Spanish-American Institute

940 Introduction to Microsoft Windows 80 Classes

Prerequisite(s): None

Textbooks: Suzanne Weixel, Learning Microsoft Windows XP, DDC Publishing, 2002 (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 complete periodic summary exercises that require application of all skills learned to date. Each student creates a portfolio of finished output.

Grading: The final grade is based on the following:

Class Participation	25%
Assignments	50%
Exams	25%
Total	100%

The grading scale is: A=90-100%, B+=85-89%, B=80-84%, C+=75-79%, C=70-74%, D=65-69%, F=60-64%.

Course Outline:

Week	Topics	Assignments and Tests
1-2	Mapping the text and course: introduction to the course and the book, including learning aids Getting started with Windows XP; Taskbar, Start and Shortcut menus; Windows; dialog boxes, etc. On the Job chapter discussions.	Read pp. 2-36. Exercises 1-7. Write a paragraph or more explaining what you learned so for, in response to the Critical Thinking Exercise.
3-4	Windows Organization: storage devices, folders and files; Recycle Bin	Read pp. 37-74. Exercises 8-15. Write a paragraph or more explaining what you learned so for, in response to the Critical Thinking Exercise.
5-6	Using Windows Programs: starting , printing, and exiting programs folders, and files; Task Manager; Notepad; Calculator; Address Book	Read pp. 75-100. Exercises 16-21. Write a paragraph or more explaining what you learned so for, in response to the Critical Thinking Exercise.
7-8	More Windows Programs: Explorer, capturing graphics, Run, Search, Support Center, Help, Favorites etc. Review for exam.	Read pp. 102-147. Exercises 22-29. Write a paragraph or more explaining what you learned so for, in response to the Critical Thinking Exercise. Bi-monthly Exam, week 8.
9-10	Customizing Windows XP: Control Panel; Screen Saver; style options; display effects; customizing settings, menus, toolbars, etc.	Read pp. 148-191. Exercises 30-37. Write a paragraph or more explaining what you learned so for, in response to the Critical Thinking Exercise.
11-12	More Customization: folder options and toolbars; icons and shortcuts; desktop cleanup wizard; adding and removing programs, Window components; Hardware; Print Queue	Read pp. 192-232. Exercises 38-44. Write a paragraph or more explaining what you learned so for, in response to the Critical Thinking Exercise.
13-14	System Maintenance: formatting and copying disks; disk cleanup, defragmenting a disk drive, compressing folders, etc.; using Backup, Restore Wizard, System Restore, etc.; System Information, power options, and troubleshooters, etc.	Read pp. 233-266. Exercises 45-51. Write a paragraph or more explaining what you learned so for, in response to the Critical Thinking Exercise.
15-16	Digital Media and Workgroups: using Media Player; playing or streaming audio and video; copying music from a CD to hard drive; customizing sounds; creating and managing picture files; User Accounts, passwords, etc.; LANs and Internet connections; Remote Desktop, etc. Review for exam.	Read pp. 267-322. Exercises 52-60. Write a paragraph or more explaining what you learned so for, in response to the Critical Thinking Exercise. Bimonthly Exam, week 16.

rev. 2/04, 2/07