Microcomputer Applications

Program Overview

The Microcomputer Applications 1–5 courses were designed to introduce students to the Microsoft (MS) Office software suite. The MS Office Suite is a collection of applications produced by MS and bundled together to provide a common user interface throughout each application. Each software enables users to create, format, revise, collaborate, and share files quickly across multiple devices. The MS Office applications that are covered in the courses include Windows, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook. In addition, aside from learning the MS Office Suite, students will also obtain soft skills (i.e., customer service, résumé preparation, proper interviewing techniques), computer terminology, concepts & history throughout their training.

The competencies in all of the following courses are aligned with the California High School Academic Content Standards and the California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards.

Microcomputer Applications 1: Word Processing (90 Hours)

Brief Course Description: This competency-based course is the first in a sequence of five courses designed for computer operation. It provides students with technical instruction and practical experience in basic computer operation. It includes an introduction, safety and ergonomics, computer ethics and security, computer hardware and media storage, computer software, operating systems, and virus protection, word processing introduction, file management, the Internet, editing, formatting, graphics, borders, and shading, themes, styles, and templates, tables, citations and references, mail merge, employability skills, and résumé preparation.

Cost of Tuition: $0
Cost of Books, Supplies and/or Fees: Approximately $100 (books)
Financial Aid: May be available. (See Advisor)
Course Prerequisites: STEP Orientation. Completion of Typist: Keyboarding (71-50-88) and Computer Essentials (75-50-70) courses.
Reading Assessment Requirement: Yes | 228 or higher on CASAS GOALS reading assessment
Math Assessment Requirement: Yes
STEP Orientation: Yes

Microcomputer Applications 2: Spreadsheets (80 Hours)

Brief Course Description: This competency-based course is the second in a sequence of courses designed for computer operation. It provides students with technical instruction and practical experience in the applications of computer programs. It includes introduction, safety and ergonomics, spreadsheet introduction, printing, editing and formatting a worksheet, formulas, charts, and employability skills, and résumé preparation.

Cost of Tuition: $0
Cost of Books, Supplies and/or Fees: Approximately $100 (books)
Financial Aid: May be available. (See Advisor)
Course Prerequisites: Successful completion of Microcomputer Applications 1
Reading Assessment Requirement: Not applicable
Math Assessment Requirement: Not applicable
STEP Orientation: Not applicable

Microcomputer Applications 3: Presentations (80 Hours)

Brief Course Description: This competency-based course is the third in a sequence of five designed for computer operation. It provides students with technical instruction and practical experience in presentation programs. It includes an introduction, safety and ergonomics, presentation introduction, working with slides and templates formatting a presentation, pictures, objects, and illustrations, transitions, animations, and multimedia, presentation delivery, printing a presentation, and employability skills, and résumé preparation.

Cost of Tuition: $0
Cost of Books, Supplies and/or Fees: Approximately $160 (books)
Financial Aid: May be available. (See Advisor)
Course Prerequisites: Completion of Microcomputer Applications 2: Spreadsheets
Reading Assessment Requirement: Not applicable
Math Assessment Requirement: Not applicable
STEP Orientation: Not applicable

Microcomputer Applications 4: Database Management (80 Hours)

Brief Course Description: This competency-based course is the fourth in a sequence of courses designed for computer operation. It provides students with technical instruction and practical experience in database management. It includes an introduction, safety and ergonomics, database introduction, creating a database, tables, forms, queries, reports, printing a database, employability skills, and résumé preparation.

Cost of Tuition: $0
Cost of Books, Supplies and/or Fees: Approximately $100 (books)
Financial Aid: May be available. (See Advisor)
Course Prerequisites: Completion of Microcomputer Applications 3
Reading Assessment Requirement: Not applicable
Math Assessment Requirement: Not applicable
STEP Orientation: Not applicable

Microcomputer Applications 5: IC3 Certification (75 Hours)

Brief Course Description: This competency-based course is the last in a sequence of five designed for computer operation. It provides students with technical instruction and practical experience in fulfilling the requirements of the Internet and Computing Core Certificate (IC3) Program, a global training and certification program for students and employees who want to excel in a digital world. IC3 Certification consists of three core certification exams: Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications, and Living On-Line.

Cost of Tuition: $0
Cost of Books, Supplies and/or Fees: Approximately $150
Financial Aid: May be available. (See Advisor)
Course Prerequisites: Completion of Computer Operations 1–4
Reading Assessment Requirement: Not applicable
Math Assessment Requirement: Not applicable
STEP Orientation: Not applicable

Separate costs for books, exams, supplies, preparation, certifications and/or licenses provided by outside vendors may be incured.

Once a Certificate of Completion is earned in a course, that course cannot be repeated.