Computer Skills and Concepts:  A Mastery Approach

 Why Buy This Book?

1.  This book covers both computer skills and concepts.  There are numerous books on the market today that cover computer skill and concepts.  Some provide only factual and conceptual information.  Others are targeted to use of specific software packages.  Instructors who need to cover both areas are often forced to select two books to cover both areas.  This book includes both computer skills and important conceptual information and applications in a single book.  Learners develop an understanding of computers and technology while they learn useful computer productivity skills.

 2.  This book is updated annually so that it always current.

 3. This book is user friendly.  Each module includes a clearly stated explanation of important background information, concepts, and facts related to the topic of the chapter.  In-depth coverage of the digital world, highlighting emerging developments in hardware, operating systems, application software, and computer applications are provided.  Important terms are highlighted and explained in context.  The text is accompanied by examples and illustrations to help clarify concepts and processes.  Familiar examples from popular culture are also included.  My students have found the text to be an excellent resource to visit when the "techies" start using their "foreign language."  High interest sidebars on issues, innovators and innovations, and scientific principles are also included.

4.  This book explains how to use computers in useful ways.  Most computer skill books try to explain software rather than teaching users how to produce useful products.   Instead of guiding learners though a series of software menus, this book takes a “How to” approach to the development of computer skills providing clearly stated, step-by-step, illustrated explanations for the most useful computer applications for personal productivity.  Microsoft Office, the most widely used personal productivity package in use today, is the primary software package supported.  Don’t tell them; show ‘em is the teaching philosophy used.  There are no long paragraphs of abstract explanations.  Instead, concrete steps to carry out at the computer are provided.  Software menus and screens are included to show learners exactly what they will see on their computer screens.  Do the steps and you’ll understand the application.

5.  The approach employed in this book is best suited for a mastery approach to learning.  The content is designed to be self-guided.  It is well suited to introductory computer courses that are taught via distance education or extended studies.  It is also well suited for nontraditional campus based courses in which the content is not delivered by lecture.  Use of this book will enable users to learn on their own.  The structure of the book helps ensue student mastery and provides tools for instructors to use to measure student mastery.  A set of module review questions and application exercises are included with each module.  These exercises can be completed by the student and submitted to the instructor, either in print form or electronically, to demonstrate their mastery of the skills and content of each module.  A set of test questions that measure student mastery of each module are available to instructors from the publisher at no charge to instructors.

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