Westminster Lab (Collaboration Essentials)

 Note: This Course Outline is being developed, and may be subject to change

General Information

Course Name

Westminster Computer Lab: Introduction and Basic Skills

Course Description

The old saying, "I'm not interested in the product, but the support behind the product" applies just as much (or more) today's world as it did in the past.

The success of the Westminster computer lab depends upon the continued and ongoing usage from its members as well at the community for which the church serves. In order to achieve this goal, the computer lab must have a strong and dependable support structure.

This initial course will train congregation members and volunteers on how to use the computer lab. Initial topics include how to power-on, power-off, operate and maintain the computer lab. Student will also learn about the basic Operating System, and basic software that is available in the computer lab. Through brain-storming sessions (via computer applications), and using online collaboration tools (WIKIs), students will learn how to work, plan, collaborate, coordinate and make presentations to demonstrate what they have learned from this course.

Course Duration

Six 2-hour sessions (one day a week - excluding holiday weekends). Additional term work can be performed by student on-line from their home computer.

Prerequisite(s)

None

Required Materials

None

Detailed Information

Course Delivery Style

12 hours of in-class instruction at the Westminster Computer Lab. Additional tasks and coordination will be performed online via a student's individual WIKI.
Students will join their WIKIs to form "Planets" to help foster collaboration and information sharing.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Describe the steps to correctly startup and shutdown the Westminster computer lab.
• List the main rules for lab usage.
• Explain the importance for maintaining / supporting the Westminster computer lab.
• Use a WIKI to write and store information, and allow collaboration and modification of information online.
• Use basic applications such as Open Office productivity suite to create reports and presentations (slide shows).
• Define the term "Open Source Software" and how it contrasts with Propitiatory software.
• List 5 different types of Open Source software that is available in the Westminster computer lab.
• Use computer applications that are contained in the Westminster computer lab in order to solve a computer-related task (both individually and in groups).
• Provide several online resources in order to get solutions or help with computer software that is available in the Westminster computer lab.

Learning Resources / Notes

[ Westminster-Intro-Basics WIKI ]

Mind Map of Topic Schedule (Refer to Learning Resources for Detail)