IT Skills for Teachers NQF Level 4 Credits 8 DIEJP & BHEJP

Pre-requisite: None
Course description: This course will give students the basic skills and knowledge they
need to know about how computers operate and how. The course will also enable students
to be trained in using all Microsoft applications through practical sessions in the laboratory.

Outcomes of learning
Upon the completing of this course, students should be able to:
 Identify and use window components.
 Name the basic components of a computer.
 Use word processing; spread sheet, and database and presentation software.
 List the advantages of computer technology in business.

Course outline
1. Introduction to microcomputers
1.1. Generation of computers
1.2. Types of computers
1.3. Main components of a computer
1.4. Software
1.5. Types of software
1.6. Information processing
1.7. Online, offline processing, real-time, batch processing, single tasking and
multitasking
1.8. Current IT issues
1.9. Open & proprietary systems and compatibility, information systems security.
1.10. Data communications
1.11. Introduction to Networks
1.12. Central and distributed computing
1.13. Wide area and global networks.
1.14. Wi-Fi

2. Number systems and units of measurements

2.1. Binary Numbers
2.2. Decimal Numbers
2.3. Hexadecimal Numbers
2.4. Octal Numbers
 2.5. Converting memory sizes from one unit to another

3. Microsoft windows
3.1. Navigating the desktop, customizing the desktop, file and folder management,
installing and de-installing a program.
3.2. Logging onto an internet Service Provider or Online service provider, managing the
mailbox, email security, using a browser and search engine effectively and
downloading pages, refining searches

4. Microsoft word
4.1. Open a blank document and type text; recognize the toolbars, Ruler Bar, Scroll Bar,
Status Bar
4.2. Spell checking, search and replace, thesaurus
4.3. Page set-up, styles and general Formatting
4.4. Creating a tab set, Columns, Tables and Borders/Shading/Page
4.5. Use word Processor Wizard to create a document such as a flyer, an invitation or a
CV
4.6. Print preview and printing

5. Microsoft Excel
5.1. Start a blank spreadsheet and navigate between workbooks and sheets
5.2. Enter data, change column widths and row heights, formatting values, Calculating,
creating and understanding formulae, using Math and statistical functions
5.3. Creating and editing charts
5.4. Auto Form
5.5. Introduction to Macros

6. Microsoft PowerPoint
6.1. Create and present PowerPoint slides.
6.2. Format and design slides to suit presentation.

7. Microsoft Access
7.1. Create a simple database.
7.2. Creating, opening, saving, printing and closing database tables.
7.3. Using the menus, toolbars and shortcuts to copy, move, delete, restore and search
for data.
7.4. Database basics such as records, fields, data types, filters and sorts.
 7.5. Using the table, query, reporting and form wizards.

Recommended text(s)/Source(s)
Morrison, C., Wells, D., & Ruffolo, L. (2014). Computer Literacy BASICS: A
Comprehensive Guide to IC3 (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Parsons, J. J., & Oja, D. (2013). Practical Computer Literacy (with CD-ROM) (New
Perspectives) (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Lambert, J., & Frye, C. (2022). Microsoft Office Step by Step (Office 2021 and Microsoft
365) (1st ed.). Microsoft Press.