945 Introduction to Microsoft Works 80 Classes

Prerequisite(s): None

Textbooks: Belis & Blanc, Learning Microsoft Works 4 for Windows 95, DDC Publishing, 1996 (or comparable text).

Course Description: While developing English language skills, this course introduces students to Microsoft Works concepts, features, functions, and applications.

Objectives: By the end of the course, students should be able:

• to read about Works and understand what is being discussed or described;
• to read and follow directions when practicing textbook exercises;
• to read descriptions of situations and decide how to use Works applications to replicate, organize, or otherwise present information;
• to ask questions concerning concepts and implementation;
• to write simple explanations of procedures used or results obtained;
• to explain the content of spreadsheet or database documents;
• to understand the concept of universal features and its application to Works and other Microsoft programs;
• to understand how to navigate toolbars and use menus to customize Works; and
• to understand how to use other Works features.

Instructional Methods: Classes include language development and critical thinking sessions followed by hands-on practice and drills. Students will complete periodic summary exercises that require application of all skills learned to date. Each student will create a portfolio of finished output.

Grading: The final grade is based on the following:

Class Participation	25%
Assignments	50%
Exams	25%
Total	100%

The grading scale is: A=90-100%, B+=85-89%, B=80-84%, C+=75-79%, C=70-74%, D=65-69%, F=60-64%

Course Outline:

Note: WP=word processing exercises, SS=spreadsheet exercises, DB=database exercises, INT= integration exercises

Week	Topics	Assignments and Tests
1	Mapping the text and course: introduction to the course and the book, including learning aids Language preparation: basic direction words Basics: computer system hardware and software Basics: universal features Word Processor: creating, saving, and printing documents Close reading: Exercise 6 source document; determining meaning of "gentle angels" from context.	Write at least five complete sentences beginning with direction words from the following list: TBA WP Lesson One reading WP exercises: 1-9.
2	Word Processing: editing documents. Proofreading and correcting personal work. Transition words in giving directions	WP exercises 10-14 Turn any list of 4 or more directions from the chapter into a paragraph, making use of some or all of the following transition words: first, next, then, after, last.
3	Word Processor: text alignments and enhancements; language tools; margins, indents, and spacing. Close reading: How To Study Effectively	WP exercises 15-30 Create and word process a one paragraph summary of How To Study Effectively
4	Word Processor: editing and formatting; creating multiple-page documents; file management; columns, tabs, and tables. Close reading: Immigration to the United States (exercise 37)	WP exercises 31-48 Explain the word "immigrant" and then explain why the US is sometimes called the "Nation of Immigrants." Use all of the word processing features you have learned so far.
5	Word Processor: advanced text enhancements; draw, clipart. Ordinal transition and direction words. Close reading: Vacation Tips (exercise 53)	WP exercises 49-58. Turn any list of 5 or more sequential directions in the text into a paragraph, using the ordinals: first, second, third, etc.
6	Spreadsheet introduction: the spreadsheet concept Works spreadsheet use of Microsoft universal features. Creating, saving, and printing a spreadsheet; formulas; format spreadsheets.	SP exercises 1-12. Word process a paragraph or more in which you give the dictionary definition of the word "universal" and explain what this means when referring to Microsoft's "universal features" with at least two examples.
7	Spreadsheet functions; formatting, editing, and enhancing spreadsheets. Oral practice: explaining information on specific spreadsheets in the text.	SS exercises 13-30. Write a paragraph or more explaining the information on any one spreadsheet in this week's exercises.
8	Spreadsheet charts: creating and enhancing charts. Oral practice: explaining information on specific charts in the text. Review for exam.	SS exercises 31-36. Word process a paragraph or more explaining the information on any one chart in this week's exercises Bi-monthly Exam.
9	Database introduction: database concepts. Works database use of Microsoft universal features. Creating, saving, editing, and printing a database file. Oral practice: explaining the information in sample database files.	DB exercises 1-12. Word process a paragraph or more explaining the database categories used for the inventory records in exercise 12A
10	Database filters; formatting a database Oral practice: the information in sample database files in the context of a company's needs.	DB exercises 13-18. Word process a paragraph or more explaining why KAO Equipment Company needed to create a personnel database and describing the database categories in exercise 18.
11	Database reports. Oral practice: reading and summarizing reports.	DB exercises 19-26. Word process a paragraph or more explaining what KAO spends on salaries each year, including information about the lowest and highest salary categories.
12-13	Integrating Works applications: copying text from one document to another; embedding an existing or new spreadsheet or chart; linking documents; merging documents; creating and printing envelops and labels; etc.	INT exercises 1-14.
14	Taskwizards and Templates	Taskwizards and Templates exercises 1-5.
15-16	Communications: adjusting and saving settings; sending information, text, files, or faxes; answering a call, receiving and saving incoming text or files; information services/bulletin boards Review for exam.	Communications exercises 1-5. board" is a good name for its functions. Exam, week 16.

rev. 2/04, 2/07