Introduction to Information & Communications Technology

1 Introduction to Information & Communications TechnologyCOURSEV ocational Preparation & GuidanceEnglish & CommunicationsMathematical ApplicationsSocial EducationActive Leisure StudiesAgriculture/HorticultureChildcare /Community CareGraphics & Construction StudiesCraft & DesignEngineeringHair & BeautyHotel Catering & TourismInformation & Communication TechnologyOffice Administration & Customer CareTechnologyGaeilgeArts - Visual-Drama-Music & DanceLeisure & RecreationModern LanguageReligious EducationScienceSign LanguageComputer GraphicsCurriculum VitaeDatabaseKeyboard SkillsPublishing/PresentationSpreadsheet System RecordsINTRODUCTION TOINFORMATION & Communications TECHNOLOGYTOPICS IN COMMONVOCATIONAL EDUCATIONINTRODUCTION TO Information & COMMUNICATIONSTECHNOLOGYLEAVING CERTIFICATE APPLIEDINTRODUCTION TO Information & Communications TECHNOLOGYCONTENTSINTRODUCTION3 Rationale3 Number and Sequence of Modules4 Description of Modules4 MODULE 1 Introduction TO THE COMPUTER AND WORD PROCESSING5 Purpose6 Prerequisites6 Aims7 Units7 Unit 1.

2 Introduction to the Computer and its Environment8 Unit 2: Introduction to the Keyboard9 Unit 3: Introduction to Word Processing10 Teaching Approach11 Student Activities11 Resources12 Key Assignments13 MODULE 2 Introduction TO OTHER SOFTWARE PACKAGES15 Purpose16 Prerequisites16 Aims17 Units17 Unit 1: Introduction to Database 18 Unit 2: Introduction to Spreadsheet 19 Unit 3: Introduction to Graphics20 Teaching Approach21 Resources21 Key Assignments221 Introduction TO Information & Communications TECHNOLOGY2 Introduction TO Information & Communications TECHNOLOGYINTRODUCTIONI nformation and Communications Technology forms part of the corecurriculum for all Leaving Certificate Applied students.

3 It is intended to give students the skills and understanding to use computers in boththeir current and future Leaving Certificate Applied programme offers the ideal forum for students to apply these skills in a practical way, particularly inpresenting task work and key assignments across the full spectrum of the curriculum. The achieveable goals of developing accuracy, neatness andpresentation skills generate a sense of pride in work done by studentswhich enhances self esteem and motivates students to maximise theirpotential in other aspects of the course and in their personal TO Information & Communications TECHNOLOGYRATIONALEBoth modules to be completed in the sequence presented 1:Introduces students to computers and develops basic keyboard and word-processing 2.

4 Introduces students to databases, spreadsheet and graphics TO Information & Communications TECHNOLOGYM odule 1: Introduction to the Computer and Word ProcessingModule 2: Introduction to Other Software PackagesNUMBER AND SEQUENCE OF MODULESDESCRIPTION OF MODULES5 Introduction TO Information & Communications TECHNOLOGYMODULE 1 Introduction TO THE COMPUTER AND WORD PROCESSINGMODULE1: Introduction TO THE COMPUTER AND WORD PROCESSINGThis module has been designed for students with no formal or previous experience in Information Technology .

5 It will provide an Introduction to a range of practical skills andunderpinning knowledge that will enable students to usecomputers confidently in their everyday PURPOSE6 Introduction TO Information & Communications Technology Introduction TO THE COMPUTER AND WORD PROCESSING To familiarise students with the role of computers in their everyday lives To introduce students to the essential elements of computer hardware and software To provide students with the opportunity to use common computer application packages To encourage students to develop good work habits in the use and care of the computer and equipment To stimulate interest and enjoyment in the use of 1: Introduction to the Computer and its EnvironmentUnit 2: Introduction to the KeyboardUnit 3.

6 Introduction to Word ProcessingUNITSAIMS7 Introduction TO Information & Communications Technology Introduction TO THE COMPUTER AND WORD PROCESSING8 Introduction TO Information & Communications Technology Introduction TO THE COMPUTER AND WORD PROCESSING The student will be able to: identify the component parts of acomputer system ( input, process,output and storage) explain the difference betweensoftware and hardware identify common input devices ( keyboard, mouse, scanner) identify common output devices ( VDU, printer, disk drive)

7 Explain the function of computer memory explain the purpose of backing store define disk storage capacity describe the uses of common software applications explain the ability of computers tocommunicate with one another networks, the Internet identify instances where the student interacts with computers ineveryday life recognise the need to care for computer equipment practise the safe use of computers recognise and avoid potential dangers to health and safetyLEARNING OUTCOMESTEACHER GUIDELINESUnit 1.

8 Introduction to the Computer and its Environment Use classroom equipment to demonstrate Look for examples in local community Deal with theory issues as they arise naturally Visit to computer store Selection of computer magazines List of key words posted in classroom and in student's folder Post computer room rules on the walls of the room Keep a set of dictionaries9 Introduction TO Information & Communications Technology Introduction TO THE COMPUTER AND WORD PROCESSING The student will be able to:1.

9 Locate and operate alphabetical,numeric and punctuation keys2. locate and operate keys with specialfunctions backspace, delete, shift,caps lock, tab, insert, home, end, andenter/return3. locate and operate cursor keys4. use the keyboard with confidence to type text accuratelyLEARNING OUTCOMESTEACHER GUIDELINESUnit 2: Introduction to the KeyboardUse typing tutor package Run intensive course in keyboard skills before introducing rest of module Practise skills while teaching wordprocessing and other informationtechnology modules Use book of assignments Source material from other modules key assignments Use word processing for taskpresentation Keep a set of dictionaries10 Introduction TO Information & Communications Technology Introduction TO THE COMPUTER AND WORD PROCESSING The student will be able to:1.

10 Identify applications where wordprocessing is advantageous2. access a word processingsystem/package3. open an existing document4. create a new document5. key in text accurately6. edit text by inserting/deletingcharacters, words, lines and sentences7. join and split paragraphs8. enhance text using bold, italics andunderline9. format text using centring, left aligned,or justified as appropriate10. use the spell check facility11. proof-read documents12. respond to some common proof-reading signs insert, delete, join and split paragraphs13.