Computer Skills and Concepts: A Mastery Approach
Contents and Overview
The book is organized into modules (or units of instruction). Each module is designed to be independent of the others and has been designed for self-guided and individualized instruction. Learners master the use of the computer by reading each module carefully and working through each hands-on computer application exercise. Application and practice are essential to the development of any skill. Learning to use computers comes only through practice, and continued practice will bring increased confidence in, and mastery of, using the technology of the personal computer.
Each module involves both a reading assignment and several hands-on computer applications assignments. The focus of the book is on practical skills. Both Macintosh and Windows Personal computers are covered in this book.
The mastery approach applied in this book is different from what students commonly experience in other classes. Assignments are judged by the instructor to determine whether the student has mastered the content. The intent is that the student must do two things to master a module: 1. Complete the application exercises correctly and 2. Complete a module exam with at least 80% accuracy.
A set of practice files that are employed in some of the module exercises is available to students and instructors for free download from this web site. A bank of exam questions is also available to instructors through use of a password provided to adopters.
The nine modules covered in this book are:
Module 1 Introduction to Computers
Module 2 Word Processing
Module 3 Electronic Spreadsheets
Module 4 Advanced Word Processing and Database Management
Module 5 The Internet
Module 6 Desktop Publishing and Computer Graphics
Module 7 Presentation Graphics
Module 8 Tool Software
Module 9 Application Skills