The goal of this class is to teach students the computer skills they will need to succeed both on the job and at college.  The Microsoft Office 2000 software package is used in this class.  The following topics are covered:

• Social and Ethical Issues Surrounding Computer Usage.  Students learn how computers affect their privacy, about copyright laws and viruses and virus protection software.

• Word Processing Software.  (Microsoft Word)  Students learn to set margins, work with fonts, format paragraphs and text, perform mail merges, create tables, and create desktop publishing documents.

• Spreadsheet Software.  (Microsoft Excel)  Students learn to design, create and save spreadsheets; format cells; enter formulas and functions; sort spreadsheet information; and create graphs.

• Database Software.  (Microsoft Access)  Students learn to design, create and save database tables; query, search and sort database tables; and create and print database reports.

• Presentation Software.  (Microsoft PowerPoint)  Students learn to design, create and save presentations; use animations and transitions; and set automatic timings for presentations.

• Integrated Software.  Students learn to combine features from the different applications software listed above to create integrated documents.

• Internet.  Students learn to use e-mail accounts, web browsers and search engines to locate information.

• Career Exploration.  Students learn about different careers in computer technology and research these careers to find the education, training and certification requirements for these careers.  If time permits, students will also search for colleges offering degrees in a specific career.