Computers
Students entering EDTEC 532 should possess general knowledge of computer operation. By the second week of class, you will be expected to understand and demonstrate basic operations to include the following, performed on our classroom computers: You will be tested on the following operations during week three of class:
- Properly starting and shutting down a computer
- Starting a program such as Microsoft Word
- Opening a file
- Saving a file to the computer's desktop
- Saving a file to a disk
- Copying a file from the desktop to a disk
- File management
Students who lack familiarity with computers should schedule practice time during the first week of class to become proficient. In addition, consider attending a SDSU workshop discussed during our first meeting.
The software used in this course are Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as Mozilla, and iMovie.
Instructional Media Lab
During our first class session, you will be introduced to the Instructional Media Lab (IML). The IML provides you with Macintosh and PC computers plus all the software used in this course. IML is available for your use Monday through Saturday. Therefore, it is not necessary to purchase the software if you plan to complete your assignments in the computer lab. It is necessary to spend at least 2 hours in the IML for each class session.
A Word of Advice: One habit that will make your experience in this course more comfortable and productive is to learn how to save your work properly. Backing up means making a copy on at least one separate storage medium. Back-up everything you do always and often on your Zip disk or USB mass storage device.
If you are uncertain about the numerous ways to save and copy files, make it your highest priority during the first week of class to become an expert. That means being able to save and copy files to specific folders and/or disks with confidence and knowing how to verify that files have been saved or copied.
It has been said that that there are two types of computer users: those who have lost their work and those who will. By constantly and conscientiously backing-up your work, you will avoid falling into either category. Make this one of your goals during our course and in all computer work you perform.