46575 - Computer Skills (3 Credits)

Learning outcomes

Use of Microsoft Word (ver. 2003)

• using, defining and redefining styles;
• inserting objects (pictures, tables, etc.) into frames and adding captions;
• inserting field-objects (titles, captions, lists, etc.);
• creating internal cross-reference links (table of contents, cross-references, etc.);
• using MS Word with other applications (MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS Access, etc.) and inserting external files.

Use of Microsoft Excel (ver. 2003)

• setting up the worksheet;
• using formulas (simple and complex);
• using references to internal and external data, spreadsheets and worksheets;
• creating charts;
• sorting and filtering data.

Use of Microsoft Power Point (ver. 2003)

• creating presentation (setting up the work-space);
• adding animations and transitions;
• inserting external objects;
• creating organization charts;
• creating mathematical formulas.

Use of Microsoft Access (ver. 2003)

• overview on database usage;
• overview on MS Access objects;
• importing/exporting data;
• designing queries;
• sorting and filtering data;
• preparing data for retrieval from MS Word;
• using external and internal keys;
• mail merge from MS Word.

Course contents

Given the advanced nature of the course, the students willing to attend the classes are required to posses a sound knowledge in computer literacy basics in order to understand, employ and fully take advantage of the characteristics and functions covered in the course. Otherwise, students are strongly suggested to contact the teacher at their early convenience.

The course is divided into 4 seminars.

The first seminar (3-credit course and 4-credit course) aims at reviewing the use of MS Word and boosting its use employing complex command and objects required form complex editing. In particular the seminar will focus on:

• advanced format options;
• division into sections;
• document automation by using automated generation of table of contents and of graphic elements;
• creating parsing files for automated indices creation and updating.

Each class will focus on a specific topic. At the end of the seminar the students will be assigned a test on all the topics covered in class.

The second seminar (3-credit course and 4-credit course) will focus on the use of Microsoft Excel. By simulating the need to design charts for data analyses, the seminar will introduce the students to

• working with worksheets and spreadsheets;
• inserting and using functions;
• relative, absolute and mixed referencing of data;
• designing, creating and manipulating charts;
• sorting and filtering data.

Each class will focus on a specific topic. At the end of the seminar the students will be assigned a test on all the topics covered in class.

The third seminar (3-credit course and 4-credit course) will focus on the use of Microsoft Power Point. By simulating the need to create a presentation for a visual understanding of a marketing strategy, the seminar will introduce the students to:

• creating a presentation using the available templates;
• setting objects animation and slides transitions;
• inserting external objects;
• creating organization charts;
• writing formulas.

Each class will focus on a specific topic. At the end of the seminar the students will be assigned a test on all the topics covered in class.

The fourth seminar (4-credit course) will focus on the use of Microsoft Access and database use with MS Word mail merge. By simulating the need to send a bulletin to a number of recipients, the seminar will introduce the students to:

• importing/exporting data;
• designing queries;
• sorting and filtering data;
• preparing data for retrieval from MS Word;
• using external and internal keys;
• executing the mail merge from MS Word.

Each class will focus on a specific topic. At the end of the seminar the students will be assigned a test on all the topics covered in class.

Readings/Bibliography

• Igor Macori. (2003) Microsoft Word 2003. I Portatili. Milano: Mondatori informatica.
• Mary Millhollon, Katherine Murray. (2004) Usare Microsoft Office Word 2003 Oltre ogni limite. Milano: Mondatori informatica.
• Silvia Vaccaro (2003) Microsoft Excel 2003 I Portatili. Milano: Mondatori informatica.
• Craig Stinson, Mark Dodge. (2004) Usare Microsoft Office Excel 2003 Oltre ogni limite. Milano: Mondatori informatica.
• Online Training Solutions, Inc. (2004) Microsoft PowerPoint 2003. Corso Rapido. Milano: Mondatori informatica.
• Michael J. Young, Michael Halvorson. (2004) Usare Microsoft Office System 2003. Oltre ogni limite. Milano: Mondatori informatica.
• John L. Viescas. (2004) Usare Microsoft Office Access 2003. Oltre ogni limite. Milano: Mondatori informatica.

Teaching methods

Class will be held in a computer room either at the School for Interpreters and Translators in C.so della Repubblica or at the School of Political Science.

Each class will focus on a specific topic. At the end of the seminar the students will be assigned a test on all the topics covered in class.

Assessment methods

Given the advanced nature of the course, students are required to attend classes and – more important - to submit tests at the end of each seminar. There will not be a final, separate exam at the end of the course. Submission of and positive evaluation from all end-of-seminar tests will determine the final outcome.

Teaching tools

Registered students have access to

• step-by-step self-instruction clips,
• thematic on-line helps,
• source and result test files,
• all examination tests.

Links to further information

http://people.sslmit.unibo.it/~mdelgatto/

Office hours

See the website of Massimiliano Del Gatto