Foundation Course
Computer Based Learning (CBL-1)
Foundation programs are designed for those students who need skills at a bachelor degree level. The courses (or modules)in such programs are designed to meet students' practical communicative needs in an academic environment. One of the most needed courses is Computer Based Learning (CBL). In this course students learn how to use computer and the internet for academic purposes. The duration of the course is two semesters. Semester One course can be called F1-CBL1. Semester Two course can be called F2-CBL2.
FOUNDATION 1 (Semester 1)
Computer Based Learning 1
Module Code: F1-CBL1
Credit Points: 10
Prerequisites: High School Certificate and Placement Test 30 points or higher.
Aims
The module aims to enable students to
(1) understand basic computer hardware and software acronyms and terminology;
(2) acquire word processing skills;
(3) learn how to use various applications in MS Office;
(4) develop Internet research skills;
(4) learn English by using computer-assisted language learning methods.
Content
Unit 1. Microsoft Office 2007
Introduction to Microsoft Office Word 2007. Word processing: access and save files in various locations and formats, various page sizes and orientations; terms to describe text formats; acronyms and terminology in word processing; drop-down menus, mouse right-click menu and print options. Different text formats, “mail merge” concept and terms associated with a table. Using the menus to set up the page; formatting at the character, paragraph and document levels; designing and inserting endnotes, footnotes, citations, captions, tables, pictures, charts; numbering of pages; inserting an index into a document; add table of contents to the document. Following instructions to convert written text into a formatted document, designing tables, performing mail merge and selecting from print options.
Unit 2. PowerPoint Skills
Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007; create and edit presentations for slide shows, conduct meetings, design web pages and use PowerPoint effectively. Access and save slides in various locations and in various formats; design layouts and presentation modes. Use picture, image, and chart insertion. Apply automatic slide numbering and updated date into presentation, text aligning, header, and footer and background colours. Edit drawn objects; use output formats and spell-check. Hide/show slides and printing slides in various formats. Identify different presentation modes and design layouts. Use text aligning, insert and edit pictures in animation schemes and apply various effects. Use the menus to apply various options to create a good looking presentation. Change presentation modes and apply various design templates.
Unit 3. Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL)
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the student will be able to
(1) utilize the functions of Microsoft Office Word 2007 and Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007;
(2) use with confidence personal computer in terms of hardware and software, data storage and memory;
(3) use computer software applications in everyday life;
(4) carry out basic academic research by using the Internet
Assessment
The module is evaluated for a total of 100 marks of which 80 marks will be based on continuous assessment and 20 marks will be based on the final examination.
Teaching Tools and Learning Resources
Tense Buster – practical English grammar software; testing software selected by the tutor; Moodle; Hot Potatoes; websites, blogs and other online materials.
Regulations and Requirements of the Course
Each student must fulfill the following requirements of the Computer Based Learning course.
(1) Take part in computer based activities on various topics by responding to a variety of questions and report to his/her tutor. Class participation is assessed.
(2) Use the learning tools and the Internet materials which are recommended by your tutor.
(3) Self-study (approximately 4 hours per week) includes searching for information, selecting relevant information and preparing PowerPoint presentations. Self-study also includes completion of all assignments given by tutors.
(4) Attend all classes regularly. If a student misses more than two classes without a valid reason she/he will not be allowed to continue the course without a special permission from the tutor.
(5) Attend all examinations and/or tests. Cheating at examinations is not tolerated and students who are caught cheating will be automatically considered as having failed themselves.
(6) Students are not allowed to walk around or chat loudly with each other during a lesson without a teacher’s permission. If a student ignores the teacher’s remarks, uses offensive words or offensive body language, insults other students and the teacher, behaves in an arrogant manner or in any other inappropriate manner, is late for classes, leaves the classroom early without the teacher’s permission, the student will be sanctioned or disciplined in accordance with college regulations, including expulsion from the College. Expulsion implies that the student should not consider the College for further education.
(7) Students are expected to comply with the college-wide requirements for academic integrity. The College is committed to academic integrity—the honest, fair, and continuing pursuit of knowledge, free from fraud or deception. This implies that students are expected to be responsible for their own work. Presenting another individual’s work as one’s own and receiving excessive help from another individual will qualify as a violation of academic integrity. Plagiarism is cheating. In this course, using another person’s words or ideas as your own without giving credit, producing a memorized piece (either your own or someone else’s), or having someone do any portion of your work is cheating. You are expected to complete your own, original work by using your own words.
(8) The Course Outline is the main document of the course and the topics which are written in the Course Outline must be regularly studied in class and at home. The duty of each student is to conduct Internet research, study the handouts, complete and submit all assignments on time and prepare for examinations, quizzes and tests. The Course Outline is handed in to each student during the first week of the semester.
(9) Any additional questions or suggestions related to the above can be answered or discussed personally by your tutor either during office hours or by e-mail. Each student who approaches the tutor by e-mail must write his or her ID number, full name, the title of the module, and the code of the module. Anonymous e-mails will not be replied.
Computer Lab Regulations
Students must keep the computer lab clean at all times and be courteous to other lab users. Food, drinks, excessive noise and mobile phones in the computer lab are prohibited. In addition, students are not allowed to
(1) remove any equipment from the lab without a tutor’s permission;
(2) reconfigure the operating systems, network or cables;
(3) download files from an unknown source into lab computers;
(4) transmit unauthorized music or media files;
(5) save personal files or data into lab computers;
(6) browse any prohibited websites;
(7) check e-mail unless requested by the tutor.
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