Community Computing
Course details
About the course
Learn at your own pace through four modules:
- Introduction to computing, the internet and email
- Word Processing
- Excel Spreadsheets
- Presentation Software
You will learn through the latest Internationally standardised online tutorials, activities and tests, with the support of our friendly knowledgeable coaches on hand to offer assistance to gain computer confidence and learn new skills.
You will learn at your own pace and speed, working through each module at a pace that bests suits your learning. Each module is allocated 5 weeks, but you can move through at your own pace.
Introduction to computing, Internet and email
Learn the basic of how a computer works, how to create files in a Microsoft Windows environment, learn how to access and search on the Internet, how to create emails and attach a document. Correct online etiquette and how to keep yourself safe online.
Microsoft Word - Beginners
Word–processing involves creating a document (letter, memo, report, assignment, etc.) on the computer. To create a document you start with a blank screen on the computer, and as you type information, it is displayed on the screen as a Word Document. Once a document is created you can change its appearance and/or text, rearrange or make corrections to it; you can print it, or save it, add to it, reprint or edit at a later time.
Word is recommended as the pre–requisite module to all other modules on this programme. You will learn functions, features and techniques in Word that are used in other Microsoft applications (eg. Excel).
Microsoft Excel - Beginners
Excel is used to create spreadsheets. Spreadsheets are documents that are laid out in a graph style, with columns and rows, rather than a blank “page” as in Word.
Spreadsheets are used for mathematical calculations, for example, add a list of numbers, find the average in a set of numbers or to calculate GST. Data, (text and numbers) is entered into the spreadsheet using the keyboard, and calculations are made by using the functions and features available in Excel.
Microsoft Powerpoint - Beginners
Powerpoint is used to create presentations, documents with images and slide shows, and much more. Many of the basic functionalities are the same as within Word.
What to bring?
Please bring a USB stick to save your work, and pen and paper to take notes. You will be supplied with class text and printer paper.
About the provider
Based in Hamilton, the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), is one of the country’s largest institutes of technology. We deliver high-quality education across vocational (technical) and professional fields of study to approximately 13,000 students, across over 130 different courses.
At Wintec students are educated in a way that builds their confidence and gets them work-ready. We differ from other types of tertiary providers in the way students get the chance to put their theoretical learning into practice from the very start. You will get to work on real-life projects based on relevant topics and themes as if you were in the workplace. You will also get involved in work placements. This means that by the time you graduate, you will be confident in your skills and knowledge, and know-how to apply your learnings. Our academic staff have years of industry experience between them, which means they can guide you on your journey.
Wintec maintains collaborative relationships with local industry and iwi to identify the needs of the region and community. Fostering strong networks that our students and graduates benefit from is a high priority for us. Understanding the needs of local industry, what type of graduates they need now, and what they will need in the future is critical to assisting industry and our graduates.