CST 133W - Computer Concepts & Competencies

1. Recognize the components of a computer system and  identify the different pieces of hardware.
   1. Describe various hardware devices used for input
   2. Describe various hardware devices used for output
   3. List the differences and use of various types of computers
   4. Describe storage media and devices, drive interfaces and how to measure and improve performance
   5. Describe emerging hardware technologies
2. Define and describe the various categories of software.
   1. Explain the different Operating Systems and User Interfaces (GUI and Command)
   2. Define Multitasking and Object Linking and Embedding
   3. Describe the integrating of information among multiple applications
   4. Describe how operating systems organize files
   5. Describe the functions of operating system utility software
   6. Identify and explain the use of selected Application Software from each of the five main categories (Word processing, Spreadsheet, Database, Graphics, and Communications)
   7. Describe the various file formats involved with applications and their compatibility
   8. Compare and contrast the use of bitmap and vector graphics files
   9. Describe emerging media software technologies
3. Define the Systems Development Life Cycle and the role of Systems Analysis and Design.
   1. Describe how Information Systems are enhanced by the use of computers
   2. Describe how hardware and software interact to solve problems
   3. Define the different Information Systems and their components, including Office Automation Systems, Transaction Processing Systems, Decision Support Systems, Management Information Systems and Expert Systems
   4. List the members of an Information Systems Department and their roles
   5. Define the phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle as it applies to systems development and program development
   6. Compare and contrast developing Custom Software and use of Pre-packaged programs
   7. Describe how algorithms are developed
   8. Describe the programming techniques used in standardized software development
   9. Compare and contrast the different generations of programming Languages
   10. List ways to build a program and the steps in program development
   11. Compare and contrast Structured Programming and Object Oriented Programming
   12. Identify Language Interpreters and Compilers and how they function
   13. Identify Source Code versus Object Code
   14. Describe the use of Database Management Systems and determine the data file organization that is needed by various applications, including flat file and relational data bases
   15. Describe the methods of processing and determine when one would use Batch and Interactive Processing
   16. Define Source Data Automation, its use and importance
   17. Identify uses of Multimedia, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Virtual Reality and Expert Systems
4. Describe Computer Architecture and how information is processed and stored inside the computer.
   1. Describe the Central Processing Unit, its different parts and how it functions.
   2. Define the internal clock and machine cycle and describe how computer performance is measured
   3. Explain how data is represented and the different encoding schemes and number bases (Binary, Hexadecimal, and Decimal)
   4. Describe the functions of RAM, ROM and cache memory and their addressing
   5. Describe other components such as bus, expansion slots, boards and ports
5. Explain Data/Telecommunications.
   1. Identify the characteristics in different communications media and describe the different methods of transmission and media used
   2. Explain the use of Networks (LAN and WAN)
   3. Describe Client/Server Networks and Peer-to-Per Networks
   4. Explain how data and peripheral devices are shared
   5. Identify the different telecommunications applications
   6. Describe the different types of networks and the topology of each
   7. Describe how the Internet works and how traffic is routed
   8. Describe the major features and uses of the Internet
6. Explain how computers affect our lives.
   1. Explain the issues of Privacy versus Security
   2. Identify what constitutes Computer Crime and how we can protect ourselves against it
   3. Identify the role of Ethics in the computer field
   4. Describe ergonomic and other health issues associated with using a computer
   5. Define the career opportunities and education needed for each field associated with computers
7. Use the software as presented in lab.    
   1. Use the Operating System
      1. Multitask and share information within an application and between applications
      2. Format and organize storage media using folder and file management
      3. Search for files and folders on various storage media
      4. Use utility programs supplied by the operating system
      5. Use the Graphical User Interface of Windows and the Command Line Interface of UNIX to perform various tasks
   2. Use a Word Processing application
      1. Enter, edit and format text
      2. Use special features and language tools, including spell checker
      3. Add graphics, including clip art and word art
      4. Create and manipulate data within a table
      5. Create and define data fields and forms to perform mail merge
      6. Convert a document to a web page, upload to the Internet and view it
   3. Use a Spreadsheet application
      1. Enter, edit and format numbers and text
      2. Manipulate data with functions and formulas and perform “What-If Analysis”
      3. Copy formulas, functions, numbers and text using relative and absolute addressing
      4. Sort data
      5. Validate results of a spreadsheet
      6. Create charts from spreadsheet data
   4. Use a Database application
      1. Create and modify tables of data
      2. Create queries including natural joins of multiple tables
      3. Create other database objects such as reports and charts
      4. Perform calculations using table data
   5. Use a Presentation Graphics application
      1. Create and edit presentations to include text and graphic elements
      2. Use transition techniques and animation
      3. Use features of the application program including outlines, handouts and notes pages
   6. Work with Graphics
      1. Use clip art in a variety of applications
      2. Create a bitmapped drawing and use it in a variety of applications
   7. Perform Application Integration
      1. Create a mail merge document that includes word processed  text, a spreadsheet chart object, and a drawing. Merge using data from a database management application
   8. Use the Internet
      1. Send and receive e-mail
      2. Create a web page that includes hypermedia and graphics, use a file transfer program to upload it to the Internet, and view it
      3. Search the web and access information
   9. Perform elementary programming
      1. Create and test Visual Basic programs that display data in a window given step-by-step instructions
8. Gather information about computers by reading technical text. Communicate effectively in reading and writing.
   1. Identify and summarize the main points of a technical reading
   2. Derive meaning from a technical reading
9. Write effectively for a technical audience and purpose by using writing tasks to promote learning. Communicate effectively in reading and writing.
   1. Organize and integrate information into a format that illustrates patterns, clusters and hierarchies of information
   2. Articulate important technical ideas to demonstrate knowledge of computers
   3. Organize written information into tables, charts and graphs using word processing, spreadsheet, presentation graphics, and database to facilitate interpretation
   4. Employ conventions of written, edited, standard English (WESE)
   5. Interpret and present information accurately in tables, charts and graphs
   6. Document sources in conventional style
   7. Use appropriate technical vocabulary for the audience and purpose
   8. Document attainment of knowledge/skills learned
10. Choose, organize and develop the content of a presentation. Communicate effectively in speaking and listening.
    1. Choose a specific topic and purpose, develop main points, provide supporting evidence for the topic, and determine who the target audience is
    2. Use software tools to develop the message with a recognizable introduction, development and conclusion
    3. Use software tools to prepare appropriate supporting materials
11. Use effective listening skills. Communicate effectively in speaking and listening.
    1. Pay attention and listen carefully and respectfully to technical discussions and directions
    2. Make sense of a technical message
    3. Act appropriately and effectively based on the technical information
12. Interpret technical statements, texts, theories, problems, symbols and observations. Think critically and access, analyze and use  information including using current computer technology.
    1. Identify important questions of a written or spoken technical text
    2. Clarify and analyze the meanings of technical words, phrases and statements
    3. Learn the meanings of relevant symbols used with computers and ways to use them
    4. Develop a perspective with regards to various computer concepts
    5. Generate and collect relevant observable or measurable information or data using application software
    6. Organize and present information or data in tables, charts and graphs
13. Formulate a question or need, develop a strategy to meet that question or need to solve a technical problem.  Think critically and access, analyze and use information including using current computer technology.    
    1. Generate, assess and validate solutions to a technical problem
    2. Develop and question alternative formulations of a technical problem
    3. Search and access information via computer networks and databases
    4. Evaluate information or data for quality, validity and bias to determine if it is objective and reliable
    5. Question assumptions, data and formulations of problems and proposed answers
14. Understand and practice the intellectual and participatory skills identified with effective citizenship.  Value and practice
    1. Identify, describe, explain and evaluate important public issues associated with computer technology
    2. Recognize the role of core values associated with computer technology in the workings of a diverse society