BUSINESS COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Business Computer Applications is a full year course designed to provide you with practical, up-to-date information relevant to today’s computer age. The work place of today requires its workers to use computers, understand how they interface with other technologies, think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, apply technology to task, and work in teams.
BusinessComputer Applications is designed to acquaint students with the advanced principles associated with information processing. Students study advanced computer concepts, software applications, and computer systems. Emphasis is placed on skill development in using technology to perform advanced information processing. Topics of study include computer concepts, word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software applications, which will increase in difficulty. Communication skills, keyboarding, decision-making, technology and critical thinking skills are reinforced in this course through business application projects.
Rapid advances in computer technology have had a significant impact on our society. These advances indicate that the computer will continue to have an ever-increasing role in the future. Recently, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of computers being utilized in our homes, businesses, and industries. Several factors have contributed to this increase:
(1) the cost of the equipment has decreased due to new and more efficient methods of manufacturing
(2) small-scale, yet very powerful, inexpensive microcomputers now make it financially possible for small (as well as very large) businesses to purchase them
(3) the growth in the home/personal computer area has been explosive, thus contributing to the general public’s better understanding of computer capability and use
(4) more and more uses of the computer continue to be developed which take advantage of the computer’s potential and capabilities.
Students can improve their typing speed and accuracy by utilizing www.freetypinggame.net, www.typingweb.com, or www.goodtyping.com.
Course Content
- Prerequisite: Successful completion of Introduction to Business Computer Application (IBCA)
- Microsoft Excel—Learners will discuss Excel basics, change the appearance of a worksheet, organize the worksheet, enter worksheet formulas, use functions, enhance a worksheet, working with multiple worksheets and workbooks, and work with charts.
- Microsoft PowerPoint—Learners will discuss PowerPoint basics, create and enhance PowerPoint presentations, work with visual elements, expand on PowerPoint basics. Learners will create PowerPoint linear and non-linear presentations.
- Personal Résumé—Learners will format and key a personal résumé. After collecting personal information the learner will key his/her personal résumé.
- Desktop Publishing—Learners will discuss desktop publishing terminology and correct format. Publisher will be used to create a two-page newsletter.
EVALUATION
Two or more grades are taken weekly. Students will be tested on vocabulary, notes, handouts, and computer (keyboarding) skills. There will be hands-on experience with Word Processing, Desktop Publishing, Excel, PowerPoint, and E-Mail.
We will observe the grading scale listed in the student handbook. Although all work is accepted, full credit is awarded only for work presented to the teacher on time. Students will be given two (2) days to make up work missed for unexcused absences.
Industry Based Certification
- Industry Based Certification—Computer technology will be presented that will lead to the learner’s ability to achieve industry based certification for Microsoft Office Specialist Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Learners will use practice software to prepare for the Microsoft Office Specialist exams. They will be given the opportunity to take the Microsoft Office Specialist Word, Excel, and PowerPoint exams.