2006 Computer Course Syllabus

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD BIBLE COLLEGE DODOMA CSC 1013 Introduction to Computers 2 nd Term 2006

Bob Braswell COURSE SYLLABUS COURSE DESCRIPTION

In the context of Tanzania and East Africa, many Bible School students and graduates have inexpensive access to microcomputers at a local Internet café, but few have a computer system of their own. In addition, many leave Bible School without an adequate personal library of Bible and Theology reference materials, but could have access to online and freeon-CD materials if they knew how to find and use them. Because our students can benefit greatly from training about basic microcomputer applications such as e-mail, internet searches, word processing, and electronic Bible study materials, especially if it is presented within the context of what can be done at an Internet café, this course is designed to help prepare future pastors and church leaders in the East Africa context to benefit from the computer-based tools which are immediately and realistically within their reach. COURSE METHODOLOGY The course is divided into modules labeled F for Foundational or O for Optional. Each module requires the student to learn by hands-on interaction with the computer in order to complete a small project. The modules are as listed below: F1. F2. F3. F4. F5. F6. F7. F8. F9. F10. O1. O2. O3. O4. O5. O6. O7. O8.

Computer terminology and basics; finding the power button as well as the “Start button” Basic keyboarding and mouse skills and what to look for on the screen Get an email address, send email, read email, print email, send an attachment, open an attachment Saving things and finding them later. Internet cafés, USB drives, CDs, and portable software Word processing and formatting in Microsoft Word™ How to Google™ yourself and do other Internet searches E-Sword™ and other Bible software online and free to download Internet resources for Preachers, Students, Swahili-speakers, and Tanzania residents. Project paper: A formatted report in MS Word™ (Topic: Annotated listing of electronic resources suitable for a newsletter article to fellow pastors) Church websites, blogs, and podcasts—putting up a page, adding pictures, etc. Free alternatives to popular commercial software Basic internet security issues and safe practices Printing to PDF files for portability Intro to spreadsheets and databases Intro to Microsoft’s Powerpoint (and free substitutes) Buying and using your first personal computer Electronic and Print Newsletters (with digital pictures)

Each module will be introduced and explained in class, with the requirements given in writing (after the second week of class, most written materials will be sent by email to the personal email address of the student). Each module will have a graded component worth 5 points. Students must complete all the Foundational modules and choose and complete four of the Optional modules, for a total of 70 points possible (70% of the course grade). Given the need for coaching for beginning computer users, it is expected that students will have help in completing modules. However, projects to be turned in may not be simply copied from others. The instructor will be able to detect if this takes place and will give zero as the score for that module. The final exam, worth 30% of the course grade, will measure whether each student can work independently by the end of the course. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, the student will have demonstrated through project completion and individual examination: 1. A basic familiarity with the language and concepts associated with computers, including basic hardware and ubiquitous software, as found in computer labs and internet cafés in Tanzania; 2. An understanding of how computers and computer-based tools can be used to benefit the individual user and those s/he serves; 3. An acceptable working knowledge of basic microcomputer operations in the foundational areas of e-mail, word processing, and internet research; 4. A practical understanding of computer usage in various ministerial contexts, including use of electronic materials to supplement the student’s personal library of Bible and Theology resources; and 5. An understanding of how to increase computer competency levels on an individual basis. COURSE OUTLINE Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10

F1, F2 F3, F4 F5 F6 F7, F8 F9, F10 Options Options Options Final Exam

GRADING PROCEDURE Fourteen Modules Final Examination

70% 30%

Grades are recorded and averaged on the basis of the following grade scale:

A = 90-100%; B = 80-89%; C = 70-79%; D = 60-69%; F = below 60% All assigned work for the course must be submitted for the student to receive a passing grade for the course. The grade of I (Incomplete) will be granted only for extenuating circumstances upon the written request of the student. Except in the case of severe extenuating circumstances, the course grade will be reduced by one letter grade.