COMPUTER APPLICATION PACKAGES

Proficiency Certificate Course in Basic Computer Packages for Beginners

Total Duration: 8-12 weeks (2-3 months)

Course Fee: 15,000 Kenya Shillings

Weekly commitment : 2 hours per day

Course Overview

This course is designed to introduce beginners to the fundamental concepts and skills needed to effectively use basic computer software packages. The course covers operating systems, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and basic internet usage. By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in these areas and be able to apply their knowledge to everyday tasks.

Course Duration and Cost

Total Duration: 12 weeks (3 months)
Weekly Commitment: 2 hours per day
Course Fee: 15,000 Kenya Shillings

Course Objectives

Understand the basic components of computer system and operating system functionalities.
Gain proficiency in using word processing software for document creation and editing.
Learn to use spreadsheet software for data organization, calculation, and analysis.
Develop skills in creating presentations using presentation software.
Acquire basic internet skills including browsing, email, and online safety.

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction to Computers and Operating Systems

Overview of computer hardware and software
Understanding operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Basic navigation and file management
Creating, renaming, moving, and deleting files and folders

Week 2: Operating Systems Continued

Advanced file management techniques
Customizing the desktop and settings
Installing and uninstalling software
Introduction to basic troubleshooting

Week 3: Introduction to Word Processing (Microsoft Word/Google Docs)

Interface and navigation
Creating and saving documents
Basic text formatting (font, size, style)
Paragraph formatting (alignment, line spacing)
Inserting and editing images, tables, and hyperlinks
Using templates and styles
Printing documents

Week 4: Advanced Word Processing

Headers, footers, and page numbers
Creating and formatting tables
Track changes and comments
Mail merge
Document review and collaboration

Week 5: Practical Applications of Word Processing

Creating professional documents (resumes, letters, reports)
Formatting long documents
Advanced editing and proofreading techniques
Integrating with other software (Excel, PowerPoint)

Week 6: Introduction to Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets)

Interface and navigation
Creating and saving spreadsheets
Basic data entry and formatting
Simple formulas and functions (SUM, AVERAGE)
Cell referencing and ranges
Sorting and filtering data

Week 7: Advanced Spreadsheets

Complex formulas and functions (IF, VLOOKUP, etc.)
Creating charts and graphs
Data validation
Pivot tables
Conditional formatting

Week 8: Practical Applications of Spreadsheets

Budgeting and financial planning
Data analysis and visualization
Project management and tracking
Using spreadsheets for decision making

Week 9: Introduction to Presentations (Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides)

Interface and navigation
Creating and saving presentations
Slide layout and design principles
Inserting and formatting text, images, and multimedia
Basic transitions and animations

Week 10: Advanced Presentations

Custom slide designs and templates
Advanced transitions and animations
Speaker notes and presentation tools
Collaborating on presentations
Best practices for effective presentations

Week 11: Basic Internet Skills

Introduction to web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
Effective web searching techniques
Using email (Gmail, Outlook)
Composing, sending, and organizing emails
Email attachments and security

Week 12: Online Safety and Final Project

Online safety and security
- Recognizing phishing and scams
- Safe browsing practices
Integrating learned skills into a final project
- Creating a comprehensive document
- Analyzing data in a spreadsheet
- Preparing and delivering a presentation

Assessment