St. Peter's Vocational Training Institute Mubende

📘 National Certificate TVET Curriculum

Duration: 40 Hours

Module Overview: This module is designed to equip learners with foundational computer skills necessary for both academic and workplace environments. It covers the identification and operation of various computer hardware components, installation of operating systems and software, and the use of desktop tools and interfaces. Learners will gain practical experience in creating and managing files, working with word processing applications for typesetting reports and documents, and performing basic computer maintenance tasks. Additionally, the module introduces learners to safe and efficient use of peripheral devices, including scanners and external storage, while fostering competency in navigating the digital workspace.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, the learner should be able to:

Use and manipulate a computer to prepare documents
Search web-based information from the internet

Competences

Identifies different types of computers and describes the application of computer hardware, CPU, hard disc drives, modems, mouse, external speakers.
Removes and replaces computer components.
Identifies and uses keyboard buttons as per their functions.
Typesets data into the computer using the keyboard.
Opens, closes, restarts, and changes user accounts.
Describes computer operating systems, types, and functions.
Installs and uninstalls Windows operating system, application software, and other support programs.
Locates the desktop start menu.

Creates desktop background and screen saver.
Resizes, opens, and closes windows by maximizing and minimizing to the task pane.
Copies files from external drives, CDs, DVDs, and flash disks to the desktop.
Identifies icons and their application.
Starts, creates, or opens a Word window, works with text, and manages files.
Uses Word menus for document editing; e.g. copy, paste, cut.
Saves a document in different formats and to storage media, e.g. flash disk.
Formats a page and documents.

Detailed Module Description

Sub-module	Content	Duration
1. Introduction to Computer	Origin of computer Types of computers and computer hardware (CPU, hard disk drives, modem, keyboard, etc.) Computer accessories: scanners, projectors, external speakers Keyboard basics: function keys, numeric keys, and navigation keys Starting and shutting down a computer Computer software: classification, types, and usage Computer components: video card, network cards, cables, ROM, RAM, monitors, printers, cameras, processors	10 Hours
2. Operating System	Functions of an operating system Types and classification of operating systems Benefits of operating systems Installation of Windows OS and application software	6 Hours
3. Desktop Main Menu	Start Menu and Applications Menu Desktop management: background, screen saver Manipulating windows: resizing, maximizing, minimizing, task pane, tiling Copying files from different locations Icons, files, and folders	4 Hours
4. Word Processing	Starting, creating, and opening a Word window Working with text Using word menus for document editing: copy, paste, cut Saving a document in different formats and to storage media Formatting a page and document: paper size, background colours Working with tables: rows and columns Working with drawings, clipart, and pictures Mail merging	20 Hours

Duration: 40 Hours

Module Overview: This module is intended to help learners acquire practical skills in printing and scanning documents, utilizing the internet for academic and professional research, managing email communication, and working with spreadsheet software to analyze data and generate reports. Learners will also gain proficiency in sharing printers over a LAN and applying spreadsheet formulas for data processing.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, the learner should be able to:

Prepare documents on spreadsheets
Use the internet to search for the required information

Competences

Installs the printer to a computer
Describes the procedure followed when printing documents
Removes used up cartridges and toners and replaces or refills them
Scans a document or picture, saves and prints
Uses internet and email to search for notes, news, and other required information
Signs in and creates an email address
Copies and saves information from the internet
Downloads files, music, and pictures to the computer

Creates a strong password for the email address
Connects two computers in one room to a LAN and shares one printer
Writes, sends, receives, and reads mail messages
Copies files and documents from one location to another
Merges, deletes, and inserts Excel cells
Makes and formats spreadsheets
Prepares bills of quantities using Excel
Applies Excel formulas to add, subtract, multiply, and divide figures
Draws charts and graphs using Excel

Detailed Module Description

Sub-module	Content	Duration
5. Printing, Scanning and Copying Documents	Printing documents Working with printer cartridges and toners Scanning documents and pictures Copying Safety, security and health precautions of printing and scanning	4 Hours
6. Internet and E-mail	The Internet and web browsers Opening a website using URL Searching information using search engines Saving and downloading files, music, pictures to the computer Creating email accounts Managing email folders and attachments Attaching documents to outgoing email Downloading attachments from incoming email Formatting, searching, and printing email Safety and security when using internet and email	16 Hours
7. Working with Spreadsheets	Creating and managing Excel documents Opening and closing Excel files Entering, editing, and formatting data Using formulas and functions Creating and plotting charts and graphs Inserting tables into Excel worksheets Printing a spreadsheet, page setup, and gridlines	20 Hours

Duration: 32 Hours

Module Overview: The module enables the learner to acquire practical skills in creating and delivering effective PowerPoint presentations, as well as establishing and managing a basic local area network (LAN) with at least two computers. Learners will gain hands-on experience in formatting presentations, using animations, and connecting and configuring network components for resource sharing such as printers and files.

Learning Outcome

By the end of this module, the learner should be able to:

Connect at least two computers to one local area network
Share a printer across the network

Competences

Prepares and edits work on Microsoft PowerPoint slides
Activates animations on selected slide designs
Creates well-structured PowerPoint presentations
Runs a full slide show presentation
Differentiates between wireless and cable networking

Connects a network cable to computers
Installs a network modem to a personal computer
Troubleshoots simple network connection problems
Configures network settings on computers

Detailed Module Description

Sub-module	Content	Duration
8. PowerPoint Presentations	Creating a new presentation Opening and closing a presentation Saving a presentation document Transferring a presentation to storage media and different formats Adding and formatting text, pictures, and media Creating and running a slideshow Printing presentation slides	14 Hours
9. Basic Networking	Introduction to computer networking Types of networks: WAN and LAN Types of communication media: cables, wireless, optical fibres LAN topologies: star, ring, mesh, bar Connecting a computer to a network Configuring an IP address Creating a simple network of at least two computers Sharing files between computers Troubleshooting simple connection problems Connecting and configuring a printer on a network	18 Hours

📘 Term I Study Notes

Click each section below to expand and view the study notes.

A computer is an electronic device that receives data (input), processes it according to a set of instructions (program), and produces output (information). Computers are widely used in education, health, business, engineering, and personal tasks due to their speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

Over time, computers have evolved from large, complex machines into compact and portable devices. Common types include:

Desktop Computers: Fixed systems used in offices and homes.
Laptops: Portable computers for work on the go.
Tablets: Touchscreen devices combining features of phones and computers.
Embedded Systems: Computers built into devices like washing machines or ATMs.

🔧 Core Hardware Components

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer where most calculations take place.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Stores programs, files, and the operating system.
Random Access Memory (RAM): Temporarily stores data for currently running applications.
Monitor: Displays the computer's output visually.
Keyboard & Mouse: Primary input devices for typing and navigation.

🎧 Computer Accessories

Scanners: Convert physical documents into digital formats.
Projectors: Display visual content to a larger audience.
Speakers & Headphones: Output audio from the computer.
External Storage: Flash drives and external HDDs used for data backup and transfer.
Webcams & Microphones: Used for video conferencing and multimedia input.

The keyboard consists of several key types:

Function Keys: F1–F12, used for shortcuts.
Navigation Keys: Arrows, Home, End, Page Up/Down for cursor movement.
Numeric Keypad: Used for quick data entry.

To start a computer, press the power button and wait for the operating system to boot. Log in using your user account. When finished, always use the shutdown or restart options available through the Start Menu to properly turn off the system and avoid damaging data.

Understanding these basics lays the foundation for more advanced skills like working with applications, managing files, and performing basic maintenance tasks.

An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for programs. Examples include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

Functions of an OS include managing files, controlling peripherals (printer, scanner), handling memory, and coordinating processor tasks. Operating systems are classified into single-user, multi-user, real-time, and distributed systems.

Installing an OS like Windows requires a bootable installation media. The process involves selecting the partition, formatting it, and following setup instructions. Application software like MS Word, Excel, and browsers are installed afterward.