1. Analyse and interpret numerical and visual data in tables and charts knowledge and understanding; learning; analysis; communication; application; reflection
2. Use general purpose office software to create digital documents enquiry; problem solving; communication; application;
3. Navigate internet resources to gather research enquiry; analysis; problem solving; application;
4. Utilise best practices in file management, including organisation and backing up of work knowledge and understanding; learning; application; reflection

A portfolio of tasks completed during the practical workshops. This will include creating documents using a set of guidelines provided by the module tutor.

100% Two in-class assessments per portfolio; each assessment lasts two hours.

There is a single element of assessment:
¿ A portfolio of tasks completed during the practical workshops. This will include creating documents using a set of guidelines provided by the module tutor. (100%)

The Staffordshire University Learning Outcomes are addressed in the following ways:

Knowledge and Understanding & Analysis:
This includes the development of academic knowledge and skills related to analysing and interpreting numerical data presented in tables, graphs and charts.

Enquiry:
The includes utilising the internet as a research tool, focusing on various techniques to refine research results (via search engines or e-libraries).

Problem Solving & Application:
This is developed via a portfolio of tasks completed in class. This includes formatting text, importing images, producing presentation slides and applying file management best practices.

Learning:
This includes the ability to organise oneself through effective file management and digital organisation skills.

Reflection & Communication:
Through the development of research skills, students will be able to collect specific details that presents points of view from various sources on a global scale, and therefore facilitate meaningful discussions. Furthermore, developing their use of various communication methods (such as e-mail) to communicate with professors, experts and acquaintances both locally and worldwide in cooperation and engagement of issues and knowledge.

Class topics – Delivered over 12 weeks

01. Introduction to the module
02. File management basics
03. Interpreting and describing data
04. Presentation software basics
05. Presentation software advanced skills
06. Advanced interpreting and describing data
07. Portfolio test (Presentation software)
08. Internet resources, search engines
09. Navigating the E-library
10. Word processing software basics
11. Word processing software advanced skills
12. Portfolio test (Word processing software)

During weekly IT workshops conducted in the PC-Lab and tutorial sessions, students are given the opportunity to work together with their peers, and receive additional guidance from the module tutor on an individual basis. The skills assessed in the summative assessments are demonstrated and practised in class, with feedback given by the module tutor throughout the workshops.

Furthermore, tutors will be available for tutorials on request throughout the semester.

There will be one two-hour practical workshop and a single one-hour tutorial delivered per week. The practical workshop will take place in a PC-Lab, which allows for the module tutor to present demonstrations, followed by the students replicating and/or building upon the material covered in class. Tasks will be completed individually or in pairs, with tutor support and guidance provided throughout the whole session. The single tutorial period will build upon material covered in the practical workshops and foster an interactive and group-based learning environment.

Lambert, J. and Frye, C. (2015) Microsoft Office 2016 Step by Step, Washington, US: Microsoft Press.

Bailey, S. (2018) Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students, 5th edn. New York, US: Routledge.

The LibreOffice Documentation Team (2014) Getting Started Guide The Document Foundation. Available online at: https://www.libreoffice.org/get-help/documentation/ (accessed 2016-02-29)

The LibreOffice Documentation Team (2014) Impress Guide: Working with Presentations The Document Foundation. Available online at: https://www.libreoffice.org/get-help/documentation/ (accessed 2016-02-29)

The LibreOffice Documentation Team (2014) Writer Guide: Word Processing with Style The Document Foundation. Available online at: https://www.libreoffice.org/get-help/documentation/ (accessed 2016-02-29)

PC-lab classrooms