1.       Course Objectives

This course aims at equipping learners with knowledge and skills to:

1.       Develop digital literacy skills that will enable them to operate as distinguished professionals in an increasingly digital society

2.       Identify and use various computer tools and applications for improved day to day life activities

3.       Operate a variety of hardware independently and trouble shoot associated common problems

4.       Navigate and utilize NUeL for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and participating in class discussions.

2.       Overall Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should be able to: 

1.       explain basic concept of computing and different programmes in computing science;

2.       explain hardware and software, and the functional units of computer;

3.       describe information processing and its roles in society;

4.       illustrate how an operating system kernel supports the execution of programmes;

5.       write simple programme in a pure functional programming language and determine the correctness of simple programmes;

6.       Demonstrate competence in using NUeL to access and manage academic resources.

7.       Apply foundational computer science concepts to complete tasks in an online learning environment.

3.       Detailed Course Content

1.       Introduction to Computers and Digital Literacy

§  Historical prospective of computing

§  Overview of computers and operating systems

§  Introduction to digital tools and internet basics

2.       Essential Hardware and Software Tools

§  Hardware, software, and human ware.

§  Word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software

§  Managing and organizing digital files

§   Internet and online resources, browsers, and search engines

§   Application in business and other segments of society.

§   Information processing and its roles in society

3.       Laboratory assignment using PC’s operating system, and severally commonly used application software, such as word processors, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics and other applications. Illustration of input and output devices including printers, scanners, projectors and smartboards. Practical demonstration of the Internet and its various applications. Illustration of browsers and search engines. How to access online resources

4.       Introduction to NUeL

§   Accessing NUeL and setting up a profile

§   Overview of NUeL’s interface and key features

§   Using NUeL for Course Materials and Assignments

§   Submitting assignments and viewing grades

§   Practical Applications of NUeL in Academic Success

4.       Teaching/Learning Method.

  1. Traditional (face-to-face), Hybrid, and Online combined with hands-on computer lab sessions where students practice using NUeL and other digital tools.
  2. Group activities for exploring features of word processing, spreadsheet, presentations and NUeL collaboratively.

5.       Modes of Assessment

1.       Practical Exercises: Hands-on tasks where students submit assignments, download materials, and participate in forums on NUeL.

2.       Quizzes and Reflection Activities: Short quizzes and reflections on digital learning skills acquired.

6.       Reading List/References

Required Texts

1.       Goel, A., & Sharma, A. (2020). Computer Fundamentals. Pearson Education India.

2.       Morley, D., & Parker, C. S. (2019). Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow (16th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Additional Resources

1.       Shelly, G. B., & Vermaat, M. E. (2018). Discovering Computers: Digital Technology, Data, and Devices (17th ed.). Cengage Learning.

2.       McFedries, P. (2020). Microsoft Office 365 for Beginners 2020: The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams. Independently Published.

3.       NUeL Documentation and Tutorials (2024): Available on Newgate University's Learning Management System (NUeL) for guidance on accessing and navigating the platform.