Spanish-American Institute

945 Introduction to Microsoft Works 80 Classes

Prerequisite(s): None

Textbooks: Belis & Blanc, Learning Microsoft Works 4 for Windows 95, DDC Publishing, 1996 (or comparable text).

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

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

• to read about Works and understand what is being discussed or described;
• to read and follow directions when practicing textbook exercises;
• to read descriptions of situations and decide how to use Works applications to replicate, organize, or otherwise present information;
• to ask questions concerning concepts and implementation;
• to write simple explanations of procedures used or results obtained;
• to explain the content of spreadsheet or database documents;
• to understand the concept of universal features and its application to Works and other Microsoft programs;
• to understand how to navigate toolbars and use menus to customize Works; and
• to understand how to use other Works 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: 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:

Note: WP=word processing exercises, SS=spreadsheet exercises, DB=database exercises, INT= integration exercises

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. Language preparation: basic direction words Basics: computer system hardware and software Basics: universal features Word Processor: creating, saving, and printing documents Close reading: Exercise 6 source document; determining meaning of "gentle angels" from context.	Vocabulary log. Write at least five complete sentences beginning with direction words from the following list: TBA WP Lesson One reading WP exercises: 1-9.
2	Word Processing: editing documents. Proofreading and correcting personal work. Transition words in giving directions	Vocabulary log. WP exercises 10-14 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.
3	Word Processor: text alignments and enhancements; language tools; margins, indents, and spacing. Close reading: How To Study Effectively	Vocabulary log. WP exercises 15-30 Create and word process a one paragraph summary of How To Study Effectively
4	Word Processor: editing and formatting; creating multiple-page documents; file management; columns, tabs, and tables. Close reading: Immigration to the United States (exercise 37)	Vocabulary log. WP exercises 31-48 Explain the word "immigrant" and then explain why the US is sometimes called the "Nation of Immigrants." Use all of the word processing features you have learned so far to word process your work.
5	Word Processor: advanced text enhancements; draw, clipart. Ordinal transition and direction words. Close reading: Vacation Tips (exercise 53)	Vocabulary log. WP exercises 49-58. Turn any list of 5 or more sequential directions in the text into a paragraph, using the ordinals: first, second, third, etc.
6	Spreadsheet introduction: the spreadsheet concept Works spreadsheet use of Microsoft universal features. Creating, saving, and printing a spreadsheet; formulas; format spreadsheets.	Vocabulary log SP exercises 1-12. Word process a paragraph or more in which you give the dictionary definition of the word "universal" and explain what this means when referring to Microsoft's "universal features" with at least two examples.
7	Spreadsheet functions; formatting, editing, and enhancing spreadsheets. Oral practice: explaining information on specific spreadsheets in the text.	Vocabulary log. SS exercises 13-30. Write a paragraph or more explaining the information on any one spreadsheet in this week's exercises.
8	Spreadsheet charts: creating and enhancing charts. Oral practice: explaining information on specific charts in the text. Review for exam.	Vocabulary log. SS exercises 31-36. Word process a paragraph or more explaining the information on any one chart in this week's exercises Exam.
9	Database introduction: database concepts. Works database use of Microsoft universal features. Creating, saving, editing, and printing a database file. Oral practice: explaining the information in sample database files.	Vocabulary log. DB exercises 1-12. Word process a paragraph or more explaining the database categories used for the inventory records in exercise 12A
10	Database filters; formatting a database Oral practice: the information in sample database files in the context of a company's needs.	Vocabulary log. DB exercises 13-18. Word process a paragraph or more explaining why KAO Equipment Company needed to create a personnel database and describing the database categories in exercise 18.
11	Database reports. Oral practice: reading and summarizing reports.	Vocabulary log. DB exercises 19-26. Word process a paragraph or more explaining what KAO spends on salaries each year, including information about the lowest and highest salary categories.
12-13	Integrating Works applications: copying text from one document to another; embedding an existing or new spreadsheet or chart; linking documents; merging documents; creating and printing envelops and labels; etc.	Vocabulary log. INT exercises 1-14.
14	Taskwizards and Templates	Vocabulary log. Taskwizards and Templates exercises 1-5.
15-16	Communications: adjusting and saving settings; sending information, text, files, or faxes; answering a call, receiving and saving incoming text or files; information services/bulletin boards Review for test.	Vocabulary log. Communications exercises 1-5. Look up the ordinary meaning of "bulletin board," then word process a paragraph explaining what a computer bulletin board does and why "bulletin board" is a good name for its functions. Exam, week 16.

rev. 2/04