COM103 COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

Course Description:

Computer Applications is designed to familiarize students with computers and their applications. It will also emphasize the use of computers and technology throughout their high school, college, and future careers. Students will learn fundamental concepts of computer hardware and software and become familiar with a variety of computer applications, including word- processing, spreadsheets, databases, and multimedia presentations. Students will also investigate Internet-based applications, working with email and learning how to browse the web. Coursework also includes activities that explore social and ethical issues related to computers.

Course Code: COM103

Credit hours: 3

Pre-Requisites: None

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will:
• Identify computer hardware and peripheral devices
• Identify and discuss the four main functions of computer hardware: input, processing, output, and storage
• Identify and describe major hardware components
• Iterate major steps in the historical development of computers and information systems
• Identify, describe and use communications and networking terminology and technology to include Internet operations and its uses
• Explain and present to the class, the major operating system functions and demonstrate usage of operating system services to include: disk management, file management, and memory management
• Identify and discuss computer ethics and security issues
• Demonstrate searching, validation, and evaluation of information found online and in library databases
• List the use of important categories of application software: word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation graphics
• Identify and discuss software development processes and programming languages
• Successfully create a website with HTML tags and post to a Web server
• Identify and discuss emerging technologies

Course Outlines:

  • Computer Hardware
  • Communications Technology
  • Operating Systems
  • Ethics and Security
  • Information Literacy
  • Productivity Tools
  • Word Processing
  • Spreadsheets
  • Databases
  • Presentation Graphics
  • Web Authoring and Publishing