PROGRAMMES

1. International Computer  Driving Licence (IDCL)

AIM

The ICDL programme shall afford an internationally recognized qualification to students who pass all the programme courses. It will enable students to effectively utilize electronic business applications for official /corporate functions within the public and private sectors.

 OBJECTIVES

At the end of the programme, students will be able to :

• Use word processing application such as Microsoft Word

• Design spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel

• Create presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint

• Build databases using Microsoft Access

• Navigate internet through Microsoft Explorer

PROGRAMME CONTENT

• Basic concepts of information technology

The course will introduce students to basic physical make-up of a personal computer. They will understand some of the basic concepts of information technology such as data storage, memory and the context for computer-based software applications in society, and the uses of information networks within computing. The students shall also learn the security and legal issues associated with computers as well as how IT systems affect health and other social aspects.   

• Using computer and managing files

The course aims at demonstrating knowledge and competence in using basic functions of a personal computer and its operating system. Students shall be able to operate within the desktop environment, manage and organize files, folders/directories. The students shall expose ability to manipulate windows, desktop icons, search features, editing tools and print management facilities 

• Word processing

This course enables students to demonstrate the ability to use a word-processing application on a personal computer. They shall learn to basic operations in creating, formatting, and finalizing a word processing document. Students shall be exposed to advanced features associated with word processing application such as tables, pictures, importing objects and mail merging   

• Spreadsheets

Students shall undertake the basic concepts of spreadsheets and demonstrate the ability to use spreadsheet application on a personal computer. Students shall accomplish operation associated with developing, formatting and application of mathematical and logical operations using formulas and functions. The course shall also cover advanced features of spreadsheets. 

• Databases

This course introduces students to database concepts and their application using personal computers. The course tests students on the ability to design and plan a simple database. It further enable student to learn how retrieve information from existing database using tools such as a query, select or sort.  

• Presentation tools

Presentation skills are of high importance since they are used to convey information between two or parties. Students shall learn how to prepare various types of presentations for different audience using presentation tools such as graphics, animation, effects etc. 

• Information and Communication

Students shall learn on hoe to search for information on the World Wide Web using web index/ search engines. Furthermore, they shall demonstrate ability to use some of the web applications such as electronic mail software. 

Admission Requirements: Beginners in the use of personal computers from public and private organizations 

Methodology: Lectures, hands on PC practicals and exercises

Assessment:

·        (LIPAM)Written and practical tests

·        IDCL examinations. Pass mark for ICDL examination is 75% per course

Duration: 6 Weeks

References

1.      Cross Tina, Jones Collette, (2001), Information and Communication Technology with Programming, Pearson, England.

2.      Lay P.M.Q., Eccles M.G., Julyan F.W., G. Boot, (1993), The Principles of Business Computing, Juta Creda Press, Cape Town.

3.      Nelson Stephen L., (1999), Office 2000: The Complete Reference, McGraw Hill, U.S.A.

4.      Parker Charles S., Morley Deborah, (2003); Understanding Computers Today and Tomorrow, Thomson Learning, U.S.A.

5.      Timothy J O’Leary, Linda I. O’Leary, (2004), Computing Today, McGraw Hill, New York.

6.      The British Computer Society; A Glossary of Computing Terms; Longman. 

 2. Certificate in Information & Communication Technology

AIM

The programme is designed for people who use computers for daily business operations. It provides in-depth skills and knowledge in basic and customized applications used for service delivery. Students who pass the programme stand a chance to sit for the internationally recognized CompTIA A+ examinations.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the programme students will  be able to

• Assembly and dismantle a PC

• Install operating system

• Use Microsoft Applications

• Identify different types of networks and communication media

• Configure basic network connectivity technologies

PROGRAMME CONTENT

• Essential Mathematics (8 weeks)

The course shall equip students with basic numeracy, analytical and quantitative interpretation skills. This will cover basic algebra, mathematical functions and graphs. 

• Communication Skills (8 weeks)

The course shall improve student’s listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in English. It will further improve accuracy in the use of language, analysis of sentences, correct grammar, spelling and vocabulary.   

• Basic Computer Organization (4 Weeks)

The course includes PC Architecture, which deals with the physical structure of a personal computer. The Memory Architecture and Disk System Architecture touch upon the temporary and permanent storage of data/information within a PC  

• Introduction to Operating Systems (2 Weeks)

This course introduces students to various types of PC Operating Systems, their Graphic User Interface, Desktop Set-up that deals with the working environment, File Management which is responsible for proper storage of files and lastly the Control Panel which focuses on making changes to the default settings of a PC. 

• Basic Computer Applications (7 Weeks)

Students shall learn the four basic applications used for Word-processing, Spreadsheet, Databases and Presentation. These applications will expose students with business application skills needed for office use  

• Network Fundamentals (4 Weeks)

Network fundamentals provide a detailed content on Network topologies, various types of networks available in the market, Network communication and media as well as the Network connectivity technologies.  

• Corporate Information Systems (3 Weeks)

The course focuses on the use of Internet as an important source of information.  It also has an in-depth content on some of the most important Internet applications namely E-commerce and E-government.  

Admission Requirements: 

ü      A Cambridge Overseas School Certificate (COSC) with at least a third division with a pass in English; or

ü      GCE with at least 4 credits and any post COSC/GCE qualification from a recognized institution. 

Methodology: The programme will be conducted through lectures, hands-on   practicals, discussions and Case studies

Assessment: Students will be assessed through tests and a final examination at the end of the year. A Certificate of competence will be awarded to students who pass the programme.

Duration: The programme will run for one year on a part time basis. Classes will be in the evenings for 2 hours (5:30 p.m. to 7:30pm) Monday to Friday.

References

1.      Cross Tina, Jones Collette, (2001), Information and Communication Technology with Programming, Pearson, England.

2.      Everard Jerry, (2000), The Internet and Boundaries of the Nation State, Routlege, London.

3.      Fuller Floyd, (2000), Getting Started with Electronic Commerce, Drydon Press, USA.

4.      Groth David, Newland Dan, A+ Complete Study Guide, Sybex Alameda, U.S.A.

5.      Lawson Jenny, (2001), Information and Communication Technology, Dorset Press, Dorchester.

6.      Manning William, Fuller Floyd, (1999), Getting Started with the Internet, Harcourt Brace College Publishers, U.S.A.

7.      McKeown Patrick, (2003), Information Technology and the Networked Economy, Thomson, U.S.A

8.      Nelson Stephen L., (1999); Office 2000: The Complete Reference, McGraw Hill, U.S.A. 

9.      Parker Charles S., Morley Deborah, (2003); Understanding Computers Today and Tomorrow, Thomson Learning, U.S.A.

10. Sandler Corey, (1996), Fix your Own PC, MIS Press, USA.

11. Silberschatz Galvin, (1994), Operating Systems Concepts, Addison-Wesley, USA.

12. Timothy J O’Leary, Linda I. O’Leary, (2004), Computing Today, McGraw Hill, New York.

13. Woodhill Albert S., Tanenbaum Andrew S., (1997), Operating Systems Design and Implementation, Prentice Hall.