Basic Computer Applications Unit

This is a 4-5 week unit that takes students through seven application types. The goal is for students to be able to identify and differentiate between spreadsheets, databases, presentations, word processing, desktop publishing, video editing and photo editing software. The unit includes the following parts:

1. Teacher presents a short PowerPoint that talks about first system software vs. application software, and then each of the different types of application software.

2. Students take a 10-question quiz to ascertain their level of learning at this point.

3. Students do 1-3 assignments in each of the software types. Assignments are provided and have both written and video directions.

4. Students do an Escape Room Activity using Google Forms, where they perform different tasks in each application type to get the code for the Escape Room.

5. Students take a final exam to ascertain their learning after experiencing and using each of the programs.

This unit is not designed to go deep into any of these programs, but could be expanded by additional assignments if wanted. It goes much heavier on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The other programs are much quicker and simpler. As all assignments have step by step videos, it is possible to teach this unit by video only and let students go at their own pace. You could also teach them all live, or do a combination of both (that's what I do!)

This unit IS PROGRAM SPECIFIC. You MUST have access to Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop. If you do not want to include certain sections (like you don't need to cover Access and Publisher or you don't have Photoshop) they can easily be edited out of the unit. Google cannot be used as a replacement in this unit. For the video editing, I use a free program called Openshot, but the assignment could be done in any video editing program.

OVERVIEW OF ASSIGNMENTS:

The file includes a detailed page about each section and how to teach it. But here is a quick overview.

Photoshop (3 days) - Students do three assignments in Photoshop. The first teaches basic Photoshop features such as layers, layer properties, adding text, inserting images and shapes. In the second assignment, students create a quick logo, and in the third they create a bookmark.

Microsoft Word - (2 days) - Students do one assignment, a two page newsletter which includes features like tables, text boxes, inserting images, columns, bullets, Wordart, etc.

Microsoft Publisher (2 days) -Students do two assignments, one using a template and one starting from scratch. They create an advertisement (using the logo from their Photoshop assignment) and a business card.

Microsoft Excel (1-2 days) - Students look up statistics from their favorite NBA player and perform formatting and formulas to create a document. Insert pictures, autosum, averages, combination chart, alignment, etc.

Microsoft Access (1-2 days) - A very simple Access assignment where students learn to create tables, enter information into forms, run a query and modify it, and create a report that they print. Includes a video with a PowerPoint section on the vocabulary in databases and step by step.

Microsoft PowerPoint (5 days) - This is a more in-depth assignment as kids usually have prior knowledge, but even beginners can do it. They create a non-linear PowerPoint with the content of another class as their subject. Includes a step by step video where they learn some advanced features as well such as triggers. Very fun assignment which includes some inspiring actual student examples.

OpenShot Video Editing (3-4 days) - This one is SO. MUCH. FUN. Students create a music video using footage that you film together as a class. They are required to do certain features like cutting it, reversing movement, changing speed, adding music, fading, etc. I used Openshot and the video uses that program, but the basic assignment could be done in Premier or any other video editing program you use.

Computer Applications Escape Room (2 days) - The file includes a teacher instruction video that will take you through the entire escape room so you are certain to know how it works and how to help other students. No prep is required, and no lock boxes. It's a Google Form. Kids have to open a provided file in each program and perform tasks in order to find the clue and continue on in the Escape Room.

There are two exams included--one is a short 10-question pre-test and the second is a 20-question post test. Both are in Socrative but a PDF version is included.

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