Determine Prerequisite Basic Computer Literacy Skills
You do not have to be a computer whiz to be successful in the INST program. Furthermore, there are many aspects of Instructional Technology (e.g., instructional design, needs assessment, evaluation) that do not require advanced computer skills. However, there are some basic computer skills that are necessary to facilitate your entry into our program and you are responsible for knowing them.
You should determine if you have the basic computer skills necessary to complete the INST program prior to registering for your first INST course. In Section 1.4.2, a checklist is provided to help you determine if you have the basic computer skills necessary to begin the Instructional Technology Master's degree or certificate programs. These skills are particularly important if you want to take INST program courses through distance learning. After reading the following checklist, if you have left one or more boxes in each section blank, you are strongly encouraged you to enroll in a basic computer class from a local community college, university, computer vendor or community teaching center before enrolling in the INST department.
If you are thinking about starting the INST program, please use the checklist below to note your strengths and weakness and then increase your skills in your areas of greatest need. If you have any questions or comments about having the entry level skills required for any INST course, please be sure to contact the INST faculty member responsible for teaching the course.
Checklist for Basic Computer Literacy Skills
Basic Hardware Skills and Knowledge
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I can: |
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_______ |
identify the visible (outside) components of a computer (e.g. monitor, computer, mouse, keyboard). |
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_______ |
turn on and off a computer system correctly. |
|
_______ |
use portable flash memory device |
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_______ |
manipulate a mouse, including selecting, double clicking, and dragging items. |
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_______ |
change the settings in the computer in the control panel such as date, time, font size, sound, monitor setting and other hardware settings. |
|
_______ |
open, close, resize and move windows. |
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_______ |
access network resources such as servers and printers. |
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_______ |
determine the size of a file or folder. |
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_______ |
save files to different storage devices (e.g., floppy, hard drive). |
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I know: |
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_______ |
basic computer terms such as: bit, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte, RAM, ROM and digital. |
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_______ |
how the computer works in the primary four functions of input (keyboard, mouse and a CD-ROM reader), processing (CPU), storage (Zip cartridge, floppy disk, hard drive, CD-ROM, etc.), and output (monitor, hard copy and soft copy). |
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Basic Software Skills and Knowledge
I can:
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_______ |
locate and launch desired application. |
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_______ |
search for and find a file using the computer's search function. |
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_______ |
name, save, and delete files. |
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_______ |
(PC users) manage basic Windows/desktop commands such as open MY COMPUTER, empty the RECYCLE BIN, locate and use the START button and use the TASK BAR. |
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_______ |
(Mac users) manage basic Mac OS commands such as open my hard drive, empty the TRASH, locate and use primary FINDER operations. |
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_______ |
open the control panel and change the display settings. |
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_______ |
launch several programs and use multiple windows. |
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_______ |
set-up a page (vertical and horizontal) |
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_______ |
create and manage files and file folders. I can move and rename those files and folders. |
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_______ |
launch an application, create a document, use the copy/paste and cut/paste commands, change fonts: type, size, color and style, add clip art to documents, use numbering, bullets, and color in documents and use the spell checker. |
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_______ |
save work in various ways on various storage devices. I understand file types (.doc, .dot, .txt, .rtf, .jpg, .gif, .ppt .xls). |
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I know: |
|
_______ |
that there are two basic types of software (operating system software and application software). |
|
_______ |
that there are three basic operation systems for desktop and portable computers (MAC OS, Linux and Windows). |
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Basic Telecommunication Skills and Knowledge
I can:
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| _______ |
access the Internet. |
| _______ |
describe basic features of the various telecommunication tools such as listserves, e-mail, newsgroups, chat, bulletin boards and the World Wide Web. |
| _______ |
access the Internet from home or work using common Internet Browser (e.g., Netscape, Internet Explorer). |
| _______ |
send, receive, forward, open and send attachments, and print e-mail messages. |
| _______ |
upload and download files from the Internet. |
| _______ |
use the basic features of Firefox or MS Internet Explorer |
| _______ |
use search engines on the Internet to find personal and professional Web site information. |
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