Have you ever wondered, while using your computer, how computers actually work? Do you somewhat feel confused when you hear people talk about 'adding more memory' to a computer? Do you feel intimidated when you go into an electronic store and read all the terminology for technical capabilities and/or requirements of a computer system, hardware or software? If so, this is the course for you. This course will help to unveil the mystery of how computers work.
Course Cost: 6 Month Subscription
Basic Course (no certificate) = $50.00 Course with Online Certificate* = $75.00
The only requirement for 101 - Understanding Computers is a computer with Internet access. If you are reading this, you are all set and ready to go. Dr. Yaping Gao has more than ten-year's college teaching experience, and acquired a systematic body of knowledge on curriculum and instructional design, how to apply theory and research into teaching and learning, and how to integrate online and multimedia technologies into the classroom and online instruction in higher education.
* Document your course completion with an online certificate (additional shipping/handling charges apply for hard copy delivery). Instantly download, print, and share your certificate and CEUs once awarded. UniversalClass™ offers many wonderful learning tools to help you get the most out of your online course,
including an online portfolio service that manages all your course completions, and a Certificate Verification Service you can use so others may view and verify the authenticity of your awards.
Course Description
This course is a beginner's guide to the world of computers. This is an introductory course on using and understanding computers for people who use computers as everyday tools both at home and at workplace.
If you are considering a career as a computer professional in business, it will give you an introduction to the computer technology field and provide you with a foundation for future study. If not, it will give you the basic knowledge you need to use and understand computers in school, on the job, and in your personal life.
This course uses non-technical, straightforward terms to explain the importance of learning about computers, types of computers, components of a computer system, how the computer works, and how different parts of a computer system work together. It covers the fundamental computing concepts including data presentation, the binary system, the system unit, memory, storage systems, input devices, output devices, systems software and application software.
This course is designed in a logical sequence and format to demysterize for the average user how computers work. If you are more interested in general computing or Internet related concepts and terminology, you might want to take my "UnderstandingComputer & Internet Terminology" class. You might also be interested in my "Netiquette, Emoticons, and Abbreviations forOnline Communications" class, which introduces and explains the proper use of netiquette, emoticons, abbreviations, and concepts and terminology for online communications, such as email, discussion forums, chat, and instant messaging.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1: Introduction to Computers
This first lesson introduces students to the world of computers and the importance of understanding what a computer is, the basics of how the computer works, and some of the implications of living in a computer-oriented society.
Lesson 2: Data Representation
This lesson will introduce students to how data are represented to a computer so that it can understand and process the input data into meaningful output - information.
Lesson 3: The System Unit
This lesson explores one of the major hardware components of a computer system - the system unit - what it is, what it does, and how it works in relation to other components in a computer system.
Lesson 4: Memory
This lesson explains in detail various kinds of memory for the computer system, how they work, and how they differ from secondary storage devices.
Lesson 5: Storage Systems
This lesson will introduce students to the various storage systems a computer system has, including the role of ROM and secondary storage devices.
Lesson 6: Input Devices
This lesson will introduce another important part of computer hardware equipment - input devices, which are designed primarily for inputting data in a form the computer can process.
Lesson 7: Output Devices
This lesson will examine the various output devices current and future computer systems use.
Lesson 8: Systems Software
This lesson will introduce systems software which consists of programs that control the various parts of a computer system and coordinate them to make the parts work together and run efficiently.
Lesson 9: Application Software
This lesson will introduce major types of application software programs - those designed to carry out specific tasks such as Word processing or presentation.
Optional Certificates Awarded
Certificate of Attendance
Certificate of Class Participation
Certificate of Appreciation
Certificate of Outstanding Achievement
Certificate of Academic Excellence
In addition to the standard Certificate of Course Completion, Merit Awards may be issued by the instructor at his/her own discretion and are based on student achievement. Merit awards also incur an additional $30.00 processing fee that covers the customization, printing, and delivery of the award, as well as access to the UniversalClass™ Portfolio Service that documents your achievements online. Official Merit Awards have a serial number that verifies the authenticity of the award (great for employers to verify your achievement).
This is a non-credit course, and is provided for your personal enrichment.
This course is not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, or educational requirements.
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To use any of these methods you must press the "Join this Course" button on this screen and go through the online registration process in order to generate the correct order form and correctly process your enrollment.
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