ASSEMBLIES OF GOD BIBLE COLLEGE DODOMA

CSC 1013 Introduction to Computers

Bob Braswell 2 nd Term 2006

COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In the context of Tanzania and East Africa, many Bible School students and graduates have
inexpensive access to microcomputers at a local Internet café, but few have a computer
system of their own. In addition, many leave Bible School without an adequate personal
library of Bible and Theology reference materials, but could have access to online and free-
on-CD materials if they knew how to find and use them. Because our students can benefit
greatly from training about basic microcomputer applications such as e-mail, internet
searches, word processing, and electronic Bible study materials, especially if it is presented
within the context of what can be done at an Internet café, this course is designed to help
prepare future pastors and church leaders in the East Africa context to benefit from the
computer-based tools which are immediately and realistically within their reach.

COURSE METHODOLOGY

The course is divided into modules labeled F for Foundational or O for Optional. Each
module requires the student to learn by hands-on interaction with the computer in order to
complete a small project. The modules are as listed below:

F1. Computer terminology and basics; finding the power button as well as the “Start
button”
F2. Basic keyboarding and mouse skills and what to look for on the screen
F3. Get an email address, send email, read email, print email, send an attachment,
open an attachment
F4. Saving things and finding them later.
F5. Internet cafés, USB drives, CDs, and portable software
F6. Word processing and formatting in Microsoft Word™
F7. How to Google™ yourself and do other Internet searches
F8. E-Sword™ and other Bible software online and free to download
F9. Internet resources for Preachers, Students, Swahili-speakers, and Tanzania
residents.
F10. Project paper: A formatted report in MS Word™ (Topic: Annotated listing of
electronic resources suitable for a newsletter article to fellow pastors)
O1. Church websites, blogs, and podcasts—putting up a page, adding pictures, etc.
O2. Free alternatives to popular commercial software
O3. Basic internet security issues and safe practices
O4. Printing to PDF files for portability
O5. Intro to spreadsheets and databases
O6. Intro to Microsoft’s Powerpoint (and free substitutes)
O7. Buying and using your first personal computer
O8. Electronic and Print Newsletters (with digital pictures)
Each module will be introduced and explained in class, with the requirements given in
writing (after the second week of class, most written materials will be sent by email to the
personal email address of the student). Each module will have a graded component worth 5
points. Students must complete all the Foundational modules and choose and complete four
of the Optional modules, for a total of 70 points possible (70% of the course grade).

Given the need for coaching for beginning computer users, it is expected that students will
have help in completing modules. However, projects to be turned in may not be simply
copied from others. The instructor will be able to detect if this takes place and will give zero
as the score for that module. The final exam, worth 30% of the course grade, will measure
whether each student can work independently by the end of the course.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, the student will have demonstrated through project
completion and individual examination:

1. A basic familiarity with the language and concepts associated with computers, including
basic hardware and ubiquitous software, as found in computer labs and internet cafés in
Tanzania;
2. An understanding of how computers and computer-based tools can be used to benefit the
individual user and those s/he serves;
3. An acceptable working knowledge of basic microcomputer operations in the foundational
areas of e-mail, word processing, and internet research;
4. A practical understanding of computer usage in various ministerial contexts, including
use of electronic materials to supplement the student’s personal library of Bible and
Theology resources; and
5. An understanding of how to increase computer competency levels on an individual basis.

COURSE OUTLINE

Week 1 F1, F2
Week 2 F3, F4
Week 3 F5
Week 4 F6
Week 5 F7, F8
Week 6 F9, F10
Week 7 Options
Week 8 Options
Week 9 Options
Week 10 Final Exam

GRADING PROCEDURE

Fourteen Modules 70%

Final Examination 30%

Grades are recorded and averaged on the basis of the following grade scale:
A = 90-100%; B = 80-89%; C = 70-79%; D = 60-69%; F = below 60%

All assigned work for the course must be submitted for the student to receive a passing grade
for the course. The grade of I (Incomplete) will be granted only for extenuating
circumstances upon the written request of the student. Except in the case of severe
extenuating circumstances, the course grade will be reduced by one letter grade.