Computer Concepts

In Computer Concepts, students become capable of independently using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and graphical presentation programs from Microsoft Office.

Key Course Resources

NetStorage - Home access for files stored on the school's G and H drives.

Moodle Web-Based Course Server - Access all of your course files, activities and discussion boards.

Family Access - Review your grades and assignments online.

Twitter Feed (@wfbcs) - Follow our feed here, on your mobile device, or just check our feed on Twitter.

Summary of Topics

Introduction Unit - 2 Weeks

  1. Understand general computer terminology.
  2. Describe with words and graphically how a computer works (general design, microprocessor, and memory).
  3. Analyze basic computer usage in school setting.
  4. Discuss the role of an operating system.
  5. Recognize need for Internet security and personal responsibilities when using computers (passwords, viruses, adware, spyware, phishing, and security software).

Word Unit - 5 Weeks

  1. Understand terminology unique to Word.
  2. Use basic editing (cut/copy/paste) and identify/select appropriate fonts.
  3. Adjust character formatting such as bold, italics, underlining, font effects and be able to use the format painter.
  4.  Adjust the following paragraph formats:
    • Spacing (within, before and after).
    • Bulleted and numbered lists (standard and custom).
    • Justification (alignment).
    • Indentation (left, right, first line, hanging and negative).
    • Tabs (left, right, center, decimal, and bar, with or without leaders).
    • Borders and shading.
    • Drop Caps.
  5. Create, edit, sort and format tables (borders, shading, positioning, sizing).
  6. Apply sections to create multiple column documents with breaks as appropriate.
  7. Insert, position, size and edit graphics.
  8. Insert, position, size and format text boxes.
  9. Apply and manage symbols, fields, footnotes, headers and footers.

Excel Unit - 4 Weeks

  1. Use terminology unique to Excel.
  2. Create new spreadsheets-inserting/deleting rows, adjusting row/column size and sorting.
  3. Format a spreadsheet by use of:
    • Number and date styles, decimal places.
    • Format painter.
    • Merge and center.
    • Borders and shading.
  4. Use simple formulas (+,-,*,/,^) consistent with order of operations and correct cell references.
  5. Use simple functions (Sum, Average, Min, Max, Count, CountA, Median) over appropriate range of cells.
  6. Apply relative and absolute cell references as appropriate.
  7. Create spreadsheets to analyze investing or borrowing money:
    • Manually calculate interest, payments for various scenarios including the use of compound interest.
    • Use spreadsheets to automatically calculate interest and payments.
    • Use the PMT function to calculate payments for various scenarios.
  8. Use the advanced functions of IF and VLOOKUP with spreadsheets for topics such as sales, taxes and payroll.
  9. Create charts based on spreadsheet data:
    • Select the most appropriate chart type for the situation.
    • Edit charts to more clearly present the information.
    • Add drawings and text annotations to enhance a chart.

Access Unit - 3 Weeks

  1. Understand terminology unique to databases.
  2. Apply filters to select and sort data to analyze data.
  3. Create queries to:
    • Select and sort data for analysis, using wild cards as needed.
    • Calculate fields to generate new information.
  4. Use the report wizard to create standard, grouped and label style reports:
    •  Edit reports to improve appearance.
    •  Add summary information.
  5. Use the form wizard to develop standard forms.
    • Edit a form to improve appearance.
    • Use a form to enter or access information.

PowerPoint Unit - 2 Weeks

  1. Understand terminology unique to PowerPoint.
  2. Create presentations using templates, images, standard and custom animation and which include various objects (charts, organizational diagrams and tables).
  3. Use PowerPoint to deliver a presentation on a computer related topic.

 

 

Grading Summary

In all courses, students earn credit by completing a range of worksheets, projects, and tests.  While worksheets and homework make up a small portion of the grade (10%), it is vital students keep up to learn key skills.  Projects (40%) span multiple days of learning and feature past student examples, grading rubrics, and clear instructions. Finally, all tests (50%) feature a review session and are preceded by many days of worksheets, interactive lessons, and projects before students are asked to demonstrate their course knowledge.

Read more about our complete Computer Science Grading Policy.

 

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