Contents:

Becoming Efficient With Computers comprises five modules:

Module 1: The Keyboard

The theme of this module is learning how to keyboard efficiently and comfortably. The first unit explores the ergonomics of sitting at a desk keyboarding: how to avoid physical discomfort. This is followed by two units exploring the efficient use of a keyboard. The more efficient a student is at keyboarding the less time he/she will spend typing. Students are offered the opportunity to practice and test their keyboarding skills.

Unit One: Ergonomics

Unit Two: The Keyboard

Unit Three: Keyboarding Techniques

Module 2: Using Models and Simulations

The theme of this module is the effective and creative use of computer simulations and models and the relationship between computing, research and inventiveness. In this module students are introduced to the popular programming language Scratch.

Unit One: How Do We Identify a Challenge?

Unit Two: What Can We Learn from Communicating with a Computer?

Unit Three: Making Projects with Scratch

Unit Four: Let's Explore Simulations

Unit Five: Learning from Simulations

Module 3: The Mathematics of Computing

Computing and mathematics are interwoven. In some ways computing is a practical and creative application of mathematics. This module explores the relationship between mathematics and computing: the history, the theory and the logic. In this module students are introduced to the object-based programming language Alice.

Unit One: Computational Mathematics: Sorting, Classifying and Storing

Data

Unit Two: Learning to Program with Alice

Module 4: Working With The Internet

This module introduces students to the Internet: its history and its primary uses, including its technical nature and how to search efficiently. The components of email, chat systems and search engines are also explored. Students can also learn how to create web pages from templates.

Unit One: What Is The Internet?

Unit Two: Using The Internet

Unit Three: Making Web Pages from Templates

Unit Four: Email

Unit Five: The World Wide Web

Module 5: Photoshop

Photoshop is very popular image manipulation software. In this module the student can explore Photoshop: how to download it, how it works, and basic techniques for manipulating images and creating effects.

Unit One: Working With Photoshop

Unit Two: Adding Effects

The book is colorful, creative and contains many challenges and activities designed to help young students understand how digital technologies work and how they may efficiently use them to learn and communicate.

Most of the recommended software is Open Source.

The book also contains a cumulative Continuous Assessment process which may be of value in some educational environments.

At the end of each unit students may describe what they have learned and their parent or teacher may award points for each item covered.

There are no tests or examinations in this program.

What are the intended uses of this book?

1.This book is designed to support both teachers and students in existing ICT curricula and may be useful in areas such as Science, Language Arts, Mathematics and the Arts.

2.The book supports public and private education systems’ instruction and skills training programs to ensure that young people possess the knowledge and skills to function in a digital society, and ultimately to prepare them for entry into higher education and an increasingly digital and computer-based workforce.

3. Students and parents may use the book for home schooling use in support of study projects and personal skills development.