Computer Essentials Course Outline

University Riara University

College Foundation Studies
School /Faculty School of Computing Sciences
Department Computing Sciences
Programme Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Course Code RFC 111
Course Title Computer Essentials
Course John Sagimo
Developers
Course John Sagimo
Facilitators
Welcome This course aims at equipping the learner with basic computer literacy skills for
message use in school and in future and enlightening them on modern best practices in the
world of information and communication technology.
This being a practical unit, ensure you can have access to a computer running on
windows 10 Operating System and above. It should at least have MS Word 2010,
MS Excel 2010, MS PowerPoint 2010. Though we shall heavily rely on MS word
2010 and above.
Ground Rules:
 Students must achieve 80% class attendance. Students who attend less
than 80% of all the sessions SHALL NOT sit for the exam.
 Group work must be completed and presented in time as required
PLAGIARISED work WILL NOT be assessed. Late assignments will not be
accepted.
 All Assignments MUST be properly REFERENCED (APA Style).Assignments
will be issued and done during class time and MUST be submitted before
they become inactive
 Deadlines WILL apply uniformly to ALL students. Lateness in submission of
assignments WILL be penalized.
 NO Makeup Tests will be given.
Description This course will enable learning about:
1. Introduction to computers: definitions; history of computers
2. Operating Systems; difference between analogue and digital technology.
3. Output and Input: devices used and how to use them.
4. Internet and World Wide Web: using the internet
5. Software: system and application software; utility programs.
6. Processing Data: Word processor (MS Word),
7. Computer Networking
8. Computer Security
9. Social Media Dimensions
Audience This is an intermediate computer course and learners are expected to have basic
Description understanding of how a computer operates. At least be able to operate simple
peripherals such as mouse and keyboard. Mostly intended for first year students
who are required to have an advanced understanding of how computer operates.
Delivery Mode This course will be executed both online and face to face. To fully meet the units’
expectations, you are required to actively participate during class time. The first
six weeks learning will be conducted online since the content will be mostly
theoretical. The last five weeks will be face to face since a lot of practical work will
be conducted in the lab. Most learning resources will be shared online via the
online campus platform.
Course Objective The key objectives of this course will be;
 To understand the basic architecture of a computer system
 To describe the basic components and uses of computers.
 To Use a computer to execute basic communication and functions.
 To Demonstrate knowledge on the use of computers for learning and for
undertaking various university activities such as research projects,
presentation of research findings in scholarly forums and debates, or
through social networks (blogs, Face book, Twitter, Netlog, and MySpace).
 Use the e-learning platform to upload assignments and download learning
materials.
Expected By the end of this course, participants will be able to
Learning 1. Identify the various parts of the computer system
Outcomes 2. Describe the major functions of the OS and the Processor
3. Identify characteristics of Computer
4. Know how to use university's online portal effectively
5. Appreciate the evolution of computer through five generations
6. Understand the latest cyber threats and how to mitigate them
7. Be able to identify and use the various word processor features
8. Outline the various computer networks and topologies
9. Install and configure computer software e.g antivirus
10. Understand the benefits of using computer in different industries

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate how communication happens in a network
2. Acquire Software installation skill
3. Operate a computer at an advanced level
4. Proficiency in using Word processor
5. Apply Computer ergonomic skills at work place
6. Effectively use the Canvas for online learning purposes
7. Understand the benefits of computers in their respective careers
8. Protect individual and organization data using recommended data security
mechanisms

Brief Content Insert an outline of the topics to be taught through the weeks of the semester
Description 1. Week 1 (Introduction & History of Computers)
2. Week 2 (Use of University's E-learning Platform (Online Campus))
3. Week 3 (Understanding Computer Architecture Part 1)
4. Week 4 (Understanding Computer Architecture Part 2)
5. Week 5 (Networks & Telecommunications)
6. Week 6 (Cyber Security Fundamentals)
7. Week 7 (Continuous Assessment Test 1)
8. Week 8 (Understanding Social Media Dimensions)
9. Week 9 (Introduction to Internet and Email)
10. Week 10 (Introduction to Computer Software)
11. Week 11 (Using Microsoft Windows 10)
12. Week 12 (Word Processor Common uses and features)
13. Week 13 (Word Processor Practical – Advanced Formatting)
14. Week 13 (Word Processor Practical – Mail Merge)

Teaching and The key learning and teaching methodologies will include
Learning  Online Lectures and exercises on areas discussed
Methods  Research assignments and Class Discussions.
 Public Lectures and workshops will be conducted
 Use of case studies and class presentations
Learner Once in a while I will be recording and sharing essential videos within the canvas.
Support Plan Communications through the back channels such as WhatsApp direct message will
be encouraged to allow reinforcement of concepts that would have been missed
during class time. Also issuing additional handout notes after the class session.
This will be placed within the repository on the canvas.
Resources/ Instructional materials (Online resources)
Teaching and  https://www.learnerscoach.co.ke/ict-tutorials/computer-essentials-
learning beginners/
materials 
Support Materials and equipment
 Text books, journal articles, handouts, White boards, flip charts, LCD
projector and screen, laptop, LAN, DVDs, and CDs.
Course Assignments will be issued and done during class time and MUST be submitted
Assessment Plan before they become inactive. The assignments will constitute 15% of final marks.
After every lesson, a case study, presentation, exercise or a handout will be issued
We shall have one CAT (out of 15) and a Final Exam (out of 70). The first CAT will
be administered on week 7 just after the theory classes.
Supporting For synchronous learning, zoom, google meet, and blue button will be used. The
Technologies recordings will be available for future reference.
For asynchronous learning, technologies such as online journals, discussion forums
will be used.
The above options will be supported through the available learning management
system, canvas, google drive and PowerPoint slides. YouTube videos relevant to
the topic of discussion will also be used.

Core texts  https://www.learnerscoach.co.ke/ict-tutorials/computer-essentials-

beginners/
Additional  https://www.learnerscoach.co.ke/ict-tutorials/computer-essentials-
Readings beginners/