TED 420:

COMPUTER LITERACY FOR TEACHERS

PREREQUISITE COURSE CHALLENGE EXAM

2007

Description

There are six parts to the TED 420 Challenge exam:

  1. Creating a word processing document using Microsoft Word;
  2. Creating a spreadsheet document using Microsoft Excel;
  3. Creating a database document using Microsoft Excel;
  4. Using the Web as a research tool and evaluating Websites;
  5. Communicating using e-mail; and
  6. Creating an instructional presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint

Since the course is taught in modules, students may test out of one or more of the modules by completing one or more of the assignments (detailed below) and submitting them as attachments in emails to the instructor by the end of the last class session. Students are encouraged to submit assignments prior to the beginning of the each class session so that the instructor will know which students to expect. Please submit all work electronically (as email attachments) to the instructor.

Expectations

Students should attend any modules for which they do not plan on submitting assignments. Grades in the course are "Credit/No Credit." Since this is a competency-based course, students will receive a "Credit" when all 6 assignments have been satisfactorily completed.

 

 

Assignments

  1. Using Microsoft Word: Write a one-page two-column newsletter home to parents of the students in your class, with a one column header (name of newsletter, e.g., "Mr. Newton's News," date of publication, school, etc.). Your document should include the following:
    1. A bulleted list;
    2. Using style for emphasis (e.g. boldface and/or italics);
    3. Place your name and the date in a "header;"
    4. At least one graphic; and
    5. Spell check your document.
  2. Using Microsoft Excel: Create a spreadsheet with the following information: 10 names of students with two sets of grades for each student. Please provide the following information:
    1. Labels for the columns;
    2. Averages (using average formula in "insert function") for the scores for each student and for each exam; and
    3. Two versions in the same workbook file - one sorted alphabetically, by last name, and the other sorted by one of the test scores, from high to low.
  3. Using Microsoft Excel:
    1. If you are a multiple subject credential candidate, create a database of 10 recommended children's books. Include fields for the following information:
      • Authors;
      • Titles; and
      • Grade levels (must be strictly numerical data).

      Create the following reports using your database:

      • An alphabetized list by author; and
      • A list of all of the books at a reading level of fourth grade or higher (requires that you use the "autofilter" function).
    2. If you are a single subject credential candidate, create a database of 10 important people in your subject area. Include fields for the following information:
      • Titles of biographies or articles
      • Authors
      • Length of book/article (include works both under and over 50 pages and only list numerical data).

      Create the following reports using your database

      • An alphabetized list by author; and
    3. A list of all works or 50 pages or more (requires use of the "autofilter" function).
  4. Using the Web to research an issue: Find 3 articles on a current controversial issue that impacts urban education. Annotate according to the APA Guide for citing electronic sources, list the Author, Title of each Article (should not be an editorial or abstract), and title of Website, as well as organization responsible for posting and date of posting (if available), in addition to the URL. Please see http://www.apastyle.org/elecsource.html for more information. Include a brief summary of the article, and then critique the articles for appropriateness and credibility. Suggested topics include:
    • Teacher accountability in public schools;
    • High stakes testing;
    • Sex-segregated classes, particularly for math and science;
    • School reform;
    • Social justice education;
    • School funding; and
    • School vouchers.
  5. Creating a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation: Create a short (4-6 slides) Microsoft PowerPoint presentation that introduces you to your students. This could be the beginning of portfolio, so make this model for your [prospective] students. Include a background and at at least one graphic.
  6. Using email (from your own account or from BlackBoard), send two messages to your instructor that includes your name and course section. Attach up to half your documents to it. Refer to the syllabus for the email address.

RECOMMENDED READINGS 

For those who wish to prepare ahead of time, below are some possible resources.
  • Alessi, S.M., & Trollip, S.R. (2001). Multimedia for learning, 3rd ed. Boston, Allyn & Bacon.
  • Bitter, G. G., & Pierson, M. E. (2005). Using technology in the classroom, 6th ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
  • Desberg, P. & Fisher, F. (1997). Teaching with technology, 2nd ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
  • Lever-Duffy, J., McDonald, J.B., Mizell, A.P. (2005). Teaching and learning with technology, 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.
  • Lockard, J. & Abrams, P.D. (2004). Computers for twenty-first century educators, 6th ed. New York: Addison Wesley, Longman.
  • Provenzo, Jr., E.F. (2002). The Internet and the World Wide Web for pre-service teachers, 3rd ed. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
  • Sharp, V. (2002). Computer education for teachers: Integrating technology into classroom teaching, 4th ed. Boston: McGraw-Hill.
  • Ulman, J.G. (2005). Making technology work for learners with special needs. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Nada Mach
COE 1459
310-243-3915
nmach@csudh.edu
 
 
Last updated, 12/19/06