Parents are increasingly recognizing the importance of the computer as a tool and also of the importance that their children use this tool.
Nowadays computers are being used for various reasons and in different settings. Children are being introduced to computers at a young age both at home and at school. They are beneficial for enhancing the children’s creativity, literacy and access to information. With the advent of the internet children now have access to an “unlimited” library of information. However whilst understanding the importance of the computer and the internet the dominant discourse is that at the same time parents are apprehensive when their children use the computer. In certain cases this stems from the fact that parents lack the computer skills required in order to be able to better monitor their children’s activities when using the computer.
Nonetheless the discussion is not only limited to the use of the internet. Parents are also recognizing the need to acquire the basic skills in order to be in a position to help their children in preparing or researching school material using various application software such as a word processor, spreadsheet, publishing and presentation software. Conversely, this course shall target both aspects highlighted herewith. The course shall give an insight to parents on the benefits and dangers of computers and how they can control aspects such as time usage and application access.
The course aims to:
Familiarise participants with the internet and related tools such as social networking, e-commerce and research tools
Equip participants with the basic computer skills to appropriately supervise and assist their children accordingly whilst using the computer
This is a 20 hour course. Lessons are held as indicated on the prospectus and website.
Learning Outcome 1: Describe the basic features of the computer
Introduction to computers
Common Computer Terminology
Computer Performance and features
What effects computer performance
Tools to improve computer performance
Learning Outcome 2: Use the computer and internet safely and securely whilst ensuring child safety
The Internet & World Wide Web
Browsers
Communicating on the internet
Windows Parental Control Features
Browser Parental Control Features
Handling the computer as a family-implementing user accounts
Social Networking Benefits and Safety Issues
Internet Safety Aspects (Phishing, Cyberbullying, viruses, worms and Trojans)
Learning Outcome 3: Use web research tools to help children in their school work
Internet searching techniques
Research Sources
Useful Google Tools
Learning Outcome 4: Perform essential tasks using productivity software for educational purposes
Common Features and commands
Word processing basics
Spreadsheet basics
Presentation basics
Publishing Software basics
The following are the suggested pre-requisites and/or entry requirements needed;
Pre-requisites:
This course is aimed for beginners; however participants are to note that this is not a full basic computer course. It only covers basic aspects which are specific to the nature of the course.
An MCAST certificate of attendance will be awarded to all students attending more than 80% of lectures
There are no summative assessments in this course.
There are no additional costs or special materials/equipment to bring