRESENTATION IN A COMPUTER Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the leamer should be able to a) explain concepts and reasons for data representation in a computer b) define the terms bit, byte, nibble and word c) explain types of data representation in the computer 4) perform binary arithmetic operations. Content Concepts and Reasvus of data representation Definition of terms: bit, byte, nibble and word Types of data representation ‘© Number Systems and their representation of integral values i) decimal ii) binary i) octal iv) hexadecimal * Symbolic representation i) Binary Coded Decimal Code (BCD) ') Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC) i) American Standard Code for Information Interchange Code (ASCII) Conversion between binary and decimal 4386.24 7.0.0 71.0 1.2.0 724 722 723 124 725 126 727 Binary arithmetic operations © Binary addition Binary subtraction @)_ones complement (i) twos complement DATA PROCESSING Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to: a) define the terms data, information and data processing; b) describe data processing cycle, c) _ explain types of errors in data processing; 4) explain the various methods of data processing; ©) describe data integrity, f) describe a computer file; 8) describe types of computer files; h) describe file organization methods; i) describe the various data processing modes Content Definition of the terms data, information and data processing Data processing cycle . ‘© Data collection i) stages of data collection ii) methods of data collection Data input © Processing © Output Description of errors in data processing e.g «Transcription errors © Transposition Data processing methods ‘* Manual/conventional © Mechanical + Hlectronic Data Integrity © Accuracy © Timeless «Relevance Computer files * Elements of computer file ‘+ Logical and physical files ‘Types of computer processing files e.g. Master 439728 129 8.0.0 8.1.0 8.2.0 8.2.1 8.22 © Transaction # Report * Sort © Backup © Reference File organization methods © Sequential © Random/direct © Serial * Indexed sequential Electronic Data processing modes © On-line Distributed Time-sharing Batch processing ~ Multi-processing Multi programming/multi-tasking Interactive processing Real-time ELEMENTARY PROGRAMMING PRINCIPLES Specific Objectives By the end of the topic, the learner should be able to: a) define Programming; ) describe the various levels of programming languages, ©) state the advantages and disadvantages of each level of the programming language, 4) define the terms assembler, compiler, interpreter, source program and object program; €) describe the stages of program development, 8) describe the program contro! structures; 2) define and develop algorithm, pseudo-code and flowchart. ‘Content Definition of Programming Levels of programming languages © Low level language i) machine ii) assembly © High Level languages i) third Generation Languages (3GLS) four Generation Languages (4 GLs) )) Object Oriented Programming (OOPs) iv) Internet (scripting) Programming Languages 440