COMPUTER ESSENTIALS COURSE OUTLINE

Personal Computer Correspondence School

In as little as four months, or take longer if you wish, you can be ready to use a computer. U.S. Career Institute prepares you to do word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, multimedia and even Web pages.

You get everything you need to know in easy-to-understand lessons that take you step by step from the basics through advanced capabilities. This gives you a preview of what you will learn.

Here is a complete list of the Instruction Packages, lessons and supplements you will receive.

Click on the instruction links below for complete course content.

Instruction Pack 1
Instruction Pack 2
Instruction Pack 3
Instruction Pack 4
Instruction Pack 5

Computer Essentials Instruction Pack I  Back to Top

Welcome to the World of Computers
You’ll learn about the importance of computers in society and business today, the history of computers and about the many careers that are open to individuals with the right computer skills.

The Nuts and Bolts: Computer Hardware
You’ll learn the components of a computer system and how computers work. You’ll also learn about different types of computerized data, data storage, communication, input and output devices.

The Tools: Computer Software
You’ll explore software programs, operating systems, system tools and utilities and programming tools, generalized and custom software, networks and software development.

Microsoft® Operating System: Computer Connections
Your're introduced to Microsoft Windows® where you'll connecet your computer and explore the operating system. You’re also introduced to the Microsoft Office® programs used in the remainder of the course—Word®, Excel®, PowerPoint® and Outlook®.

Navigating in Microsoft® Windows: Basic Operations
You’ll continue to learn about Microsoft Windows® and its various programs.

Supplement: Ergonomics
This supplement gives you important information on how to create a healthy working environment.

Supplement: Computers: A Buyer’s and User’s Guide
How to evaluate your computer needs and where to buy a computer, from superstores to mail-order.

Also included in Pack I:
• Flash Pen


Computer Essentials Instruction Pack II  Back to Top

Create Documents in Microsoft® Word: Part I
You’ll learn about the basics of Microsoft® Office Word— the word-processing software application. You’ll create and edit professional-looking documents, explore the Help menu, keyboard keys and shortcuts.

Create Documents in Microsoft® Word: Part II
You’ll take your Word® foundation to the next level; you’ll create, edit, format and print professional-looking documents. You’ll discover the editing keys and strategies to format documents, and practice proofreading documents in order to present a professional document.

Desktop Publish in Microsoft® Word: Part I
You’ll study desktop publishing and discover basic desktop-publishing guidelines. You’ll also explore different types of desktop-publishing software and graphics, create styles and produce a table of contents.

Desktop Publish in Microsoft® Word: Part II
You’ll ramp up your skills with additional desktop-publishing tools. You’ll learn to line up graphic elements using grids, as well as create text boxes, fill them with text and images, move, cut, paste, delete and link them.

Microsoft® Excel Basics
You’ll learn the basics of Microsoft® Excel in this lesson. You’ll differentiate between a spreadsheet and a text-based, word-processing document and study ways in which workbooks and worksheets are organized. You’ll also discover ways worksheets are used in the business world.

Supplement: Professional Development, Part I
This helpful text covers professional image, making an impression, dressing for business and grooming. An invaluable information source if your goal is to get ahead in the workplace.

Also included in Pack II:
• USCI Post-itTM Notes

Computer Essentials Instruction Pack III  Back to Top

Work with Data in Excel®
You’re provided with plenty of hands-on practice with worksheets. You’ll generate Excel® reports and discover tools that are unique to Excel®. You’ll format data in cells and then format the page as a whole.

Microsoft® PowerPoint: The Anatomy of a Presentation
You’ll study the basic components of presentations, as well as the features of PowerPoint®. You’ll learn about the benefits of PowerPoint® and format slides to create a more effective presentation.

Put Microsoft® PowerPoint to Work
You’ll explore some of the more advanced functions. You’ll design presentations from templates and create them from scratch.

Supplement: Professional Development, Part II
More powerful information: stress management, time management and money management, with helpful tips given for each area.

Also included in Pack III:
• Gel Wrist Rest

Computer Essentials Instruction Pack IV  Back to Top

The Internet and the World Wide Web
This lesson covers the Internet in detail. You'll discover the intricacies of the Internet and the World Wide Web and the many ways to connect to the Internet. Finally, you'll explore different types of networks and the various Internet languages.

Research Using the Internet and the World Wide Web
You’ll learn to effectively research on the Internet and the World Wide Web. You’ll also learn ways to find relevant information and how to document information correctly.

Security in the Information Age
This lesson introduces you to the intricacies of e-mail. You’ll discover necessary precautions against computer hazards, like severe weather and natural disasters, as well as people and world events.

E-mail Etiquette
You’ll learn about e-mail etiquette, such as an ideal time frame for replies and reasons to avoid emoticons. You’ll also learn to check spelling and grammar in order to e-mail professionally.

Supplement: Professional Development, Part III
Invaluable text on career advancement, continuing education, goal-setting, leadership and business ethics.

Supplement: Database Management Basics
This helpful supplement introduces you to databases and how they get linked to a database management program. You will discover how this type of program sorts information for easy access to information.

Also included in Pack IV:
• USCI Mouse Pad
• Cd Case

Computer Essentials Instruction Pack V   Back to Top

Organize with Microsoft® Outlook
Outlook is a versatile tool that you can use to customize workflow, organize resources and stay on track. You’re introduced to the features and benefits in this lesson.

Put Outlook® to Work
You’ll learn more advanced Outlook® features in this lesson. You’ll learn to stay organized with appointment reminders, task lists, meeting requests and calendars.

Put It All Together
This practicum presents a real-world, workplace scenario that reinforces the importance of computer application skills. You’ll have the opportunity to apply the skills you learned in this course.

Also included in Pack V:
Professor Teaches Microsoft® Office Software
This software allows you to work through many tutorials for each Microsoft® Office software program.

Supplement: U.S. Career Institute Computer Essentials Jobs Finder
Find out how to start and run a home-based computer service business. Plus, how to find an office job that will use your computer skills, as well as how to advance in your current job.

SPECIAL BONUS: As a paid-in-full graduate, you’ll receive a valuable graduation gift...

• Graduation Gift: Resumé Maker™ Software Program

What better graduation gift than one of the absolute best resumé formatting, organizational and graphics packages available today? This software makes it easy to create a powerful resumé for yourself—one that really gets you noticed!

U.S. Career Institute DETC - U.S. Career Institute Better Business Bureau - U.S. Career Institute State of Colorado - U.S. Career Institute Member Colorado Private School Association Approved for Veterans Benefits

Your Future | Course Listings | Enroll Now | About USCI | Contact Us | News | Links | Privacy Policy | Sitemap  

2001 Lowe St • Fort Collins, CO • 80525 • 866.871.2136