RS12410 - INFORMATION AND COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY FOR RURAL STUDIES

Module Identifier	RS12410
Module Title	INFORMATION AND COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY FOR RURAL STUDIES
Academic Year	2001/2002
Co-ordinator	Mr Simon Hulse
Semester	Semester 1
Other staff	Mr Penri James
Assessment	Continuous assessment	Database and word processing assignment	50%
	Exam	Practical examination : Spreadsheet and Data Presentation	50%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:

construct a range of document styles using word processing software;
create a multimedia presentation;
solve a variety of numerical problems using spreadsheet software;
present data in graphical formats;
manage data using database software

Aims of the module

Information management forms part of everyday life and is a tool for making descisions and presentations. This module aims to provide its participants with a basic competence to manage text, solve numerical problems and collect, present and analyse data using computer software and manual techniques. These skills are further developed and applied in other areas of the scheme.

Syllabus / Curriculum design

This 100% hands-on module provides its participants with general personal computer skills in the introductory part of the module, through sessions on e-mail, internet and file management software. A series of practical exercises follow to develop the level of competence with a range of up-to-date office software.

Reading Lists

Books
Spencer S. (1998) Word processing and document presentation.
Chapman M. (1986) Plain Figures.
Secrett M. (1993) Mastering Spreadsheet Budget and Forecasts - A Practical Guide.
Noble DH & Course C. (1993) Spreadsheets for Agriculture.
Thomas R & Thomas L. (1992) Step by Step Guides - Word for Windows.
Fowler J. (1990) Rural Statistics for Field Biology.
Grauer R. (1999) Brief Microsoft Office 2000 Professsional.
Marni, Ayers, Brady. (1999) Microsoft Office 2000.
Downing, D. (1998) Dictionary of computer and Internet.
Wang, W. (1999) Microsoft Office 2000 for Windows for dummies.
Jennings, R. (1999) Using Microsoft Access 2000.
Langer, M. (1999) Word 2000 for Windows.
Morris, S. (1999) Excel 97 for Windows made simple.
McBride, P K. (1999) Internet Explorer 5 made simple.
Neely, M. (1997) The complete beginner's guide to the Internet. 3rd.
Kent, P. (1998) The complete idiot's guide to the Internet: UK edition.

Statutes
Office of the Data Protection Registrar. (1996) Our answers: data protection and the EU directive 95/46, the view of the Data Protection Registrar.