Project Tiltle: Basic Introduction to new Microsoft Office 2007 software.
Department: Community Learning Centre
Date: 18 June 2007
Project Leader: Jacquie Hayes
EDC Proect Manager: Leigh Blackall
Project Goals:
To introduce staff and students of Otago Polytechnic, new features of Microsoft Office 2007. This will be for both personal and in the workplace, also to update version software for unit standards. To develop online materials and resources in collaberation with colleagues in other departments at Otago Polytechnic and T.A.N.Z. (Teriary Accord of NZ) partners.
Background Project:
There is a need for this type of course as there are potential students coming into Community Learning Centre Venues, on a daily basis asking if there are courses on Microsoft Office 2007. These students are mostly not already enroled in existing courses or are people who have brought new computers and have office 2007 all ready installed. These students do not know how to navigate these new features. Also staff at Otago Polytechnic will be required to know these new features as well, when microsoft office 2007 is updated on their workstation computers, so being prepared and giving them the knowledge of these new features cuts down a lot of confussion when it is installed. Another reason is all resources will need to be re-written in the Business Administration computing unit standards so this will help all staff who are developing projects who use office 2007.
Project Scope:
Jacquie Hayes would be involved in setting up this course in collaboration with others e.g. David Bremer (ITE), Leigh Balckall adn Bronwyn Hegarty (EDC). TANZ colleagues will be approached as part of this project.
Outline of Course.
There is a variety of ways that this resourse could be developed. Here are a few examples:
A) By hand out with instructions.
B) Video and Audio instructions,
C) By CD or DVD
D) By Blackboard or Wiki resourses.
A laboratory/workshop method, which is hands on will be used so participants can learn and practice new skills on the computer. This utilises, visual and kinaesthetic styles of learning. The use of audio and also PDF files will be used for participants who do not like learning off a screen, because they have the choice of listening to instructions and printing them off, so they can read them. This learning method is suitable for reflective learners. This content will relate to the learning objectives of the course.
The content will be presented in small incremental steps, so it is logical to read. On the Audio, instructions will need to be clear and not spoken too fast and so they are understandable. Links to other websites will be provided i.e. Youtube or wiki resources and also maybe using powerpoint slides on slideshare, and they will need to be linked correctly, as this is fustrating to the learner if the link is non-operational, or does not take you to the correct web page.
Length of the programe.
This programe will be delivered on a part time basis with students electing to complete the requirements which would lead into the National Certificate in Level 2 computing. This is a self directed course.
Entry Criteria.
Mininum academic entry criteria would be:
Open to all students who have basic knowledge of computing. All student will be allocated space in this course as resourses are available, and enrol and book times which suits them and at the Community Learning Centre Venues, and will undertake the self -paced learning material provided, in the open hours of Otago Polytechnic.
Considerations for learners:
Learning Styles:
Part time Delivery at our learning centres, and as this is self paced. it will be step-by-step guides to learning, for each indivual student, and tuitorial staff will be available to assist on a one-on-one basis, and the amount of time wil vary according to skill level of the indivual student. Different elements would be shaped, i.e. Word, Excel, Access Microsoft 2007.
Distant Delivery could be made available to help with busy demands of people who have busy work shedules and not able to get into our centres to learn, or who wish to learn at their workstations, at their workplace. This could be accessed by Blackboard, Wekipedia, CD or DVD.
Learning outcomes
- To recognise a base core of computing skills required in any industry that requires such skills.
- To provide a first qualification in computing for learners studying any field or domain.
- recognise an entry level for further education in computing.
An introduction with each participant at the beginning of the course will be necessary to establish the baseline skill level. All students will need to complete a Performance Criteria before they are able to sit an assessment. To do this, we will need to sit with the student and go through the questions with them on the Performance Criteria so they know what is expected of them and that they understand the unit they are completing. They will then need to sign this, as proof that this their own work. Also additional excerise sheets with quizzes, question and answers should be given to them to work through as well, as they learn this new skill. Summative assessement activities will be used when it is considered that an student is ready to be assessed. Some assessments could be assessed on line, with the student identifying when they are ready to undertake their assessement.
Student Feedback.
Students can give us feed back by way of an evaluation form given to them after sitting their assessment, this would be sent to the Manager of Community Learning Centre. Students will get feed back on their assessment results within five working days of the date of assessment.
The number of re-sits would be three.
Students may wish to have their assessment in Te Reo Maori, this may be undertaken if enough time limit is allowed on a written request to Programe manager is made.
Assessments will be based on a range of strategies including:
- Observation of practical skills
- Practical assesment tasks
- Simulations
- On-line interactive assessments
- Oral Presentation
Resourses:
A tutor manual may need to be written, and made available so the tutor can help the student and prompt them in the right direction of the course. As there is not a lot of resourse as yet published on Microsoft office 2007, we will use Cheryl Price books when they come available.
Camstudio will be used for the video and audio and screen captures and the production of screen shots for handouts made by using screen hunter, also developing quizzes, questions and answers. I will also use web resources such as those on Wikipedia microsoft office 2007 to show examples as well. (This save the problem of copyright) The CLC computers would need to be upgraded to 1GB and virtual office 2007 installed. This is one way of getting around the problem with running other office versions i.e. 2002/2003 at the same time.
Considerations:
Students must have access to the course content and be able to have access to resources and equipment i.e. (broadband or dial-up), books and worksheets, CD player, DVD player.
Each student has a different learning style i.e. visual, active, reflective, so it is important to make available all resourse to accomodate this. It is important for the student to know exactly the units they are working towards, and the achievements they want from this course, and that it is at their skill level.
Reference to different styles can be accessed at this link
This will need to be a collaborative project as the Certificate in Business Administration has courses on Microsoft Word, and there will need to be discussions with Dave Bremer (ITE) and the Information System and Services (ISS) departments which provide software for the organisation and staff computing training.
Time / CostsThe time and cost of this project would have to be calculated at a later time if the project was accepted
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