What can I study?

There are many available options to suite both in-experienced and 'experienced' computer users. If you have a form of qualification in computer science already then this course still may be of some help if you avoid topics in fields you have already studied.

Course	Course Outline	Software Required for Exercises
Keyboarding Skills 1 (101) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standards 101. Develop keyboarding techniques to key-in alpha and numeric text, symbols, and special characters using a standard alphanumeric keyboard and identify and apply keyboarding techniques and ergonomic practices to avoid overuse injuries.	Microsoft Word
Keyboarding Skills 2 (102) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 102. Use keyboarding skills to produce text output and develop keyboarding skills to produce text with accuracy.	Microsoft Word
Produce a CV (504) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 504. Learn how to prepare and produce a CV.	Microsoft Word
Browsing the Web (18758) - Unit Std		The Internet
Operate a PC (2780) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 2780. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of operating a personal computer system. Learn about a personal computer system; the hardware, the operation of the system and application software; operating a printer, complete basic operation and maintenance procedures and ergonomic principles for safe operation.	None
Manage Computer Data (2781) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 2781. Manage and protect data in a personal computer system using Windows XP. Learn about file management, the importance of data protection and application of appropriate data protection techniques and the principles and practice of ethics in the storage and transfer of data.	Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
Word Processing (111) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 111. Operate a word processor using Word 2002. Learn and apply the basic principles and terminology of word processing and their associated techniques and functions to produce documents.	Microsoft Word
Computer Spreadsheets (2784) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 2784. Create and use a simple computer spreadsheet to solve a problem using Excel 2002. Learn how to plan a simple spreadsheet to provide a solution to a problem; produce a simple spreadsheet in accordance with the plan; use the spreadsheet to provide a solution; and evaluate the spreadsheet.	Microsoft Excel
Flat File Databases (2786) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 2786. Create and use a simple computer flat file database to solve a problem using Access 2002. Learn how to plan, produce, use, and evaluate a simple computer flat file database.	Microsoft Access
Email (5941) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 5941. Learn how to use e-mail; create, send, receive, organise, and save e-mail.	Microsoft Outlook Express
Integrating Data (2791) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 2791. Using Word, Excel and Access 2002, learn how to plan a word processed document that integrates spreadsheet and database data to provide a solution, to create a word processed document that integrates spreadsheet and database data, to use the document to provide a solution and to evaluate the integrated documents.	Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access
Introduction to Graphics (5939) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 5939. Learn how to use a computer graphics application to draw, paint, and print computer graphics using Word 2002 and Paint.	Microsoft Paint, Microsoft Word
Introduction to Web Design(15167) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 15167. Learn how to create a single web page, create text for a homepage and add links to create a web.	The Internet, Microsoft Notepad
Web Design (15168) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 15168. Enhance pages on a website using FrontPage 2002. Learn how to enhance the presentation of text on a web page, add colour to a web page, add images and add other elements to a web page.	Microsoft FrontPage
Produce a simple Design Illustration (5958) - Unit Std		Corel Paint Shop Pro
Text Processing (107) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 107. Learn about conventions used for displaying and designing text processed communications, and apply language and text processing skills to produce communications.	Microsoft Word
Desktop Publishing 1 (2788) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 2788. Produce a simple desktop published document to meet a set brief using Publisher 2002. Learn how to meet the requirements of a set brief by planning a simple desktop publication (DTP) document; producing, evaluating and printing the document.	Microsoft Publisher
Basic Accounting MYOB (331/332) - Unit Std	1.Basic Accounting 1 (331) - Learn about the features and limitations of computerised accounting systems, how to operate a computerised accounts receivable and accounts payable application and produce ledger reports and complete processing cycles. 2. Basic Accounting 2 (332) - Learn about the features and limitations of computerised general ledger accounting systems, and operate a computerised general ledger accounting system.	MYOB
On-Line Computer Services (5942) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 5942. Learn how to use of an online computer service; how to connect, exchange information and estimate online computer service session costs.	None
Computer peripherals (2790) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 2790. Learn how to operate and maintain personal computer peripherals.	Microsoft Word
Write Business Letters (3488) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 3488. Learn how to write a memorandum and/or fax, and write business letters in an identified workplace.	Microsoft Word
Desktop Presentations (5940) - Unit Std	NZQA Unit Standard 5940. Produce a presentation using a desktop presentation computer application using PowerPoint 2002. Learn how to use of a personal computer application to design, create, and deliver a desktop presentation using a personal computer application.	Microsoft PowerPoint
Desktop Publishing 2 (2789) - Unit Std	Learn how to plan desktop publication (DTP) documents for organisation use, to produce the documents in accordance with the brief's specification, to evaluate the documents against the brief and print edited product.	Microsoft Publisher
Managing Projects (5953) - Unit Std	Learn how to plan and manage a small, simple project using a computer application.	Microsoft Project

ICDL Back to top

Course	Course Outline	Software Required for Exercises
Basic Concepts of IT - ICDL	Learn about the physical make-up of a personal computer and concepts such as data storage, memory and viruses. ICDL Module 1.	None
Using the Computer - ICDL	Learn about the fundamental functions of a personal computer and its operating system. ICDL Module 2.	None
Word Processing (Word) - ICDL	Learn how to create, format and finish a word-processing document and use more advanced word-processing features. ICDL Module 3.	Microsoft Word
Spreadsheets (Excel) - ICDL	Learn how to develop, format and use a spreadsheet using basic formulas and functions to perform standard mathematical and logical functions. ICDL Module 4.	Microsoft Excel
Databases (Access) - ICDL	Learn how to design and plan a simple database using a standard database package; retrieving information from an existing database. ICDL Module 5.	Microsoft Access
Presentations (PowerPoint) - ICDL	Learn how to create, format and prepare presentations, using graphics and charts and various slide show effects. ICDL Module 6.	Microsoft PowerPoint
Information and Communication - ICDL	Learn how to use a Web browser application and available search engine tools to accomplish Web search tasks and use E-mail software to send, receive and organise messages. ICDL Module 7.	The Internet, Microsoft Outlook Express

IC3 Back to top

Course	Course Outline	Software Required for Exercises
Computer Hardware - IC3	(IC3 Computing Fundamentals) Identifying components; Hardware Components; Performance; Purchasing Decisions.	None
Using an Operating System - IC3	(IC3 Computing Fundamentals) Software Basics; Types of Software.	None
Computer Software - IC3	(IC3 Computing Fundamentals) Operating Systems; Desktop Basics; System Settings.	None
Common Program Functions - IC3	(IC3 Key Applications) Start, Exit and Help; Application Basics; Editing and Formatting; Printing.	None
Word Processing Functions - IC3	(IC3 Key Applications) Formatting; Tables and Graphics.	None
Spreadsheet Functions - IC3	(IC3 Key Applications) Modifying worksheets; Formulas and functions; Formatting worksheets; Pictures and charts.	None
Networks and the Internet - IC3	(IC3 Living Online) Network Fundamentals; Networks and the Internet.	None
Electronic Mail - IC3	(IC3 Living Online) How Email Works; Using Email; Appropriate use of Email.	None
Using the Internet - IC3	(IC3 Living Online) Information Sources; Using a Web Browser; Searching the Internet.	None
Impact of IT on Society - IC3 (Please note: This course is currently withdrawn from the programme)	(IC3 Living Online) Computers in everyday life; Risks of using computers; Safety and legal issues.	None