DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION MANAGEMENT

FACULTY OF EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, BENIN CITY

LIS: 220: Computer and Data Processing (3 Units)

Course Outline

(1) Basic Knowledge about how to operate a computer

(2) Input data, output data and conduct searches on databases ( eg. CDROM)

(3) Use of software Packages for word processing

(4) Spreadsheet and database Management

Methods of Grading

(1) Attendance is mandatory (5%)

(2) Group assignment/presentation (10%)
(3) Mid-semester test (15%)
(4) End of semester examination (70%)
(5) Total (100%)arts of the computer
(e.g.,

 Press the power button, usually found on the CPU (desktop) or the
side of the laptop.
3. Using the Operating System
 The operating system (OS) is
 Familiarize yourself with the desktop environment, including:
o Taskbar (Windows) or Dock (Mac): Contains quick access icons.
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o Start Menu (Windows): A place to access applications and settings.
4. Using In computer operations:

UNIT ONE

Basic Knowledge about how to operate a computer

What is a Computer?*

A computer is an electronic device that:

1. Accepts input (data, instructions)

2. Processes information (calculations, operations)

3. Stores data (memory, storage)

4. Outputs results (display, print, sound)

*Main Components:*

1. Hardware (physical parts):

- Central Processing Unit (CPU)

- Memory (RAM)

- Storage (Hard Drive, SSD)

- Input/Output devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor)

2. Software (programs, operating systems):

- Operating System (Windows, macOS, Linux)

- Application software (Microsoft Office, Google Chrome)

*Functions of a computer:*

1. Calculation and computation

2. Data storage and retrieval

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 3. Communication (internet, email)

4. Entertainment (games, multimedia)

5. Education and learning

6. Productivity (word processing, spreadsheets)

*Types of Computers:*

1. Desktops

2. Laptops

3. Palmtops

4. Tablets

5. Smartphones

6. Servers

7. Supercomputers

8. Embedded systems (traffic lights, appliances)

*How Computers Impact Our Lives:*

1. Work and productivity

2. Communication and social media

3. Education and research

4. Entertainment and leisure

5. Healthcare and medicine

6. Finance and commerce

7. Transportation and navigation

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*Brief History:*

1. Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine (1837)

2. First electronic computers (1940s)

3. Personal computers (1970s)

4. Internet and World Wide Web (1990s)

5. Mobile devices and smartphones (2000s)

*In Simple Terms:*

A computer is like a very smart, obedient assistant that:

1. Listens to your instructions

2. Does calculations and tasks

3. Remembers information

4. Shows you results

BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT HOW TO OPERATE A COMPUTER

Here's a comprehensive overview of basic computer operations:

*Hardware Components:*

1. Monitor (display)

2. Keyboard

3. Mouse

4. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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 5. Speakers

6. Ports (USB, HDMI, etc.)

*Basic Operations:*

1. Turning on/off: Press the power button.

2. Logging in: Enter username/password.

3. Desktop: Overview of icons, files, and folders.

4. Mouse navigation: Click, double-click, scroll, drag-and-drop.

5. Keyboard shortcuts:

- Ctrl+C (copy)

- Ctrl+V (paste)

- Ctrl+Z (undo)

- Ctrl+A (select all)

6. File management: Create, delete, rename, and organize files/folders.

7. Internet browsing: Use web browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc.).

8. Email: Send/receive emails using email clients (Gmail, Outlook, etc.).

*Software Basics:*

1. Operating Systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)

2. Word processing (Microsoft Word, Google Docs)

3. Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)

4. Presentations (Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides)

5. Email clients

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 6. Web browsers

*Safety and Security:*

1. Password management

2. Virus protection (antivirus software)

3. Updates and patches

4. Backup data regularly

5. Be cautious with downloads and attachments

*Additional Tips:*

1. Use strong passwords

2. Regularly clean up temporary files

3. Update software and operating system

4. Use external hard drives or cloud storage for backups

5. Practice safe browsing habits

*Online Resources:*

1. Microsoft Digital Literacy

2. Google's Computer Basics

3. Apple's Support Website

4. Coursera's Computer Basics Course

5. YouTube tutorials (e.g., Computer Basics, TechBoomers)

This foundation will help you navigate the basics of computer operation. Practice and
exploration will further enhance your skills!

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UNIT TWO

INPUT DATA, OUTPUT DATA AND CONDUCT SEARCHES ON DATABASES ( EG.

CDROM)

*Input Data:*

1. Keyboard: typing text, numbers, and commands

2. Mouse: clicking, scrolling, and selecting

3. Scanner: scanning documents, images, and QR codes

4. Microphone: voice commands, voice-to-text

5. Camera: capturing images, videos, and facial recognition

6. Touchscreen: tapping, swiping, and pinching

7. External devices: USB drives, CDs/DVDs, SD cards

*Output Data:*

1. Monitor: displaying text, images, videos, and graphics

2. Printer: printing documents, images, and labels

3. Speakers: playing audio, music, and voice output

4. Projector: displaying presentations, videos, and images

5. External devices: USB drives, CDs/DVDs, SD cards

6. Email: sending and receiving messages

7. Screen reader: text-to-speech output

*Conducting Searches on Databases:*

1. CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory)

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 2. Online databases (e.g., Google, Wikipedia)

3. Local databases (e.g., library catalogs)

4. Database software (e.g., Microsoft Access)

*Search Techniques:*

1. Keyword search: is a practice search engine optimization (SEO) professionals use to find
and analyze search terms that users enter into search engines when looking for products,
services, or general information. Keywords are related to search queries.

2. Boolean search (AND, OR, NOT): uses the operators AND, OR, and NOT to narrow or broaden
search results:
 AND
Narrows a search by requiring that all keywords appear in the results. For example, searching
for "dengue AND malaria AND zika" will only return results that contain all three terms.
 OR
Broadens a search by allowing any of the keywords to appear in the results. For example,
searching for "dengue OR malaria OR zika" will return results that contain any of the three
terms.
 NOT
Narrows a search by excluding terms from the results. For example, searching for "malaria
NOT zika" will return results about malaria but not zika.
Boolean operators are words and symbols that allow you to create a Boolean string to refine your
search. You can use Boolean operators in databases and search engines.

3. Phrase search: is a search technique that limits results to records that contain a specific
phrase. To perform a phrase search, you can enclose the phrase in quotation marks. For example,
to search for the phrase "bending towards justice", you would type it as "bending toward justice".

4. Wildcard search: is a search technique that uses special characters to represent unknown
characters in a search term. Wildcards are useful for finding multiple items with similar but not
identical data, or for searching for variable spellings of a word.
Here are some examples of wildcard characters and how to use them:
 Asterisk ()*
Represents any number of characters. For example, searching for "educat*" will return all
possible endings of the root word "educate".
 Question mark (?)

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 Represents a single character. For example, searching for "colo?" will return both "color" and
"colour".
 Brackets
Can be used to search for a range of characters. For example, "d[o-u]ll" will match "doll" and
"dull".
 Exclamation mark (!)
Tells the search to not match any of the characters in the brackets. For example, "d[!e]ll" will
match anything beginning with "d" and ending in "ll" that doesn't include "dell".
 Curly brackets
Look for the number of characters preceding the brackets. For example, "se{2}d" will match
"seed" but not "sed".
Wildcards are commonly used in computing and programming, and in search and replace
functions in word processors and text editors.

5. Advanced search filters (e.g., date, author): By using Advanced Search you can choose to
display or exclude results that include certain words, filter search results by language or type,
and search on content properties.

*Database Types:*

1. Relational databases (e.g., MySQL)

2. Object-oriented databases (e.g., MongoDB)

3. Text databases (e.g., PDFs)

4. Multimedia databases (e.g., images, videos)

*Real-World Applications:*

1. Research and education

2. Business and finance

3. Healthcare and medicine

4. Government and law enforcement

5. Entertainment and media

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Some examples of databases include:

• Library catalogs (e.g., Dewey Decimal System)

• Online encyclopedias (e.g., Wikipedia)

• Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook)

• E-commerce websites (e.g., Amazon)

• Government records (e.g., voter registration)

UNIT THREE

USE OF SOFTWARE PACKAGES FOR WORD PROCESSING

Word processing software packages allow users to type text, add images, tables, charts, and other
content to documents, and format and edit them. Some word processing software packages also
offer additional features, such as data management, statistical functions, and document control

*Word Processing Software:*

1. Microsoft Word: is a word processing program developed by Microsoft. It was first

released on October 25, 1983, under the name Multi-Tool Word for Xenix systems.

2. Google Docs: is a free, web-based word processor that allows users to create, edit, and
share documents in real time.

3. LibreOffice Writer: is the free and open-source word processor and desktop
publishing component of the LibreOffice software package. Writer is a word processor similar
to Microsoft Word and Corel's WordPerfect with many similar features, and file format
compatibility.

4. Apple Pages: is the most beautiful word processor you've ever seen on a mobile device.
Start with an Apple-designed template to instantly create gorgeous reports, digital books,
resumes, posters, and more. Or use a blank document and create your own design. Easily add
images, movies, audio, tables, charts, and shapes.

5. OpenOffice Writer: is a word processor which you can use for anything from writing a
quick letter to producing an entire book.

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*Basic Word Processing Tasks:*

1. Creating documents

2. Editing text

3. Formatting text (font, size, color)

4. Aligning text (left, center, right)

5. Cutting, copying, and pasting

6. Saving and printing documents

7. Inserting images, tables, and charts

*Advanced Word Processing Features:*

1. Mail merge: consists of combining mail and letters and pre-addressed envelopes or mailing
labels for mass mailings from a form letter.

2. Track changes: is a feature in Microsoft Word and Google Docs that allows users to see
and review edits made to a document.

3. Comments: a piece of text placed within a program to help other users to understand it,
which the computer ignores when running the program.

4. Hyperlinks: a link from a hypertext document to another location, activated by clicking on a

highlighted word or image.

5. Tables of contents: is a tool that helps users navigate a document. Most table of contents
are organized under headings that identify topics in the document.

6. Indexing: is the process of creating an alphabetical list of a document's key terms and
topics, along with their page numbers.

7. Macros: is a series of recorded actions or commands that can be used to automate tasks. For
example, you can use macros to format text, apply styles, and insert content.

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*Common Word Processing Functions:*

1. Spell-checking

2. Grammar-checking

3. Auto-correction

4. Auto-complete

5. Find and replace

6. Undo and redo

7. Print preview

*Tips for Effective Word Processing:*

1. Use clear headings and subheadings

2. Use consistent formatting

3. Use bullet points and numbered lists

4. Use images and charts to illustrate points

5. Proofread carefully

6. Use templates for consistency

7. Save frequently

*Real-World Applications:*

1. Business reports

2. Academic papers

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 3. Letters and memos

4. Newsletters

5. Brochures

6. Resumes

7. Theses and dissertations

*Shortcuts:*

1. Ctrl+S (save)

2. Ctrl+P (print)

3. Ctrl+C (copy)

4. Ctrl+V (paste)

5. Ctrl+Z (undo)

6. Ctrl+A (select all)

7. Ctrl+F (find)

*Best Practices:*

1. Use clear file names and organization

2. Use backup systems

3. Use password protection

4. Use version control

5. Use collaboration tools

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 UNIT FOUR

SPREADSHEET AND DATABASE MANAGEMENT

*Spreadsheet Management:*

Spreadsheet management is the act of using a spreadsheet to manage people and processes, often
without leaving an office. It can involve:
 Collecting data automatically or from others
 Implementing controls like password protection, version control, and data validation
 Training staff on best practices like formula auditing, error checking, and version control
 Tracking and labeling different versions of agreements to prevent misunderstandings and
accidental changes

Software:

1. Microsoft Excel: A versatile spreadsheet software with a wide user base. The Excel web
app allows you to embed spreadsheets on websites.

2. Google Sheets: A cloud-based platform that can integrate with project management
platforms.

3. LibreOffice Calc: is the spreadsheet component of the LibreOffice software package.

4. Apple Numbers: A spreadsheet application that's part of the iWork productivity suite.

Basic Tasks of a spreadsheet:

1. Creating spreadsheets

2. Entering data

3. Formatting cells

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 4. Calculations (sum, average, etc.)

5. Charts and graphs

6. Filtering and sorting

7. Conditional formatting

Advanced Features of Spreadsheet Management:

1. Pivot tables: are a feature in Excel that can summarize, analyze, and present large amounts
of data in a way that's easy to understand

2. Macros: is a set of commands or actions that can be recorded and run to automate repetitive
tasks

3. Data validation: is a tool that restricts what users can enter into a cell or range of cells. It
allows you to define the values that are acceptable, which can help ensure that the data in your
workbook is more accurate.

Here are some examples of what you can do with data validation in Excel:
 Limit inputs: Restrict users to a drop-down list of options
 Prohibit dates and times: Prevent users from entering dates and times outside a specific range
 Limit values: Only allow numeric values, or only allow numbers within a specific range
 Limit text: Only allow text values
 Highlight errors: Find inaccurate entries in validated cells
 Display messages: Show an input message to users, or display warning messages when incorrect
data is entered

4. Indexing: is the way to get an unordered table into an order that will maximize the query's
efficiency while searching. When a table is unindexed, the order of the rows will likely not be
discernible by the query as optimized in any way, and your query will therefore have to search
through the rows linearly.

5. Solver: is an add-in program in Microsoft Excel that helps users find optimal values for
cells by changing the values of other cells. It's a tool for data analysis and what-if analysis that
can be useful in many situations, especially for financial decision-making.

Here are some things Solver can do:

 Find the maximum or minimum value of a cell
 Determine the optimal value for a formula in a cell
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 Satisfy constraints on the values of other cells
 Adapt to a variety of situations


Functions of Spreadsheet Management:

Here are some functions of spreadsheet management:

 Formulas: Users can create custom formulas or use preset options to analyze data.
 Pivot tables: Summarize large amounts of data to help users derive insights.
 VLOOKUP: Looks up a value in a table and returns a value from the same row in a specified
column.
 Conditional formatting: Highlights or hides cells based on a specified rule.
 Data visualization: Users can create graphs, charts, and other diagrams from spreadsheet data.
 Statistical functions: Analyze data sets by providing statistical measures like mean, median, and
standard deviation.
 Linking related data: Tools help users make spreadsheets easier to navigate and understand.
 Charts: Spreadsheet software can create charts and graphs.

Spreadsheets can also be used for: Creating budgets, Forecasting future performance, Calculating
tax, Completing basic payroll, and Calculating revenues.

*Database Management:*

Database management is the process of organizing, storing, and retrieving data in a

database. Database management systems (DBMS) are software tools that help users perform
these tasks:
 Create, define, and manage databases: Users can create, define, and manage databases using a
DBMS.
 Store and organize data: DBMSs help users store and organize large amounts of data in a
structured way.
 Retrieve data: DBMSs help users quickly and efficiently find and access the information they
need.
 Maintain security: DBMSs help ensure that only authorized users can access the data.
 Enforce data integrity: DBMSs help ensure that the data is accurate and consistent.

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 Automate processes: Some DBMSs can automatically perform tasks like rollbacks, restarts,
logging, and auditing.
 Support multiple users: DBMSs allow multiple users to work with the same database at the
same time.

Database Management Software:

1. Microsoft Access: is a database management system (DBMS) that allows users to create,
edit, and maintain databases. It's part of the Microsoft 365 suite of applications and is included in
the Professional and higher editions. Access is also available for purchase separately.

2. MySQL: is an open-source relational database management system (RDBMS). Its name is

a combination of "My", the name of co-founder Michael Widenius's daughter My, and "SQL",
the acronym for Structured Query Language.

3. Oracle: offers a comprehensive and fully integrated stack of cloud applications and cloud
platform services.

4. PostgreSQL: is a free and open-source relational database management system (RDBMS)

emphasizing extensibility and SQL compliance.

5. MongoDB: is a source-available, cross-platform, document-oriented database program.

Basic Tasks of Database Management:

1. Creating databases

2. Designing tables

3. Entering data

4. Querying data

5. Filtering and sorting

6. Reporting

Advanced Features:

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 1. Normalization: is the process of organizing data in a database to make it more flexible and
protect the data. It involves creating tables and establishing relationships between them.
Normalization can also refer to adjusting values measured on different scales to a common scale,
often before averaging.

2. Relationships: is a logical connection between tables in a relational database that shows how
data is related across tables.
Database relationships are important because they:
 Ensure data integrity
By defining rules and constraints, relationships help maintain data integrity.
 Enable efficient data retrieval
Relationships allow you to combine data from different tables into one result set.
 Make databases useful
Without relationships, databases would be similar to working with separate spreadsheet files.
Some types of database relationships include:
 One-to-one
Each record in one table is linked to a single record in another table. This type of relationship
is less common but can be useful for splitting data into distinct tables.
 Many-to-one
Multiple records in one table are linked to a single record in another table. For example,
multiple students working on a single project.

3. Indexing: is basically a technique that helps in reducing the search time of

a database query or it helps in faster accessing the database.

4. Views: is a virtual table based on the result-set of an SQL statement. A view contains
rows and columns, just like a real table.

5. Stored procedures: is a set of SQL commands that are saved and executed on a database
server. They are used to perform a pre-defined set of operations, such as data validation or access
control, and can be called from other queries or stored procedures.

Database Concepts:

1. Tables, records, fields: Each table contains RECORDS, which you enter into the
database. All of your Clients, Images, Invoices, etc., are considered records (identified by an

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 ID). Within each record are data FIELDS. Fields are the individual parts that contain
information about the record.

2. Primary keys, foreign keys: a primary key uniquely identifies a record in a table, while a
foreign key links data between tables.

3. Data types (text, number, date): stores a calendar date with other programming
information. Dates are typically a combination of integers or numerical figures.

4. SQL (Structured Query Language): is a standard language for database creation and
manipulation. MySQL is a relational database program that uses SQL queries. While SQL
commands are defined by international standards, the MySQL software undergoes continual
upgrades and improvements.

*Database Management Systems (DBMS):*

1. Relational DBMS (RDBMS): is a software program that stores, manipulates, and retrieves
data in a structured way.

2. Object-oriented DBMS: is a database management system in which information is

represented in the form of objects as used in object-oriented programming.

3. NoSQL DBMS: is a type of database management system (DBMS) that stores and handles
large amounts of unstructured and semi-structured data. NoSQL databases are flexible, scalable,
and distributed, and they have several key features, including:
 Flexible data models: NoSQL databases can adapt to changes in data structures.
 Horizontal scaling: NoSQL databases can scale to handle growing amounts of data.
 Distributed computing: NoSQL databases are distributed.
 Rich query language: NoSQL databases have a rich query language.
 Ease of use: NoSQL databases are easy to use for developers.
 Partition tolerance: NoSQL databases are partition tolerant.
 High availability: NoSQL databases have high availability.

*Best Practices:*

1. Data backup and recovery

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 2. Data security and access control

3. Data normalization

4. Query optimization

5. Regular updates and maintenance

*Real-World Applications:*

1. Inventory ma nagement

2. Customer relationship management

3. Financial analysis

4. Human resource management

5. Supply chain management

*Shortcuts:*

Excel:

1. Ctrl+S (save)

2. Ctrl+P (print)

3. Ctrl+C (copy)

4. Ctrl+V (paste)

5. Ctrl+Z (undo)

Access:

1. Ctrl+S (save)

2. Ctrl+P (print)

3. Ctrl+C (copy)

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4. Ctrl+V (paste)

5. F5 (refresh)

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