Prerequisite Computer Competencies
Students entering the IST program are expected to have basic computer competence on either Macintosh or DOS/Windows computer systems, in the following areas: operating systems, word processing, graphics, a general theoretical understanding of how computers work, electronic mail, file transfer, information retrieval, scanning and Web publishing (see the appendix). Distance education students must have consistent access to the minimum hardware and software outlined in the Required Technology Access for Distance Students document; and residental students are well-advised to have similar access in their homes.
Students who do not meet the competence requirements must arrange to study independently to make up their deficiencies before entering the program. These skills are necessary for successful participation in IST courses. More advanced knowledge and skills taught in IST courses assume these skills.
Students can access effective online learning materials through lynda.com to help learn basic knowledge and skills.
Since Indiana University has made an agreement with lynda.com, there is no charge to IU students, faculty and staff for use of these learning materials.
IT Training & Education also offers free workshops to IU students each fall, spring and summer. See STEPS classes and workshops.
Appendix: Prerequisite Computer Competencies
Note: Useful resources for learning are suggested under each heading. Choose only those which you need. You can also take STEPS classes, which are free to students.
Operating systems basics:
Launch or run an application, create a folder/directory, name a folder/directory/file, move a folder/directory/file from one location to another, rename a folder/directory/file, copy a folder/directory/file from one device to another, delete a folder/directory/file, initialize a disk, open a file, save a file, find a file, print a file. Examples of operating systems include OS X; Windows XP, Vista and 7; Unix/Linux.
Online learning materials through lynda.com (Click on the link at IT Training and Education to login to lynda.com--requires IU authentication. Then find a course listed below.)
- Computer Literacy for Windows
- Windows 7 Essential Training (see also Vista and XP)
- Computer Literacy for the Mac
- Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Essential Training (see also Jaguar, Panther and Tiger)
Unix tutorials
Word processing basics:
Create running header and footer with pagination, apply a font to text, change size of font, center text, make text bold, italicize text, underline text, indent paragraphs, change line spacing, doubly indent paragraphs, set right and left margins, set tab stops, force a page break, insert and position a graphic into the document as a figure and label it in other words make a document such as the one you are reading.
Online learning materials through lynda.com
- Word 2007 Essential Training (also 2010)
- WordPerfect Office X4 Essential Training
Graphics basics:
Create and position an unfilled rectangle with a black border; create and position a rounded box, filled with light shading; create lines of different thickness; create ovals and circles both filled and unfilled with black borders; create and position text of different fonts, sizes, boldness, transparency and italics; create polygons filled with shading such as solid arrowheads; be able to place graphics "objects" such that they are layered on top of each other to give the desired appearance; select an area, copy it, and move the copy to a new location; erase or otherwise modify a graphic object.
Online learning materials through lynda.com
- Word 2010 Essential Training: Illustrating a Document (also 2007)
- PaintShop Pro X Essential Training
- Photoshop CS5 Essential Training
- Illustrator CS5 Essential Training
Theoretical understanding:
Persons should understand how computers all work the same way. In other words, they have a theoretical understanding of computers at a level that helps them solve day-to-day problems. They should understand the basic classifications for functional components for computer systems: Peripherals: input devices for humans, output devices for humans, secondary storage, communications devices; Internal components: RAM, ROM, CPU; information flows between and among these components; know basic functions of the operating system; know how computers execute programs (compiled vs. interpreted); be able to solve many day-to-day problems when things don't work like they're supposed to; realize when a problem cannot be personally solved and an expert should be consulted.
Online learning materials through lynda.com
- Computer literacy for Windows
- Computer literacy for Mac
How Computers Work (Ron White)
E-Mail and Web Conferencing:
Use one of the standard electronic mail systems at IU with a client application such as Outlook, Thunderbird or a Web browser. Use a headset/mic and webcam to participate online in Skype or Adobe Connect.
Online learning materials through lynda.com
- Outlook 2010 Essential Training (also 2007)
- Entourage 2008 for Mac Essential Training
Gmail Help
Thunderbird Help
Skype Help
Adobe Connect Meeting Help
File Transfer:
Upload and download digital files from an external host computer over a computer network (e.g., Internet).
Information Retrieval:
Find information on various information resources, including: Web, IU Libraries (IUCAT, ERIC, Google, etc.)
Scanning:
Use a flatbed scanner to scan line art, grayscale and color graphics or pictures. Be able to resize such images, and do minor corrections to improve the appearance (e.g., brightness, contrast, blurriness, sharpness). Be able to convert such files to different color coding schemes (1-bit, 4-bit color, 8-bit grayscale, indexed 256 color (8-bit), etc.) to minimize file size while retaining picture quality. Be able to save the image in a format suitable for the application into which the image will be subsequently imported (e.g., for Photoshop, Word, Firefox, Dreamweaver).
Online learning materials through lynda.com
Web Development:
Create a set of Web pages, which include text, graphics and links to other documents in the World-Wide Web. The Web pages you create should also have links to each other, using a consistent navigation schema (e.g., navbar, tabs, sidebar).
Online learning materials through lynda.com
- Web Design Fundamentals
- Dreamweaver CS5 Essential Training
- Fireworks CS5 Essential Training
- Dreamweaver CS5 Managing CSS