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This course is for people who are new to computers and have little or no knowledge of the computer and its programs. You will gain an understanding of what a computer is and what you can do. Learn at an introductory level in a friendly supportive learning environment. Now including internet & Email.

Entry Requirements

No prior knowledge is required. This is a beginner’s course. You will however; need access to a computer between classes so you can practice, as this will ensure a better understanding at the conclusion of the course.

Student Instructions

Please bring:

• a pen/pencil
• a Memory stick/USB flash drive for saving your work and taking your files home. (This is optional but recommended and not required for the first lesson where USB’s will be discussed).

Topics

• Correct procedure for turning the computer on and off.
• Using the mouse, keyboard and your USB
• Introduction to Windows and windows applications and accessories
• Learn how to correctly Save and Print documents.

Career Prospects

Office work

Suggested learning pathways

Next level is Basic Computers – this is a standard requirement for going onto further study or starting basic computer-related employment.

Delivery Style

The course is presented in a friendly, easy going, interactive environment with the student completing exercises from the workbook supplied. Delivery is on a Gold Coast TAFE PC (Note: this is not an Apple MAC).
Please note: tutor may change due to unforseen circumstances.

Outcomes

Students will be able to confidently use the computer for basic requirements and move onto more advanced computer courses.

This course is for people who are new to computers and have little or no knowledge of the computer and its programs. You will gain an understanding of what a computer is and what you can do. Internet and email is now covered in this course. Learn at an introductory level in a friendly supportive learning environment.

Entry Requirements

No prior knowledge is required. This is a beginner’s course. You will however; need access to a computer between classes so you can practice as this will ensure a better understanding at the conclusion of the course.

Student Instructions

Please bring:

• a pen/pencil
• a Memory stick/USB flash drive for saving your work and taking your files home. (This is optional but recommended and not required for the first lesson where USB’s will be discussed).

Topics

• Correct procedure for turning the computer on and off.
• Using the mouse, keyboard and your USB.
• Introduction to Windows and windows applications and accessories.
• Learn how to correctly Save and Print documents.
• Plus short introductory exercises using Microsoft Word, Excel and File and Folder management.
• Access and use popular websites.
• Create and use free email.

Career Prospects

n/a

Delivery Style

The course is presented in a friendly, easy going, interactive environment with the student completing exercises from the workbook supplied. Delivery is on a Gold Coast TAFE PC (Note: this is not an Apple MAC).
Please note: tutor may change due to unforseen circumstances.

Outcomes

Students will be able to confidently use the computer for basic requirements and move onto more advanced computer courses.

A student quote . . . Our teacher had excellent subject knowledge and communication. Ray also gives a feeling of self-confidence to his pupils so they can explore on the computer which is good for the over 50's – G Murray

A student quote . . . I thought Ray was a very patient man and he made the class fun and so interesting. I am sorry the class has finished. I have learnt so much more than I thought I would – V Englers

This course will enable students to gain confidence in using computers for home projects, study or work while learning essential computer skills such as file management, preparing smart looking word processing documents, spreadsheets with calculations and formatting, as well as surfing the net and using email.

Entry Requirements

Some basic computer skills required. Completion of the Absolute beginner’s computers course or have equivalent knowledge. Keyboarding skills are beneficial but not essential.

Student Instructions

Please bring a pen and exercise book/paper for note taking. You will need a Memory stick/USB flash drive (512 Mb/1Gb is ideal) for saving your work and taking your files home to practice with.

Topics

The below lessons are structured around 3 hours sessions.
Lesson 1: Windows 7
Working with files and folders:

• Create, copy, move, delete folders/ Copy and move files between folders/ Compress and extract files/ Empty and restore the recycle bin
• Some features of Windows 7 – a quick look at where to find:
• Calculator/ Paint/Notepad/Snipping tool/Sticky notes

Lesson 2: Word 2010
Orientation to Microsoft Office 2010

• The ribbon/ Quick access toolbar and mini toolbar/ Zoom/ Compatibility checker/ Getting help/ Creating a new document/ Saving, closing and opening a document

• Writing text/ Select text, lines, sentences, paragraphs or the whole document/ Cut, copy and paste text/ Undo, redo
• Changing document views

• Font size, colour, type, bold, italics, underline

Lesson 3: Word 2010

• Drop caps/Finalising the document/ Spelling and grammar check/ Preview/ Print whole document/ Print current page or selected pages
• Images/ Insert a clip art/ Insert a picture

• Introduction to the excel screen/ Moving around the workbook/ Selecting a range of cells, rows, columns, worksheets/ Selecting non-adjacent areas/ Write text and numbers/ Undo, redo/ Replace, delete content of cells/Save, close and open a document/ Create a new document from a template

• Enter a basic formula/Autosum/ Relative and absolute reference/ AutoCalculate

• Opening Internet explorer/ Writing a website address/ Searching via google/ Searching via google images/ Selecting a search result/ Using the backward and forward buttons/ Using the stop and refresh buttons

• Creating a gmail address/ Create a new email/ Writing an email address/ Writing the email subject and message/ Sending/ Opening and reading email

Career Prospects

Working in an Office environment.

Delivery Style

Teacher instruction, complemented by independent student work using a work book supplied as part of the course. This course is information based and designed to cater to a wide range of learner needs. It is predominately self-paced with facilitator assistance. Delivery is on a Gold Coast TAFE PC (Note: this is not an Apple MAC).
Please note tutor may change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Outcomes

Students should gain basic knowledge and skills to operate a computer using Windows XP and basic knowledge of MS Office Programs: Word and Excel. They will also learn essential skills like file management and bringing images into documents. This course is often a prerequisite for other computer courses.

A student quote . . . I enjoyed learning the little things I needed to know to help me move forward. I was referred to things to help further my education with computers and to become good enough to come back to get qualifications for my personal learning. – Oliver D

A student quote . . . I am leaving this course with a sense of confidence to work with my computer. I feel I will improve at work with what I have learnt. I will most likely do another course – A Lavender

This course is for those needing to learn the basic skills in operating their Apple MAC computer. This course will give a sound understanding that will enable students to move on to further study if desired.

Entry Requirements

To have access to an Apple Mac computer outside of TAFE. Keyboarding skills are beneficial but not essential.

Student Instructions

Please bring a pen and exercise book/paper for note taking. You will need a Memory stick/USB flash drive (512 Mb/1Gb is ideal) for saving your work and taking your files home to practice with.

Topics

Section A: Desktop and Finder (Week 1)
Intro to the Desktop and Menu bar, Navigating the Finder, Finder Preferences, The Dock, View Options, The Home Folder, Using Stacks, Disc Burning, Spotlight Search and Dashboard

Section B: System Preferences (Week 2)
System Preferences Introduction, Appearance, Desktop & Screensaver, Dock Preferences, Expose & Spaces, Language & Text, Security, Spotlight, CDs & DVDs, Displays, Energy Saver, Keyboard & Mouse, Print & Fax, Sound, Mobile Me, Network, Bluetooth, Sharing, Accounts, Date & Time, Parental Controls, Software Update, Speech, Start-up Disk and Time Machine

Section C: Applications (Weeks 3, 4 & 5)

• Safari – Intro, Bookmarks, Tabbed Browsing, Saving Web Pages, Printing Web Pages, Viewing PDFs
• Mail – Account Setup, Read Mail, Compose Mail, Junk Mail, Mailboxes & Rules, Notes & ToDos
• Address Book – Creating & Editing Cards, Editing Fields & Photos, View Options, Groups, Search
• iCal – The iCal Interface, Creating Calendars & Events, ToDos & Notifications, Publish & Subscribe, Printing Calendars
• iTunes – iTunes Interface part 1 & 2, Import from a CD, Create Playlists & Burn CDs, Using the iTunes Store
• Preview – Opening & Editing Images, Opening and Editing PDFs, Annotate PDFs, Taking Screenshots & Printing
• Text Edit – Tabs & Indents, Text Styles, Lists & Tables, Saving & Printing,
• Time Machine – Recover Files, Put Back
• Dictionary – Using the OS X Dictionary, Spell Check
• Quicktime X – Play Videos, Trim & Share, Record your Display

Career Prospects

Working in an Office environment.

Delivery Style

Teacher instruction, complemented by independent student work using a work book supplied as part of the course. This course is information based and designed to cater to a wide range of learner needs. Delivery is on a Gold Coast TAFE Apple MAC computers.
Please note tutor may change due to unforseen circumstances.

Outcomes

Students should gain basic knowledge and skills to operate a Apple MAC computer.

With Skype and your internet connection and you can chat away with free Skype-to-Skype calls and on cheap local, national and international calls to phones and mobiles. Learn about equipment download the software and getting operational.

Entry Requirements

Basic Internet knowledge and computer skills

Student Instructions

Pen required for note taking.

Topics

Downloading and installing Skype for Windows, selecting and using a headset, creating your Skype name, editing your profile, adding contacts, making a Skype to Skype call, making calls to landlines, conference calls, chats, privacy, sending an SMS, etc.

Career Prospects

N/A.

Delivery Style

Classroom delivery with tutor’s computer linked to the Internet and displayed on an overhead projector. Complete notes supplied. Computers are not used by students in the classroom.

Outcomes

Save huge phone bills and increase your connectivity with relatives living interstate or overseas.

Learn how the Internet works, how to navigate around it and use some interesting features. Learn how easy it is to create and send E-mails and open your own free E-mail account.

Entry Requirements

Completion of “Computers for Absolute Beginners“ or Computers for Over 50s” or equivalent knowledge level.

Student Instructions

Bring a pen and paper.

Topics

If you want to take the mystery away from the Internet and E-mail, then this is the course for you! We will teach you how to Search for web pages you are interested in and how Print or Save them. Use a free E-mail program and learn how to create, send and read real e-mail messages in the classroom. Check if you have any Lost or Unclaimed Money or see a Street View of your home! E-mail family photos or your Resume as an attachment and much more…

Career Prospects

n/a

Delivery Style

This course is teacher lead and learning guide is provided with exercises to demonstrate new topics. An overhead projector is used to demonstrate.

Outcomes

Students are awarded a Certificate of Attendance, if applicable.

This typing course is ideal for students that want to learn how to Touch Type or to learn how to use a keyboard more confidently. Easy for absolute beginners as one of the first step to using a computer!

Entry Requirements

Access to Internet and computer outside of the TAFE classroom is essential to gain maximum results from this course.

Student Instructions

Bring a pen or pencil.

Topics

Ergonomics, Alphabetic and Numeric keyboard, Speed building and Accuracy improvement, Touch typing techniques

Lesson 1 & 2 – includes getting started, use of software and ergonomics
Lesson 3 – identifying and fixes and personal typing issues
Lesson 4 – speed and accuracy test for certified statement

NB: This course spans a 6 week period to allow maximum practice opportunities

Career Prospects

an advantage in any computer based position

Delivery Style

The course is self-paced with teacher guidance. Students work at their own pace through a user friendly nationally accredited computerised program. The program analyses your personal speeds and keyboarding errors as you go. Each student will be provided Internet access to the software program and practice and use at home is required. Classroom sessions will help identify and remedy any particular issues and will also cover ergonomics so that maximum benefits can be gained. The last class will include a speed and accuracy test where a certified certificate will be issued.

Outcomes

Students will have an understanding of good operating practice, have developed basic keyboarding or touch typing skills. Outcomes achieved from the course will be dependent upon the individual.

Learn the internal components of a PC, how to add memory or a video card, how to diagnose computer faults, solve software problems; maintain virus and spyware programs and updates. Internet Security, Antivirus, Broadband Connections and updating to later versions of Windows .

Entry Requirements

none

Student Instructions

Students are required to adhere to Tafe student rules in regards to the use of Tafe equipment and are to obey instructions by the teacher in regards to all Tafe equipment

Topics

Fix common problems, how to install software, understand diagnostic, virus and security software. General maintenance planning

Career Prospects

This is a basic PC course that will give the student a clearer understanding in the inner workings of a PC. This course is a great primer if a career is sought in the lucrative world of Information Technology

Delivery Style

This is both a hands on and theory based course delivered by a teacher with over 15 years experience in the IT industry. Ample time is given to students for learning the basics of a PC. Each student will receive hand outs for use at a later time.

Outcomes

• At the end of this course the student will have a clear understanding of the components of a PC.
• Students will have hands on experience in identifying and changing PC components.
• Students will learn a maintenance regime for their home or office PC’s