Computers are important tools in nearly every profession, so almost everyone can benefit by knowing how they work and how to use them.  In this course, you will learn the basics of computer hardware, software, and networking.  You will also develop basic skills in using Windows and Microsoft Office, and for creating your own web pages.  Finally, you will learn how to use computers safely, and you will consider ethical issues related to computer usage.

Learning requires understanding and remembering new ideas and information, and the first assignment in each unit provides presentations and exercises to help you do this.  But meaningful learning also requires analyzing and comparing new ideas and information to what we and others know, applying new ideas to real life, and assessing the value of what we are learning.  Therefore, the course includes assignments that involve applying and discussing what you are studying.  This requires that everyone work through the course on the same weekly schedule, and, participate during the designated parts of the week for interactive assignments.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• Identify and discuss the four main functions of computer hardware: input, processing, output, and storage.
  
• Identify and describe major hardware components.
  
• Identify, describe and use communications and networking terminology and technology to include Internet operations and its uses.
  
• Describe the major operating system functions and demonstrate usage of operating system services to include: disk management, file management, and memory management.
  
• Identify career opportunities in the IT Field.
  
• Identify major milestones in the history of computers.
  
• Identify and discuss computer ethics and security issues.
  
• Identify, discuss and use important categories of application software: word processing, spreadsheet, database management, and presentation graphics.
  
• Identify and discuss software development processes and programming languages.
  
• Create a Web site with xhtml tags and post to a Web server.

The required textbook and software for this course are:

There are two textbooks required for this course as follows:

1. GO! Office 2007 (Introductory) by Gaskin, Ferrett, Vargas, and Marks; Prentice Hall, 2008
2. Technology in Action, 4th edition (Introductory), by Evans, Martin, and Poatsy; Prentice Hall, 2008
   

You will also need the following software to complete this course:

• Windows XP or Windows Vista
• Office 2007 Professional Edition. Make sure you get the professional version of Office 2007. The standard version does not include Access.  NVCC students can purchase Office 2007 Professional at a greatly reduced rate. Go to the Bookstore and click Student Offers at the top. Click "save big on Microsoft software" for pricing and ordering information.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/

Your course grade will be determined by the assignments and exams, according to the following points:

There are 4 exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

We are here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact us when they do:

You may also call us to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or at our campus offices. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.