Using a project focus, students learn computer applications and skills to effectively solve problems in academics, work and personal situations. Instruction includes at least two topics: information technology, publishing/presentation, advanced spreadsheets, database management, networking, programming, graphics, online technologies, and web publishing.
Hours: 120 (Lecture Hours: 120)
Prerequisites:
“C” or higher in CPST 040 or higher or equivalent; or
”C” or higher in CPST 030 or equivalent and one of
- “C” or higher in ENGL 040 or higher
- “C” or higher in English 11 or higher or equivalent
- Provincial Level Placement on the CCP Assessment of English Skills
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-requisites:
None
Course Content:A computing studies course at the provincial level will consist of a minimum of two from the following categories:
1. Current Technologies
2. Publishing
3. Advanced Spreadsheets
4. Database Management
5. Networking
6. Programming
7. Graphics
8. Online Technologies
9. Web Publishing
10. Digital Art and Graphics
Learning Outcomes:
A computing studies course at the provincial level will consist of a minimum of two from the following categories:
1. Current Technologies
- search all facets of the web efficiently (text, images, videos) for material relevant to a specific inquiry
- analyze websites critically for value, accuracy, potential malware, and bias
- critically evaluate “crowd sourcing” sites as research tools, e.g. opinions on consumer products, travel, health issues, political issues
- identify privacy & security issues related to social networking and an online presence
- effectively communicate with email utilizing: address books, distribution lists, cc: and bcc: fields, attachments, effective subject lines, spam control
- identify email examples of phishing and other online fraudulent activity
- use folder (directory) management techniques for computer files, email, etc.
- compare and contrast a variety of techniques, hardware and software that can be used to back-up computer data
- describe the importance of operating system and driver patches, and the processes by which these patches are downloaded and installed
- describe anti-virus and anti-malware software, virus and malware risks, scheduled scans and automatic updates
2. Publishing
- organize and present a variety of text, graphic and other data following appropriate design and layout procedures
- use templates, “wizards” and/or other productivity tools
- merge documents and integrate tables, charts and graphics
- describe the various file formats used for text, graphics and publication files
- to change file formats where possible
- create, modify, and manipulate digital graphic images (e.g. scan, draw, paint)
- retrieve a graphic/animation/sound file
- apply correct typographic principles involving font selection, point size, justification, kerning, bullets, and headers/footers
- generate cross references, footnotes, indexes and tables of contents
3. Advanced Spreadsheets
- enter, format, and edit data
- use and write formulas
- create and modify charts
- create reports
- manage and analyze data
- create macros or use a programming language to customize a spreadsheet
- design a spreadsheet to analyze, interpret, and project outcomes in an applied situation
4. Database Management
- design and create flat file and relational databases
- maintain and modify the structure of existing databases
- correctly formulate queries
- create and edit forms
- create and edit reports
- explain various social and ethical issues involving databases
5. Networking
- state advantages and disadvantages of using networks
- describe different network configurations (LAN, WAN, etc.)
- describe and diagram different network topologies (point-to-point, star, bus, etc.)
- describe the advantages and disadvantages of different network data transmission media (twisted pair, coaxial cable, optical fiber, and wireless)
- list and describe common network operating systems and network protocols
- describe various server models, including file servers and client/server systems
- list Internet/intranet similarities and differences
- describe management issues, including traffic analysis and security
6. Programming*
The Programming option must not be considered as equivalent to or as
a replacement for the Computer Science course articulated at the provincial level.
- test, debug, and modify program code
- define data types and assign meaningful identifiers to constants and variables
- use input statements to access the keyboard and use output statements to display text and graphics
- use conditional expressions to alter program flow
- use iteration structures to create loops
- write simple procedures
- write programs to demonstrate mathematical processing and simple character and graphic manipulations
7. Graphics
- acquire images using a scanner
- operate a digital camera and/or camcorder
- describe important specifications of a digital camera, including megapixels, optical zoom and digital zoom
- transfer digital pictures to a computer
- change the resolution of a digital image
- change the aspect ratio of a digital image
- identify various graphic file formats and perform conversions from one type to another
- crop, resize, and rotate a digital image
- convert a colour image to a greyscale image
- adjust brightness and contrast of a digital photograph
- apply a variety of filter effects to a digital photograph
8. Online Technologies
- develop an online electronic portfolio which contains projects that demonstrate proficiency with computer software
- describe the concept of cloud computing, and utilize cloud-based applications such as: word processing, spreadsheets, online collaboration, photo-editing, online storage
- utilize electronic means for time and calendar management, task (to do) lists, user ID management, notes and bookmark (favourite) synchronization
- create and publish a blog entry, which includes text, pictures, and hyperlinks
- add and update an entry on a wiki
- create and publish an online video
- describe software that can be used to remotely access another computer
- describe the process for setting up a home wireless network, configuring encryption, and having computers connect to the network. Connect to wireless networks in other locations
- describe the benefits of Bluetooth technology, examples of Bluetooth devices, and Bluetooth setup procedures
- compare and contrast various mobile computing technologies
9. Web Publishing
- create web pages using both a WYSIWYG editor and an HTML editor to present text, graphics and other data using appropriate design and layout
- use fonts, font sizes, headings, justification and tables in a web page appropriately
- recognize the various file formats used for text, graphics, sound, and animation
- create, modify, and manipulate graphic images (e.g. resize, compress, crop, change format)
- locate and retrieve files (graphics, animations, sounds) from the Internet
- explain the implications of copyright copy-left (e.g. GNU GPL, Creative Commons, etc.)
- create hyperlinks on text and graphics
- create internal (relative) and external (absolute) hyperlinks in a web page
- create a navigation scheme to move between web pages on a web site
- use accessibility features (e.g. alt text)
- use meta tags (e.g. description, keywords, title)
Optional:
- use JavaScript in web pages
- use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
- use templates, wizards, and other productivity tools in the creation of web pages
- create an image map
10. Digital Art and Graphics
- create basic digital shapes
- describe the difference between bitmap and vector images
- select, move, and align objects
- transform objects, including rotation, scaling, and reflecting
- create and format graphic text
- position text on a path
- create colours and gradients
- apply colours and gradients to text and other digital objects
- draw straight and curved lines
- trace a scanned object or digital photograph
- create and manipulate layers
For a detailed learning outcomes: https://www.bctransferguide.ca/transfer-options/adult-basic-education/past-abe-guides/ (2022-2023)
Grading System: Letters
Passing Grade: D (50%)
Textbooks:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.