Spanish-American Institute

940 Introduction to Microsoft Windows 80 Classes

Prerequisite(s): None

Textbooks: Margaret Brown, Learning Windows 2000, DDC Publishing, 2000 (or comparable text).

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

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

• to read about Windows and understand what is being discussed or described;
• to read and follow directions when practicing textbook exercises;
• to ask questions concerning concepts and implementation;
• to explain orally or in writing procedures used or results obtained;
• to understand the basics of the Windows operating system;
• to understand how to navigate toolbars and use menus to customize Windows; and
• to understand how to use Windows 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: Each student's final grade will be based on the average of grades for class participation, for assignments, and for examinations.

Course Outline:

Week	Topics	Assignments and Tests
1	Mapping the text and course: introduction to the course and the book, including learning aids Weekly vocabulary log guidelines: write two complete sentences for each word, one that describes its meaning and one that gives an example of its use. Understanding directions. Basics: computer system hardware and software Basics: what does Windows do? Basics: the desktop, Window elements, starting and controlling Windows, open and close menus, start a program, exit a program, maximize/minimize/restore a Window, scrolling, exiting. Direction words.	Vocabulary log. Lesson One reading: Topics 1-8. Lesson One exercises: 1-13. Lesson One worksheet. Write at least five complete sentences beginning with direction words Combine your worksheet answers with worksheet 1's incomplete sentences to create complete sentences.
2-3	Programs and dialog boxes: program file types, using dialog boxes, using a program, saving a document, starting/opening, saving/printing a document, page setup Using Wordpad. Forming questions. Using transition words in giving directions.	Vocabulary log. Lesson Two reading: Topics 9-10 Lesson Two exercises: 14-23 Lesson Two worksheets. Rewrite each incomplete sentence on Worksheet 2 as a question. 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. Turn any list of 5 or more directions in the text into a paragraph, using numerical transition words: first, second, third, etc.
4	The Taskbar: moving, hiding, sizing the taskbar; arranging Windows; accessing the desktop; controlling programs from the Taskbar; manipulating a Taskbar Toolbar; creating a floating Toolbar. Writing definitions.	Vocabulary log. Lesson Three reading: Topic 11 Lesson Three exercises: 24-33 Lesson Three worksheets. Using complete sentences, write a definition for each term at the top of the worksheet.
5	Folder Windows: folder windows, changing the folder style, selecting and opening objects in folders, looking at folder menus and shortcut menus, managing toolbars, using the address bar to find folders, changing a folder background, turning Web page view off and on, arranging icons, viewing Explorer bars.	Vocabulary log. Lesson Four reading: Topics 12-13 Lesson Four exercises: 43-47 Lesson Four worksheets. Using complete sentences, turn each statement in worksheet 5 into a question. (Try to use some variety in forming questions so that each one does not start with "what is.")
6	More Folder Windows: files and filenames, disk drives and folders, Windows 98 structure, My Computer Guided paragraph writing.	Vocabulary log. Lesson Five reading: Topics 14-17 Lesson Five exercises: 48-59 Lesson Five worksheets Write a brief paragraph using at least three of the definitions at the top of worksheet 5. Look up the word "wizard" in your dictionary. Then write a brief paragraph explaining what the Windows Wizard does and why "wizard" is a good word for what it does.
7	The Desktop: the heart of Windows, shortcuts, documents. Guided paragraph writing, with examples.	Vocabulary log. Lesson Six reading: Topics 18-20 Lesson Six exercises: 60-73 Lesson Six worksheets Look up the word "shortcut" in your dictionary. Then write a brief paragraph explaining what the Windows shortcuts do and why "shortcut" is a good word for what they do. (Include some examples of Windows shortcuts in your answer.)
8-9	More Desktop: active desktop, working offline, creating and adding a Web-Page object to the desktop; selecting an HTML desktop background; capturing a screen and window; undoing an action; using the recycle bin. Review for exam.	Vocabulary log. Lesson Seven reading: Topic 21 Lesson Seven exercises: 74-88 Lesson Seven worksheet Look up the words "recycle" and "bin" in your dictionary. Then write a brief paragraph explaining what the Windows Recycle Bin does and why "Recycle Bin" is a good word for what it does. (Include some examples in your answer.) Exam.
10	Windows Explorer: Explorer, Structure; selecting, moving, copying, and deleting objects	Vocabulary log. Lesson Eight reading: Topic 22-23 Lesson Eight exercises: 89-101 In your own words, explain how to transfer an object from one location to another.
11	More Windows Explorer: file options	Vocabulary log. Lesson Nine reading: Topic 24 Lesson Nine exercises: 102-108 Look up the word "explorer" in your dictionary. Then write a brief paragraph explaining what Explorer and why "Explorer" is a good word for what it does. (Include some examples in your answer.)
12	Finding files: file options; formatting a floppy disk.	Vocabulary log. Lesson Ten reading: Topic 25 Lesson Ten exercises: 109-118 Look up the word "extension" in your dictionary. Then write a brief paragraph explaining what a file extension is and why "extension" is a good word for what it does. (Include some examples in your answer
13	Other Features: using the MS-DOS prompt, the Run command, and Startup; using the Control Panel; changing screen colors, mouse settings, and fonts	Vocabulary log. Lesson Eleven exercises: 119-126 Lessons Eight to Eleven worksheet. In your own words, explain how to change screen colors.
14-15	Internet Explorer: the Internet, using hyperlinks, using Favorites with the Internet, saving/printing a Web page, etc.	Vocabulary log. Lesson Twelve reading: Topic 26 Lesson Twelve exercises: 127-139 Look up the word "web" in your dictionary. Then write a brief paragraph explaining why the term "web" is a good description for the largest part of the Internet. (Include some examples in your answer.)
16	More Internet Explorer: finding, copying, and pasting material in a web-page; using a web page for wallpaper; using AutoSearch, the Search Explorer, the Channels Explorer Bar, and the History Bar. Review for test.	Vocabulary log. Lesson Thirteen exercises: 140-151 Exam.

rev. 6/03