1. Essential Computer Skills 1300 Dr. Pat Semmes Lyn Belisle Computer Science Department Trinity University

2. Introduction and History CSCI 1303 Essential Computer Skills in Education CSCI 1320 Principles of Algorithmic Design required for Computer Science Major CSCI 1304, Computers and Society - No credit after completion of CSCI 1300, 1303, 1302, 1320, or 1321. ENGR 1382. – Engineering Analysis and Design II required for Engineering Science Major Trinity has had a Computer Skills requirement for over 20 years. Administrators and students identified the seven skills areas. The requirement was reaffirmed when the Trinity curriculum was reviewed within the last five years. Opinions have differed about what was important for students to know, but the basic skill areas have served the test of time as technology has changed.

3. What are Essential Computer Skills? Prepare students to collect, organize, analyze and communicate information in an academic environment  Introduction to Computing (hardware, software, files, and formats).  Computers and Text (the uses of word processing software).  Computers and Numbers (quantitative analysis using spreadsheet software).  Computers and Information Retrieval (structuring and retrieving data using database software).  Computers and Graphics (visualizing and illustrating data using graphics software).  Computer Communications (using Local Area Networks, electronic mail, and the World Wide Web).  Computer Ethics (issues of privacy and the legal use of software and data).

4. Introduction to Computing (hardware, software, files, and formats) Operating Systems – XP for the Fall of 2007 in Trinity Labs Vista on many personal computers Microsoft Office 2007 – Ribbon, Contextual Tabs, Galleries, and Live Preview New File Extensions – example:.docx New Software – example: Expression Web 22% of New Students have Macs

5. Computers and Text (the uses of word processing software)  Tables  Citations  Styles  Drop Caps  AutoCorrect  Graphic Formats  Interactive Graphs  Cross-Application Features

6. Computers and Numbers (quantitative analysis using spreadsheet software) Spreadsheets in an academic environment Spreadsheets in a personal environment Spreadsheets in an occupational environment

7. Computers and Information Retrieval (structuring and retrieving data using database software)  Structure  Retrieve  Organize  Analyze  Conclude

8. Computers and Graphics (visualizing and illustrating data using graphics software) Digital Formats and File Sizes –GIF, JPEG Software –Photoshop Elements 5.0 –Open source, free, web-based Editing in Applications Such as: –Word –Excel –Power Point –Expression Web

9. Student Examples: Graphic Design

10. Student Examples: Presentations Japanese Woodblock Printing Opera Romeo and Juliet Tennyson Chateaux of the Loire

11. Computer Communications (using Local Area Networks, electronic mail, and the World Wide Web)

12. Student Examples: Websites Miriam Sitz Amy Braid Anita Igbokwe Aly Hazelwood Dave Mathisen Daniel Sanchez

13. Computer Ethics (issues of privacy and the legal use of software and data) Copyrighted??? Click here!

14. Technological Literacy “Computers are useless. They can only give you answers....Pablo Picasso

15. Visual Literacy The proper artistic response to digital technology is to embrace it as a new window on everything that's eternally human, and to use it with passion, wisdom, fearlessness and joy....Ralph Lombreglia

16. Cultural Literacy "There are no passengers on spaceship earth. We are all crew." –Marshall McLuhan

17. Friendly advice from previous semesters: Make sure you don't miss any classes at all and that you do every single assignment!!!! Once you get behind, it is impossible to catch up and believe me you don't want that to happen! – Sara Kagan The most important thing to remember for incoming students is to always do your homework. Those points add up quick. – Brett Shaw The biggest advice I have for you is probably something you've heard throughout your school career- don't be afraid to ask questions! It really does help when you're confused about something, and your professor and TA are more than willing to help you. – Sarah Lube For next year's students my advice would be to do your homework, and ask questions if you do not understand, even if you think your question is stupid. – Jonathon Lewis The class is only as hard as you make it, so show up and do your homework. – Michael Hertsenberg My one piece of advice I would give to anyone taking this class is: Stay up to date with the homework and be open to learning new things because it really can be interesting and helpful in the future. – Lisa Totino... And have fun! Essential Computer Skills 1300 Trinity University Fall 2007