Computer II - (Grades 8 (mature)-12) Computer Science Credit

Teacher:  Mr. Bill Trinklein

Time:  Friday 10:00-10:55

Class & HSB Cost:  $245

Required Supplies: It is expected that each student have use of a computer at home with an operating system of Windows XP or higher; as well as Microsoft Office 2010. This software should be installed and ready to be used before class begins. You must also have the ability to print documents at home (color preferred, but not required).

Prerequisite: Students should have completed Computer I or already have mastered basic skills in Word and Excel.

This course will expand on what you have already learned about the most popular and practical business and personal use software applications available - Microsoft Word and Excel. This course also introduces you to Microsoft Access and teaches you not only how to work with databases, but how you can use them to your advantage in your home or business. Students and interns that become employees often become managers and professionals simply by knowing how to manipulate and present data. This is probably one of the most compelling reasons for taking this course. Students who are proficient with automated documents, well-articulated spreadsheets, and meaningful databases often rise to the top in their company and become controllers, senior managers, vice presidents, or presidents. Many of them do not even have an advanced college degree; they simply are able to match their technical skills with their people skills and bring valuable leadership to the organization.

In Word, you will explore some of the more advanced functionality. You will learn to make more professional looking documents by using Styles, Word Art, and some of the less obvious but powerful tools available in the application. You will also learn how to automate with macros, so that you can save time on repetitive tasks and be able to create user-interactive documents that not only look professional, but also make your templates easy to customize and a breeze for you and others to use after you have designed them.

In Excel, you will learn to create more sophisticated worksheets by using formulas, building macros, and creating user-interactive cells. You will begin to see more of the common threads between all of the Microsoft Office suite applications and you will have a broader perspective of what worksheets can be used for besides personal and education purposes, e.g., technical projects in manufacturing, engineering, medical, and science, or business operations in legal or professional services.

In Access, you will learn what a database is, what it is used for, and how to set one up. You will learn how databases can easily interact with spreadsheets to your advantage. You will learn how to create reports containing meaningful data. You will also learn some of the common methods used in all database applications to store and retrieve data. During this class, you will begin to see how important databases are in web design and you will have a more intuitive understanding of how online transactions are handled.

No textbooks to purchase. Students will be given exercises to do during class and weekly assignments will be given. Students should plan to spend a few hours each week at home to complete the assignments. Students will learn to use the powerful helps built into the applications, in lieu of hard copy references.

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