Computers and ECDL

Student Handbook

2011—2012

2

Table of Contents

Welcome Note Page 3 Course Curriculum Page 4 Module Summary Page 5 Assessment Dates Page 14 Role of the Class Teacher Page 15 College Calendar Page 15 Work Experience Page 16 Partnership in Learning Page 18 Computer Room Code of Conduct Page 20 Information Resource Centre Page 21 Study Support Service Page 22 Disabled Student Support Service Page 22 Guidance & Counselling Service Page 23

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Guidance & Counselling Service There are four counsellors in the college: Carmel Scanlon Room 307 Deirdre Dalton Room 308 They provide the career guidance and counselling service which is available to support you during your time in St. John’s. What the service offers:

Personal counselling

Relationships counselling

Support with issues relating to alcohol and drugs

Unplanned pregnancy

Study skills and exam techniques

There are regular bulletins on notice boards regarding open days at third level colleges, CAO information, job vacancies, etc. Personal development skills such as time management, stress management, assertiveness and communications skills development are also covered. Carmel Scanlon has also established Snow Patrol Seminars, which are run each Wednesday in room 204. These seminars are for all students and cover topics that have to do with feeling confident and secure, stress, loss, drugs, alcohol, etc. The service aims, not only to help the students to deal with immediate issues but also to develop skills that will enable one to cope more confidently with issues that will effect a person at various stages in their life. It offers both individual and / or group work and is confidential in nature. All are welcome to use it at any time.

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Study Support Service This service is provided to support students with their study needs. One may have problems with study, with organising course work, with researching assignments or with producing them. Use this service for all educational / study support needs. Eleanor Hession is the Study Support co-ordinator. If students are having difficulties of any kind with studies then the advice is the sooner, the better to start! If a student wishes to avail of this service talk to your subject or class teacher.

Disabled Student Support Service This service is provided to help students with disabilities to integrate more fully into college life. It is available to any student who needs special supports because of a disability. Gretta Looney is the Disabled Student Support Officer.

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Computers and ECDL

Welcome

This course is designed for adults with little or no experience of computers who want to use a computer competently. The course is structured around the European Computer Driving Licence, which is an internationally recognised qualification in computer literacy. The course also incorporates a FETAC certification - Business Studies, Level 5, BBSXX. Following the completion of this course the students will pos-sess a range of computer skills allowing them to avail of em-ployment opportunities in the business or industrial sectors. Progression

On successful completion of the course students may pro-gress to Computers & e-Business Level 6.

CIT

Students may progress into the first year of the Higher Certifi-cate in Office Information Systems.

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Course Curriculum

Course: Computers and ECDL Certification: ECDL Business Studies, BBSXX FETAC, Level 5

FETAC Modules Mandatory Modules

1. Communications G20001 Level 5 2. Work Experience W20008 Level 5 Elective Modules 3. Customer Service D20151 Level 5 4. Database Methods B20012 Level 5 5. Spreadsheet Methods B20028 Level 5 6. Internet C20168 Level 5 7. Presentation Methods L21866 Level 5 Students must achieve a pass grade or higher in all of the modules listed above to attain the Business Studies, FETAC, Level 5 certification.

ECDL Modules Module 1 Basic Concepts of Information Technology Module 2 Using a Computer and Managing Files Module 3 Word Processing Module 4 Spreadsheets Module 5 Databases Module 6 Presentation Module 7 Information and Communication Students must achieve a pass grade in all of the 7 ECDL modules listed above to attain the ECDL certificate.

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Information Resource Centre Introduction: The Information Resource Centre (IRC/Library) in St John’s Central College is intended to be the main source of information provision, both printed and electronic in the college. IRC members can access information in a peaceful environment where study & research is carried out in an atmosphere of mutual respect & co-operation. Students can access materials from shelves electronically using the OPAC system on computers in the IRC. Students can access lecturers notes on-line. Teachers will provide details. It also assists in the student's personal development with the promotion of leisure reading and the inclusion of materials outside the formal curriculum. These materials also reflect the growing multi-cultural nature of our student and staff body. Layout: The IRC is on two levels connected by a spiral staircase. Access is only through the 3rd floor, as the 4th floor door is for emergency use only. Silent study and leisure reading areas are all incorporated into the IRC. The Internet is accessible from all the computers in the IRC. Opening Hours: Currently the IRC is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm for research and study purposes Monday to Friday. The lending / borrowing service is open from 10.00 am to 1:30 pm Monday to Friday. It is supervised at all times by members of the College staff.

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Computer Room Code of Conduct Personal stereos must be switched off.

Mobile phones must be switched off. Outgoing calls from mobile phones may not be made within the computer room.

No food or drink is allowed in the computer room.

It is forbidden, by law, to smoke in the computer room.

Computers in St. John’s Central College are available for curriculum related learning and research. The College reserves the right to terminate or redirect Internet use in cases where it perceives that non-academic use is occurring.

Students may not send, receive or display texts or graphics, which could reasonably be construed as being obscene or offensive in nature.

Continued abuse of computing privileges will subject the user to disciplinary action.

Students are responsible for all use of their computer accounts. Individual password security is the responsibility of each user. Student accounts will be monitored if it is perceived that computer facilities are being used for non-academic purposes.

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FETAC Module Summary Subject teachers will provide students with more details regarding specific content of modules, assignments and assignment deadlines.

Communications G20001 Level 5 Module Title: Communications Level 5 Module Code: G20001 Teacher: Ruth Kelleher Class Contact: 2 hours per week Module Content: Unit 1 Listening and Speaking Unit 2 Reading and Writing Unit 3 Non-Verbal & Visual Communication Unit 4 Communications Technology COMMUNICATIONS DEADLINES 2011/2012 Assignment/Task Marks Deadline Term One Business Documentation 15% 14 October 2011 Interviews 10% * Message Taking/Giving 10% * Visual Communications 10% 5 December 2011 Structured Report 25% As per Derval’s deadline Term Two Communications Technology 10% 16 January 2012 Group/Interview Skills 10% * Oral Presentations 10% * The deadlines above indicate the week in which I wish to receive work. * These tasks will be on going as they are done on an individual basis. There are no set dead-lines but students should be aware that they need to attend all the time in order to be available to complete these tasks.

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Work Experience W20008 Level 5 Teacher: Vincent Sheridan Module Status: Mandatory Class Contact: 1 hour per week 2 weeks work Experience Module Description: This module requires all students to find a placement and complete their assigned work experience weeks. It involves students preparing and planning for work, working under direction in the I.T. sector and reviewing and evaluating that work. The experience of work enables learners to develop work skills, evaluate employment opportunities and cope with changing work environments. Module Content: Unit 1 Planning and Preparation. Unit 2 Experience. Unit 3 Review and Evaluation. Assessment: Learner Record 50% Skills Demonstration 30% Assignment 20% Students will be required to complete certain sections of the module during the course of the year. Evidence will be presented in hard copy (Print out). Deadline: 29

th March 2012

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Attendance & Punctuality Punctuality at all times.

Attendance at all of your timetabled classes and at Work Experience.

Handing up work / assignments / projects on time.

Co-operating fully with staff in the maintenance of accurate attendance records.

Poor Attendance / Punctuality may result in: Referral to the College Attendance Committee.

Termination of your Student Grant / VTOS Allowances.

Student Conduct: Notify the College immediately if I am absent from class for any

reason. Give a written note to the class teacher to obtain permission for

absences that I will be aware of in advance (e.g. dental and medical appointments, representing the college at sporting activities etc.). However, I accept that, where possible, I should make such appointments outside of college time.

Avoid participation in work or other activities which are not part of my course curriculum, during college hours.

Take responsibility for ensuring that I am marked in on the class register if I arrive after it has been marked.

Where a student is absent for more than seven days without permission or medical certification they will be written to by the Chairman of the Attendance Committee and invited to come before the Committee to offer an explanation within seven days. Since students who are absent for more than fifteen days, without permission or medical certification, are normally deemed to have left their course they will only be allowed back if they can provide the Committee with a satisfactory explanation and adequate guarantees as to their future good attendance. Where the Attendance Committee decides that a student should not be allowed back he/she would be informed of his/her right to appeal to the College Appeals Committee. The Chairman of the Attendance Committee will send a letter to this effect to the student on the day of the interview. The student will be allowed seven days to respond in writing.

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Partnership in Learning The College aims to encourage students to pursue their studies in an atmosphere that encourages partnership in learning. The focus within the college community is, therefore, on personal responsibility to each other. The College is dedicated to the promotion of equality of opportunity, to the avoidance of unfair practice and to respect for and courtesy towards each other regardless of race, religious beliefs, social class, gender or sexual orientation.

Code of Conduct:

Be proud of the good name of the college and do nothing to take form that good name.

Adopt a responsible attitude in helping to create a supportive community in which everybody can flourish.

Respect the rights of all others within the college community. Treat everybody with respect, regardless of differences in culture, ability, race, gender, age, sexual orientation or social class.

Take responsibility for your learning by attending regularly and punctually, working hard at your studies and completing all your assignments on time.

Attend all timetabled classes, unless in exceptional circumstances where an alternative arrangement has been negotiated with the College Authorities.

Provide an explanation to your Class Teacher in the case of an occasional absence, and a Medical Cert in the case of a longer absence through illness.

Co-operate with teachers and all other college staff.

Seek help if you need it and let us know quickly if you have any difficulties.

Help to make the college a safe place for all.

Take care of college buildings and furnishings, and respect the property of others

In line with current Health & Safety Legislation, there is NO SMOKING allowed within the college buildings. This includes the student canteen. Continuous / Serious breaches of College Regulations may result in referral to the College Attendance Committee, and noted accordingly on your personal file.

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Customer Service D20151 Level 5 Teacher: Derval Glavin

Module Title Customer Service

Module Level Level 5

Module Code D20151

Credit Value 1 credit

Purpose

To provide the learner with the skills required to deal with a clients needs and to be aware of the rights/regulations concerning the customer

Module Time Allocation 1.5 hours per week

Specific Learning Outcomes

Unit 1 Customer Focus

Unit 2 Customer Contact Skills

Unit 3 Quality Service, Policy and Practice

Unit 4 Dealing with Difference

Unit 5 Customer Legislation

Portfolio of Assessment 80%

Examination 20%

Deadlines Work collected at end of each term

Teacher Derval Galvin

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Database Methods B20012 Level 5 Teacher: Vincent Sheridan Module Status: Elective Class Contact: 2 hours per week Module Description: This module has been designed to provide practical experience in the use of database software in typical business and other activities. It provides an understanding of fundamental database concepts and practical experience in database design, implementation and organisation. It also introduces the learner to the use of additional database operations. Module Content: Unit 1 Basic Database Concepts Unit 2 Database Design, Implementation and Organisation Unit 3 Additional Database Operations Assessment: Examination (Practical) 50% Project 50% The examination will be based on a range of specific learning outcomes and will be 2 hours in duration. Evidence will be presented in hard copy (Print out). Deadline: Project April 2012 Examination May 2012

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Safety reasons. You must comply with this code. Instructions / Initiative: You are expected to follow all reasonable instructions issued by your employer and to show initiative in your work practice. Documentation: You are required to keep / collect all relevant work experience documentation as advised by your Class Teacher. If you have a genuine difficulty during your work experience, you should contact the College immediately. Under no circumstances should you leave or change your work experience without prior permission from the College. The College staff has worked long and hard over many years in establishing and maintaining the valuable network of employers. Any action by a student that might jeopardize this would be viewed as a serious breach of the College Code of Conduct and will result in the student being referred through the College Disciplinary structure.

Student Conduct:

Cooperate with the class teacher in securing a suitable work experience placement and inform the class teacher of suitable contact details.

Notify the college and the employer immediately if I am absent from work experience. I understand that such absence will only be tolerated in extreme circumstances.

Make no appointments, except in the most extreme circumstances, which would require me to be absent from work experience.

Avoid participating in any other work or activities that would require me to absent myself from work experience.

Follow the instructions given by my teachers and work supervisors relating to my work experience.

Act in a manner in the work situation, which does not endanger my own health and safety or the health and safety of others.

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Work Experience Work Experience is offered as an integral part of all courses in the College. The importance of Work Experience lies in the fact that:

It provides an opportunity to experience a real work environment.

It challenges students to experience working conditions and regulations in the real world.

It is mandatory module under FETAC regulations and must be completed successfully in order to obtain a FETAC award.

It provides a valuable link between the College and world of employment.

Many students are offered employment on foot of their diligent application to work experience.

When taking up work experience you are expected to represent the college to the best of your ability. A high standard is expected of each student. Students on work experience remain subject to the College Code of Conduct and in addition should comply with any guidelines laid down by the employer.

In particular your attention is drawn to the following: Learning: Work experience is part of the learning process on which you have embarked in St. John’s College. It is very important that you take responsibility for your own learning while on work experience, in order to gain the maximum benefit from the time you spend with your employer. Attendance: You are expected to be present and punctual at your designated work experience place during normal working hours. Absence: If you are unable to attend at your work experience, you must inform your employer and class teacher immediately. Absence from work experience is permissible only in very exceptional circumstances e.g. illness, and will require a full explanation, Medical Cert etc. Absence from Work Experience will automatically be referred to the Attendance Committee. Appropriate Dress / Hygiene: Many employers have a dress and / or hygiene code, whether due to the nature of their business or for Health &

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Spreadsheet Methods B20028 Level 5

Module Title

Spreadsheets Methods

Module code

B20028

Teacher’s Name

Bernadette Langford

Course Duration September 2011-May 2012

Summary of Module Contents

Learners who successfully complete this module will:

Understand spreadsheets and their range of application design spread-

sheets for a range of tasks

Create spreadsheets from design specification(s)

Utilise a wide range of functions, including macros and other

Create a spreadsheet, according to a given brief, under time constraints

Demonstrate personal initiative and resourcefulness in responding to

spreadsheet assignments

This module is examined by:

Examination (Practical) 50%

Project 50%

Project Deadline End of Apr 2012 50%

Practical Examination May 2012 50 %

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The Internet C20168 Level 5

Class Group Computers & ECDL

Name The Internet C20168

Teacher Catherine Cooney

Module Status Elective

Time 2 Hours per week

Assessment Deadlines

Students will complete a level 5 FETAC mod-ule in internet.

General Aims

Use email applications Browse web pages Create a simple web page

Units: Unit 1 History and Structure of the Internet

Unit 2 Internet Connection

Unit 3 World Wide Web and Search Engines

Unit 4 Security and Confidentiality

Unit 5 Electronic Mail

Unit 6 Introduction to Web Publishing

Assessment Method

Project 40% Nov 23rd

2011

Assignment 30% Jan 12

th 2012

Skills Demonstration 30%Feb 12

th 2012

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Role of the Class Teacher

Class Teacher: Vincent Sheridan Your class teacher is your first port of call for any questions / problems / concerns you may have within the college. They will be available within college hours to assist and support you. Class teachers are also responsible for liaising with work experience placements and will visit you at your work experience during the block week. Class and subject teachers can direct you to appropriate members of staff or external individuals that can give advice about personal or medical issues, your academic studies, study support, and social events.

College Calendar 2011 / 2012 Mid Term Break: Monday 31

st October – Friday 4

th November

Christmas: St. John's will close on Thursday 22

nd December

Re-open on Monday 9th

January 2012 Assessments: Monday 19

th / Tuesday 20

th December

Mid Term Break: Monday 13

th February – Friday 17

th February

Bank Holiday: Monday 19

th March

Easter Holidays: Monday 2

nd April—Friday 13

th April

Bank Holiday: Monday 7

th May

Work Experience Weeks Week 1: Monday 21

st November - Friday 25

th November

Week 2: Monday 20

th February - Friday 24

th February

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Assessment Dates Customer Service October 2011 Basic Concepts of Information Technology November 2011 Using a Computer and Managing Files November 2011 Word Processing November 2011 Basic Concepts of Information Technology - Repeat December 2011 Using a Computer and Managing Files - Repeat November 2011 Word Processing - Repeat November 2011 Customer Service December 2011 Customer Service February 2012 Presentation March 2012 Information and Communication March 2012 Presentation - Repeat March 2012 Information and Communication - Repeat March 2012 Spreadsheets April 2012 Databases April 2012 Spreadsheets - Repeat April 2012 Databases - Repeat April 2012 Customer Service April 2012 Work Experience 29

th March 2012

ECDL Modules - Repeat April 2012

These dates are subject to change.

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Presentation Methods L21866 Level 5

Teacher: Suzanne Hanley Credit Value: 1 credit Module Description This module has been designed to provide practical experience in the use of presentation software and learners who complete this module will be able to create and design multimedia presentations to support effective business and personal communication. Students will learn how to create, enter, edit and format slides. Students will learn how to apply colour schemes and background designs, import pictures, draw graphics, and add tables, charts and graphs. In addition, students learn skills to enhance the presentation with slide transitions, slide animation effects, sounds and videos. Module Content: Unit 1 Basic Presentation Concepts Unit 2 Presentation Designs, Implementation and Organisation Unit 3 Additional Presentation Operations

Assessment Method % of Total Marks Deadline

Project 40% 9

th March 2012

Skills Demonstration

10% 9

th March 2012

Examination (Practical)

50%

May 2012

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ECDL Module Summary Subject teachers will provide students with more details regarding specific content of modules.

Module 1 Concepts of Information Technology Teacher: Catherine Cooney

Class Group Computers & ECDL

Name Concepts of Information Technology

Module Status Mandatory

Time 2 hours per week

Assessment Deadlines

Students will be given a 45 minute multiple choice assessment at the end of the term to assess their learning. You will be given a chance to repeat the exam if need be.

General Aims Students will learn the main concepts of Information Technology. This is a theory based subject.

Units Introduction to computers

Input and output devices

PC Storage devices

Computer Software

Computers in daily life

Information networks LAN and WAN

IT and Society

Health, safety and the environment Security and copyright Exam overview and sample exams

Access to module content www.ecdl.com

What’s needed An A4 Pad and folder to store notes.

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Module 7 Information and Communication Teacher: Catherine Cooney Class Contact: 2 hours per week Module Description: The first section of the module, Information, requires the candidate to accomplish basic web search tasks using a web browser application and available search engine tools, to bookmark search results and to print web pages and search reports. The second section, Communication, requires the candidate to demonstrate the ability to use electronic mail software to send and receive messages, to attach documents or files to a message and to organise and manage message folders or directories within electronic mail software. Module Outline:

Introduction to Internet Concepts and Terms

Security Considerations of the Internet

First Steps with the Web Browser

Adjusting Settings when using the Internet

Web Navigation & Searching

Introduction to Electronic Mail

Security Consideration of E-mail

Adjusting Settings when using E-mail

Messaging

Mail Management

Exam overview and tips

Assessment Method: Students will be required to undertake a 45 minute online exam in class on a computer. If a student fails the test they may sit a repeat test.

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Module 6 Presentation Teacher: Suzanne Hanley

Class Group Computers & ECDL

Name PowerPoint Presentation

Module Status Mandatory

Time 2 hours per week

Assessment Deadlines Students will be given a 45 minute as-sessment at the end of the term to as-sess their learning. You will be given a chance to repeat the exam if need be.

General Aims Students will learn to create, enter, edit and format text in slides. You will also learn how to apply coloured and pat-terned backgrounds, import pictures and draw simple graphics.

Units

1. Introduction to PowerPoint

2. Working with slides

3. Laying out slides

4. slide design

5. Master slides

6. Creating graphics and text

7. Printing and publishing

8. Exam overview and sample exams

Access to module content www.ecdl.com

What’s needed Students will need a USB key or Memory Stick to store practice work.

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Module 2 Using a Computer & Managing Files Teacher: Vincent Sheridan Class Contact: 4 hours per week Module Description: This module requires the student to demonstrate knowledge and competence in using the common functions of a personal computer and it’s operating system. Module Outline:

The Computer Environment

The Desktop

Managing Files and Folders

Viruses

Disks

Installing / Uninstalling Software

Information and Settings

Print Management Assessment Method: Students will be required to undertake a 45 minute in class test on a computer. If a student fails a test they may sit a repeat test.

Module 3 Word Processing Teacher: Ber Langford Class Contact: 4 hours per week Module Description: This module requires the student to demonstrate the ability to use a word processing application on a personal computer. The student should be able to create, format and present a word processing document ready for distribution. The student should also be competent in creating tables, tabs, manipulating images within a document and using mail merge tools.

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Module Outline:

Using the Application

Data - Inserting, Editing, Copying and Moving

Formatting

Tables, Images and Pictures

Mail Merge

Proofreading and Printing Assessment Method: Students will be required to undertake a 45 minute in class test on a computer. If a student fails a test they may sit a repeat test .

Module 4 Spreadsheets Teacher: Ber Langford Class Contact: 4 hours per week Module Description: This module requires the student to demonstrate the ability to use a spreadsheet application on a personal computer. The student should be able to create, format and present a spreadsheet ready for distribution. The student should also be able to apply standard formulas and functions. The student should show competence in creating and formatting graphs and charts. Module Outline:

Using Excel

Data - Inserting, Selecting, Editing and Sorting

Formatting and Alignment

Formulas and Functions

Formatting Numbers

Multiple Spreadsheets and Worksheets

Charts and Graphs

Printing

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Assessment Method: Students will be required to undertake a 45 minute in class test on a computer. If a student fails a test they may sit a repeat test .

Module 5 Databases Teacher: Vincent Sheridan Class Contact: 4 hours per week Module Description: This module requires the student to understand the basic concepts of databases and demonstrate the ability to use a database on a personal computer. The student should be able to design, create and present a database ready for distribution. The student should also be able to retrieve information from a database by using the query, select and sort tools. The student should also be able to create and modify forms and reports. Module Outline:

Using the Application

Tables

Forms

Queries

Reports

Printing Assessment Method: Students will be required to undertake a 45 minute in class test on a computer. If a student fails the test they may sit a repeat test.