Topic outline

  • COURSE INTRODUCTION, OVERVIEW AND WELCOME MESSAGE

    Welcome to Introduction to Computer Science Level 1 (CS1). 

    My name is Professor Francisca Oladipo and I am the Course Lead of this Course

    This Course is an introductory course that covers beginners aspects or topics in CS specialization. 

    The specific objectives of this course is:

    • To impart knowledge on basic computer concepts such as classification, architectures, Operating System, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Social Media, Electronic Mails and other simple technology tools used everyday
    • To equip participants with basic IT skills useful for offline and remote activities. To familiarize them with the probable tools used and the guides towards effective usage of such tools
    • To train participants with how to set up computer networks and other essential methods involved in the process. 
    • To produce a competent, committed, knowledgeable and skilled IT personnel equipped with the basic IT skills that can serve as a beginner knowledge towards the acquisition of remote jobs and assists in their transition to more advanced IT knowledge
    • To prepare participants for the next level of the Data Stewardship Specialization Courses – CS2 and CS3 which are far more advanced than CS1

    Kindly watch this video for other details about this course.

     

     

    I hope you enjoy the topics, the interactive and engaging activities, as well as the diverse forms of assessments. 

    Thank you.

    • CS1 Discussion Forum - Peer to Peer

      Click on this link to join the online discussion or Peer to Peer discussions in this course

      NB: Participation is mandatory for all learners  and you are expected to comply with all the rules of engagement

      • RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
        1. DO NOT USE FOUL WORDS NOR INSULT ANY PARTICIPANTS. ALWAYS BE POLITE AND RESPECTFULNESS 
        2. DO NOT SHARE VIOLENT GRAPHICS, IMAGES OR PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS.
        3. RESPECT THE VIEWS OF OTHERS WITHOUT FIGHT NOR GRUDGE.
        4. THIS PLATFORM IS FOR ACADEMIC DISCUSSIONS ONLY, DO NOT PROMOTE BUSINESS, INVOLVE IN POLITICS TALKS ETC.
         



  • This topic

    SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND PREPARATORY COURSES

    In the first week of this course, you will offer some short modules for skills development and preparation. This includes short courses on Life Skills, Introducing Peace and Conflict Resolution, Basics in Health, Hygiene and COVID-19 prevention, and community resilience. These preparatory courses were made to give you an introduction into the essentials of life skills to help you forward in your life and your job.

    In Life Skills, you will learn to think about who you are and where you want to go, and what skills you will need to develop in order to get there. In introduction to Peace and Conflict Resolution, you will do exercises with your fellow students in order to learn about conflict, how to recognize and respond to conflict, and how to mediate it. In the Basics of Health, Hygiene and COVID-19, you will be introduced to health principles that are important for you and your community. In community resilience, you will learn to recognize how experiences you have may have impacted or continue to impact you, and how you can deal with this, so that you can fully concentrate on your professional career.

    Please enjoy these introductory courses in your first week, and continue to work with and reflect on this first week as you move through the full course.
    • Module 1 (HM01) - Basics of Health and Gygiene File 1.2MB PDF document

      Click on the link above to access the notes on Basics of Health, Hygiene and Covid-19

      It is very crucial for you as a learner to know and understand the basics of human health. This include but not limited to how to have and maintain good hygiene. Good personal hygiene involves keeping all parts of your external body clean and healthy for you to enjoy good physical and mental health. 

      This module will expose you to the key ideas and information needed to have good health. The module has three units which are:

      • Concept of the health and disease, 
      • Hygiene promotion in emergencies and 
      • Introduction to COVID-19 and its vaccines.


      Learning Resources

      Read the ebook provided and watch the videos below

      Video I - Concepts of Health and Diseases

       

       

      Video II -  Hygiene Promotion in Emergencies

       

       

      Video III - Covid-19

       

       


    • Module 2 (HM 02) - Community Resilience File 1.2MB PDF document

      Click the link above to access the notes on HM02 - Community Resilience


      This module comes in two parts and is developed in recognition that most people may have come across experiences, that are very difficult that continue to affect them in many ways including affect their learning.

      Psychological trauma results from extraordinarily stressful events that shatter people’s sense of security, creating in them a sense of helplessness in a dangerous world.

      These experiences may include war, atrocities, abuse, extreme poverty and other similar experiences that have caused you to feel helpless and unable to escape and save yourself.


      Learning Resources 

      Read the notes provided and watch the videos below. 

      Video I - Defining Trauma

       

       

      Video II - Dealing with Trauma 

       

       

    • Module III (HM03) - Introduction to Peace and Conflict Resolution File 2.2MB PDF document

      Click the link above to access the notes of this module. 

      Everyone experiences conflict at some stage in their life. The conflicts can be interpersonal and sometimes we even experience it with our friends or family members when we disagree with them about something.

      This module will help you understand how conflicts develop and how we can as individuals be part of escalating or resolving the conflict.

      Learning Resources

      Make use of the tasks provided in the notes provided and watch these videos

      Video I - Introduction Part 1


       

       

      Video II - Introduction Part 2

       

       

      Lesson 1  - How conflicts can develop

       

       

      Lesson 2 - Stages of conflict

       

       

      Lesson 3 - Personal styles of managing conflict

       

       

       

       

      Lesson 4 - Prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination

       

       

       

       

    • Module IV (HM04) - Life Skills File 1.9MB PDF document

      Click on the link above to access the notes provided on Life Skills 

      In a relentlessly changing environment, having life skills is an essential part of being able to meet the challenges of everyday life. The dramatic changes in global economies over the years have been matched with the transformation in technology and these are all impacting on education, the workplace and our home life. 

      To cope with the increasing pace and change of modern life, learners need new life skills. The relevance of life skills training towards development of students’ social, emotional and cognitive development & dealing with their psychosocial challenges is essential for continuous learning and employability.


      Lesson 1 - Overview of Life Skills

      Read the notes provided on Study Skills and these additional resources by clicking on the links below

      In addition to the notes, watch this video

       

       

      Lesson 2 - Lesson 2: Self Concept: Who Am I? 

      In every situation in one’s life, it is imperative to understand oneself in order to be able to relate with others well. Understanding the self has been approached by different theorists differently.


      Watch these videos. 

        

       

       

       

      A. Based on the videos you have watched, in small virtual groups of a maximum of five (5) learners, actively engage in an online discussion via the discussion forum guided by the following question. 

      • What do you think has helped him develop a positive self-image of himself?

      B. Read the article below and in your notebook, note down the four components of the self – concept as explained in the article:

      C. From these videos and the article above, write down what you think comprises your self-concept and share it in the discussion forum


      Lesson 3 - Decision Making

      In many instances in our lives we find that we need to make a decision on everything, right from what we shall wear to what we shall eat or not eat, what we shall learn or not learn. All these go through a thought process and sometimes engage others, depending on our understanding of self, our life skills and our level of self- awareness.

      In this lesson, you will be introduced to the factors that influences decision making and how to make good decisions

      Activity

      Watch the videos below on setting SMART goals and write down the key issues that you have identified about setting your own goals.

       

       

       

       

      Guided by the video and the reading by Stutton (2021),  make at least four smart life goals related to your education or your health.

      Module Additional Resources
      1. Life skills education school handbook Prevention of non-communicable diseases 
      2. Life Skills Education for Children and Adolescents in Schools
      3. Life Skills - The Skills You Need Looking After Yourself 



    • Remedial Skill Assessment URL

      Attempt this remedial assessment before starting the Computer Science I (CS1) Course. The assessment is part of the Life Skills module and it aims at:

      • Assessing skills that you have as a learner as you start the programme
      • Assess the level at which you can engage with the content that’s in the course

      NOTE:

      This is a very important introductory exercise and will help your lecturers and tutors prepare and deliver the right content for you the learner. Therefore take the exercise seriously and be as honest as you can be.


  • STUDY UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

    Even though it is probably true that most literate people have at one time or the other used or encountered a computer in their everyday tasks, a lot of these users still misconstrue what exactly a computer is. Most times, people do imply or perceive that a computer is just a laptop or desktop, but a computer is much more than this. In this Study Session, you will get to know what exactly a computer is and what it entails.

    With the increasing use of computers and new technologies emerging every day. Computers come with a bunch of digital tools and applications and it is expected that every user should be able to use these tools proficiently. This study unit covers the basic knowledge and skills expected of a beginner that is just starting to use computers for their everyday tasks.

     
     
    • CS1 Study Unit 1 ebook or Readable Module - Introduction to Digital Technology File 3MB PDF document

      Click on this link to access the ebook or readable module on Study Unit 1 titled Introduction to Digital Technology

      Upon completion of this study unit, you are expected to be able to: 

      1.1   Describe and Classify Computers
      1.2   Explain Operating System (OS) and what it does
      1.3   Differentiate between Hardware and Software
      1.4   Explain Digital Literacy and technologies involved
      1.5   Use Basic Digital Tools like the Internet, Emails and Social Media
      1.6    Mitigate and Prevent Cyber Threats using preventive measures
    • CS1 Study Unit 1 Lesson 1 - Overview of Computers

      In this Lesson, the subtopics covered includes the definition of computers; architecture of computers; classification of computers; programming and numbering system and finally the applications and use cases of computers. 

      After you have read the subsection 1.1 on the Study Unit 1 ebook/readable module, watch this video for the summary of the overview of computers

      Video 1

       

       

      Video II

       

       

    • CS1 Study Unit 1 Lesson 2 - Operating System

      This lesson covers the definition of Operating System (OS); parts of an OS, examples of OS and the functions of an Operating System. 

      After you might have read the section 1.2 in your ebook readable module, watch this summary video on what an Operating is and what it does.

       

       

    • CS1 Study Unit 1 Lesson 3 - Hardware and Software
      Every Computer have hardware and Software. This lesson explains what they are and how to recognize them.  The lesson also covers how to check the specification of computer and how to know  required specification when buying a computer 

      After reading section 1.3 in your readable module. Watch this video 
       
       
    • CS1 STUDY UNIT 1 QUIZ

      INSTRUCTIONS

      Learners are advised to attempt this quiz before the deadline

    • CS1 Study Unit 1 Lesson 4: Digital Technology

      This lesson focus on the meaning of digital technology, the impact of digital technology on our lives, our society and the world at large. The lesson concludes by highlighting the top trending digital technologies of today. 

      After you have read the section 1.4 in the readable module, watch this video for the summary of this lesson - Digital Technology
       
       
    • CS1 Study Unit 1 Lesson 5: The Internet

      Lesson 5 is designed to cover the Internet and the basic uses of the internet in our everyday lives. This include Surfing the web, the use of search engines, emails, social media amongst others. This lesson also covers the basic terminologies related to the internet and their meanings. 

      After you have read the subsection 1.5 in the readable module, watch this video summarizing the internet concepts 

       

       

    • CS1 Study Unit 1 Lesson 6 - Cloud Computing & Cyber Security

      In the last lesson, you learnt about the Internet. A lot of our online activities works because of what is called the "CLOUD"

      This lesson will shed light of what the cloud and the term cloud computing. It will also cover the dangers of operating cloud computing called Cyber Security, and how to mitigate cyber threats. 

      After you might have read the subsection 1.6 in your readable module, watch this video on Cloud Computing and Cyber Security

       

        

    • STUDY UNIT 1 QUIZ 2

      INSTRUCTIONS

      Learners are advised to attempt this quiz before the deadline

  • STUDY UNIT 2 - DIGITAL LITERACY: OFFLINE TOOLS AND SKILLS NEEDED

    Increased usage and access to the Internet coupled with affordability of digital devices has paved way for the development of a digital economy across the world. However, there are major shortcomings to the usage efficiency due to the inadequacies of digital skills in both developed and developing countries. With new and emerging technologies such as Data Science and Artificial Intelligence taking over mundane jobs, acquiring digital skills has become imperative.

    In this Study Unit, you will be availed the meaning of digital literacy as well as the importance of being digitally literate. You will then be exposed to the digital skills every digitally literate person must-have, beginning with the offline tools that you should be proficient in using such as the MS Office Packages - MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint etc. You will also be introduced to how to create multimedia and the tools that can be used in making short videos, animations and skits.


  • STUDY UNIT 3 - DIGITAL LITERACY: ONLINE TOOLS AND SKILLS NEEDED

    Embracement of new technologies, affordability of internet subscription and advancement in the speed of the internet, amongst others have ushered in an era of remote or online activities. While the acceptance of new technologies is usually slow, the pandemic Covid19 served as a catalyst which sped the acceptance and usage of several remote or online digital tools. 

    In this Study Session, you will be introduced to the popular remote work digital tools and their categories. You will also get to know how to use basic online tools such as Google Apps – G.Drive, G.Doc, G.Sheet, G.Sheet and G.Slide. While remote work in good and becoming more acceptable to employers, it comes with a couple of challenges. You will get to know about some of these challenges and how to overcome them to achieve high work efficiency and good time productivity.

    • CS1 Study Unit 3 module - Digital Literacy - Online Tools and Skills Needed File 1.5MB PDF document

      Click on this link to access the ebook or readable module on Study Unit 3 titled: Digital Literacy: Online Tools and Skills Needed

      Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to:   

      3.1   Identify appropriate digital tools for different online tasks

      3.2   Create, Use, Edit and Share Google Apps or Workspace 

      3.3   Create digital contents using G.Docs, G.Form G.Sheet etc.

      3.4   Use and adherence to effective remote work guidelines

    • Study Unit 3 Lesson 1: Online Digital Tools
      When it comes to digital literacy and creating contents, there are a lot of digital tools out there. This lesson covers the categories of  digital tools that are useful to series of task in terms of creating contents and involving in remote work. 


      Read section 3.1 and watch the video

       

       



    • Study Unit 3 Lesson 2: Google Workspace and Google Apps

      Google has a series of applications for creating and sharing digital contents including messaging, collaborating and other series of events. This lesson summarizes the use of Google Workspace and Apps. A tutorial for the usage of the most popular Google Apps is also added. 

      Read section 3.2, download the additional resources available and watch these videos 

      G. Doc, G. Sheet & G. Slides

       

       

      G. Form

       

       

    • Study Unit 3 Quiz

      Learners are advised to attempt this quiz before the due date. Thank you

    •      SUMMARY OF INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY MODULE (STUDY UNITS 1 TO STUDY UNIT 3)

      For the past three weeks, you have learnt several areas of digital technologies, including but not limited to Search Engine, emails, the internet, cloud computing, cyber security, how to create word documents and multimedia using offline  and how to use several online tools to do same. 

      Make sure you practice all you have learnt as many times as possible to enable you become a master of the skillset and tools usage. 

      We hope you have gain a few skills from this module. 

      Bye for now

  • STUDY UNIT 4: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORKS

    The internet is here to stay, no doubt about that. Therefore, computer networking skills will remain relevant as you embark on the journey in the world of computing. 

    In this study unit, learners will understand the building blocks of a computer network, explore the various types of computer network and  layer architectures that are recognized in computer networking.

    • Study Unit 4: Introduction to Computer Networks File 1.3MB PDF document

      Click on this link to access the ebook or readable module on Study Unit 4 titled Introduction to Computer Networks and Layer Architectures

      Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to:   

      4.1 Explain the evolution of the internet and the World Wide Web

      4.2 Identify and describe different types of computer networks.

      4.3 State the different layer architectures and explain their application.

      4.4 Compare and contrast between OSI Model and TCP/IP Model


    • CS1 Study Unit 4 Lesson 1 - Evolution of the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW)

      In Lesson 1, the subtopics that will be covered includes the Introduction to Computer Networks; History of the Internet; and application of World Wide Web (WWW) Internet 

      After you have read the subsection 4.1 on the Study Unit 4 ebook/readable module, watch this video for the summary of the evolution of the internet and the World Wide Web

       

       

    • CS1 Study Unit 2 Lesson 2 - Types of Computer Networks

      This lesson covers the different types of computer networks; setting up a computer network, and the definitions of various network terminologies. 

      After you might have read the section 4.2 in your ebook readable module, watch this summary video on different types of computer networks 

       

       

      Visit the discussion Forum and contribute to the discussions by providing responses to the questions posted there. 


    • CS1 Study Unit 4 Lesson 3 - Computer Network Layer Architecture

      This lesson covers the OSI Model;  Data Link Sub Layers;  Functions of the Data Link Layer and TCP/IP Model

      After you might have read the section 4.2 in your ebook readable module, watch this summary video on Computer Network Layer Architecture.

       

       

    • CS1 STUDY UNIT 4 QUIZ

      This quiz covers all lessons in this unit. 

      Learners are advised to attempt this quiz before the deadline

  • STUDY UNIT 5: NETWORK HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND STANDARDIZATION

    For a computer network to function properly, there are various component that must work together. The network software and hardware must interact with each other properly, the network standard and protocols need to align properly. Every data transmitted should follow a guided or unguided media to reach it destination. 


  • STUDY UNIT 6: IP ADDRESSING

    Every data packet transmitted over a computer network must have an address. Every device connected to a network must have an IP address to transmit data successfully. Assigning IP address is an important aspect of network management.

    This Study Unit introduces the various classes and versions of the IP addressing. It also carefully presents examples of IP address division known as subnets. A flash of binary number conversion is intended to be treated.


    • Study Unit 6 notes on IP Addressing and Network Topology File

      Click on this link to access the ebook or readable module titled Study Unit 6 IP Addressing and Network topology

      Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to:    

      6.1 Explain the structure if IPv4 and IPv6 addresses.

      6.2 List the classes of IPv4 address and state their uses.

      6.3 Demonstrate how to subnet a network.

      6.4 Illustrate the different types of network topology.

      6.5 Design simple topologies for Local Area Networks (LAN)


    • CS 1 Study Unit 6 Lesson 1: P addressing/Network topology

      In Lesson 1, the subtopics that will be covered includes Managing Internet Protocol (IP) Addresses, version 4 (IPv4) and version 6 (IPv6), and classful network addressing

      After you have read the subsection 6.1 on the Study Unit 6 ebook/readable module, watch this video for the summary of the structure if IPv4 and IPv6 addresses

       

       

    • ASSIGNMENT 3

      Attempt all the questions before the due date. Thank you

    • CS1 Study Unit 6 Lesson 2 - Classes of IPv4 Addresses

      This lesson covers the definition of classful network addressing; different classes of IPv4 Addresses and their uses for host addresses, multicast and for experimental purposes 

      After you might have read the section 1.2 in your ebook readable module, watch this summary video on different classes of IPv4 Addresses and their uses.

       
       
    • CS1 Study Unit 6 Lesson 3 -Subnetting / Classless Inter Domain Routing (CIDR)

      An IP address is made up of the network part and the host part. This lesson explains Special IP Addresses, Private and Public IP Addresses, Static and Dynamic IP Addresses, Network Address Translation, and explanation on IPV6 

      After reading section 6.3 in your readable module. Watch this video 

       

       

    • ASSIGNMENT 2 CS1 Study Unit 6 Lesson 2 and 3

      Attempt this assignment before the due date as it forms part of your continuous assessments. Thank you

    • CS1 Study Unit 6 Lesson 4 - Network Topology
      This lesson explains the definition of Network Topology, Types of Network Topology advantages and disadvantages of different types of topology.  

      After reading section 6.4 in your readable module. Watch this video 
       
       

    • CS 1 Study Unit 6 Quiz

      All learners are enjoined to attempt this quiz before the due date. Thank you

    •        Summary of CS1.3 - Introduction to Computer Networks

      For the past three (3) weeks. you have learnt several 

        

        

  • STUDY UNIT 7: BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

    • STUDY UNIT 8: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SUPPORT

      This Study Unit will introduce you to the concept of Information Technology Support. You will be able to clearly define and identify computer software and hardware, as well as Explain Personal Computer Performance Maintenance and diagnostics. Further, the essential skills of an IT Support Specialist, managing installation and uninstalling software application and backup and restoring in windows 10, will be explored.

       

       


      • Lesson 1 - Introduction to IT Support - Roles and tasks of IT Specialist

        An IT support specialist makes sure that an organization's technological equipment is running smoothly. This includes managing, installing, maintaining, troubleshooting and configuring office and computing equipment.

        Watch this video on the summary of the basic tasks of an IT  Support Specialist

         

         

      • Lesson 2 - Software and Hardware Installations

        As IT Support Specialist, you will be faced with situations where users or clients require help to install, upgrade or couple hardware such as desktop, printers, etc. Likewise, you might need to install or uninstall certain software and application programs in your organization. 

        Video I - Software Installation 

         

         

        Video II - Hardware Installation 

         

         

      • Lesson 3 - PC Diagnostics

        This lesson describes how to run diagnostics on a Windows PC using internal and external tools such as Task Manager Device Manager Resource Monitor etc. 

        Videos

         

         

         

         

      • CS 1 Study Unit 8 Quiz

        Kindly attempt this quiz before the due date. Thank you

      • STUDY UNIT 8: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) SUPPORT File 4.4MB PDF document

        Click the link above to access the redable module of this unit

        After completing this study unit, you should then be able to:   

        1.1       Describe the roles, tasks and tasks of IT Support

        1.2       Manage Software and Hardware Installations

        1.3       Diagnose and oversee the performance and maintenance of PC using Diagnostics tools

    • STUDY UNIT 9 - TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE

      Troubleshooting and documentation are necessary skills for a sustainable IT Support Specialist. 

      You need to understand how to troubleshoot in order to identify IT problems correctly. In addition to IT support, customer service and clear understanding of the ITSM service operation are key in running a good IT service company.

      • Study Unit 9 - Notes of Troubleshooting and Maintenance File 783.4KB PDF document

        Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to:   

         9.1 Describe the relationship between troubleshooting and documentation.

         9.2 Demonstrate Customer service in IT support

        9.3 Discuss ITSM service operation

      • Lesson 3 - IT Service Management (ITSM)

        IT service management -- often referred to as ITSM -- is simply how IT teams manage the end-to-end delivery of IT services to customers. This includes all the processes and activities to design, create, deliver, and support IT services.

        Read the provided notes and watch this video on the processes involved in ITSM

        Video

         

         

    • STUDY UNIT 10 - IT PROJECT MANAGEMENT

      This study unit introduces projects and project management, explains how projects fit into programs and portfolio management, discusses the role of the project manager, and provides important background information on this growing profession. 

      Although project management applies to many different industries and types of projects, this unit focuses on applying project management to IT projects.

      • Study Unit 10 notes on IT Project Management File 970.5KB PDF document

        Upon completion of this study unit, you should be able to:  

        10.1     Define Project, Project Management and explain the growing need for IT project management

        10.2     Describe the scope and benefits of good project management

        10.3     Define project time management, estimate duration of activities and develop PERT and GAUNT Charts, control schedule

        10.4     Explain the significance of project cost management (PCM), and how project management software can assist in PCM

        10.5     Explain agile project management, Agile Manifesto and enumerate the advantages of agile project management over        traditional methods.

      • Lessons on IT Project Management

        IT project management is the process of planning, organizing and delineating responsibility for the completion of an organizations' specific information technology (IT) goals.

        This lesson covers various areas of IT project management such as: The scope and benefits of good project management; Project time management; Project cost management (PCM)  etc. 

        Read the notes provided and watch these videos 

        Video I

         

         

        Video II

         

         

        Video III

         

         

      • CS 1 Study Unit 10 Quiz

        Learners are enjoined to attempt this quiz before the due date. Thank you