Computer Skills for Africa blogs

We chat with Bobby Abrahamse about our High School Curriculum

greta — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:49:54 +0000

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It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.

Attributed to Harry S. Truman

Learning Computers can be fun!

We have taught computer literacy at Dundee High School for many years. Teachers and learners complete exercises from the Computer Skills for Africa High School Curriculum. Bobby Abrahamse taught Grade 8 & 9 pupils in 2008 before pursuing a career with Dabmar Manufacturing.

Please tell us about yourself so that readers can get to know you.

I am 35 years of age. A family man with one little monster of 6 years. I am currently working as a Procurement Officer at a manufacturing company.

What inspires you?

Money.

Learners try all sorts of tricks to make the teacher look silly. What was the worst thing any student did to you in a computer class?

My first day of teaching, the kids swopped the mouse around and then complained that the mouse was not working. It took me the better part of 15 minutes to figure out what they have done.

In the past few years, certain common trends have emerged in the market for computer training. In the face of difficult economic situations, the corporate sector has started implementing a host of measures aimed at streamlining investments in computer training as well as the personnel who deliver the training. What do you think the current educational trends are with respect to computer training?

As a Procurement officer, you always look to find the best deal for your company. Unlike physical products, training can not be judged on price. Although price plays a big role, you have to consider the quality of training given and how the training can be implemented in the workplace. Not all staff has the same training needs, and it is important for a service provider to identify these needs and train staff accordingly.

The purpose of this interview is to speak to people who have used the High School Curriculum in the past. Why were you using the High School Curriculum?

The High School Curriculum was well presented. The lessons were broken up into sections that allowed you to focus on specific skills without “overloading” the students. It was also fun for the learners.

What did you enjoy most about using the High School Curriculum?

The fact that it allowed the learners to practically use the skills that they have learned.

Computers literacy covers a broad range of users. Whilst the High School Curriculum is specifically aimed at High School learners, who do you think will benefit from using the High School Curriculum?

Any person that has some basic knowledge of computers will benefit from this curriculum.

The High School Curriculum is under continual development. What would you change/add to the High School Curriculum?

It has been about two years since I have used the curriculum. I would have allowed more projects and even some group work for the learners.

Do you think that using the High School Curriculum will improve computer literacy? Why?

Definitely. Although a lot kids are “self taught” on computers, the curriculum teaches them that bit extra, as well as the correct way to perform action/tasks.

Would you recommend the High School Curriculum?

I would certainly recommend this curriculum to any educational institution, not only high schools but even FET colleges can benefit from this.

link:

High School Curriculum order page

Dylan Goncalves - GCP Testimonial

nadz — Wed, 12 May 2010 09:36:34 +0000

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I would really recommend this course or “teaching facility” to anyone. The facilitators are also really good. I really enjoyed this learning experience.

What I definitely enjoyed the most and found the most interesting content would definitely be the PowerPoint section, because it is really fun and you can be creative — and I really enjoy being creative.

It's good that the manual exercises are harder than the exams which helps you a lot in the exams, so it's really awesome. This training provider really wants you to pass.

The content of the course is really well presented by the facilitators.

Mmmm, there has to be something “negative”… Let's see, maybe the students can do an assignment on their own. I think it will help a lot…

So it's a good experience and I would like to pass this exam and do a more advanced course…

link:

General Computer Practice

Ina Goncalves - GCP learner

nadz — Wed, 12 May 2010 09:36:11 +0000

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This course was excellent. I've learned so much — I can do things in my business that I couldn't in the past. PowerPoint will help me a lot with the marketing in my business.
I will recommend Computer Skills for Africa to anyone that is interested in a computer course. The staff are excellent in the way that they present the content of the course.
The whole course was just exciting, there wasn't a dull moment. For the first time I was actually excited to come to each lesson.

link:

General Computer Practice

Graduation April 2010 - Mrs Clark

john — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:00:53 +0000

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Computer Skills for Africa held a graduation ceremony honouring students who had passed ICDL Full and ICDL start. The guest of honour was Mrs Clark.

Mrs Clark was the Principal of Newcastle High School for many years. She has vast amounts of teaching and learning experience. We loved her speech and would like to share it with you, so here it is.

Mrs Clark on who is hindering your progress

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, Mrs Bosiers and her excellent team.

Good Afternoon.

What an honour to be with you at this graduation ceremony. Thank-you for inviting me to share this event with you.

Your achievement is commendable, the result of long hours of dedication, hard work and I am sure lots of sacrifices.

Most people who fail in their dreams, fail not from lack of ability, but from lack of commitment. You are today where your thoughts have brought you — you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.

It is heart warming to know that people today are still prepared to improve their skills and knowledge and not fall prey to the doldrums of desperation and pessimism.

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed no help at all.

The longer I live, the more I am certain that the great difference between the feeble and the powerful, between the great and the insignificant is energy and invincible determination.

Now the most important question in your life will be:

WHO IS HINDERING YOUR GROWTH?

One day at a large business concern, all the employees reached the office and saw a big notice on the door on which was written:

“Yesterday the person who has been hindering your growth in this company, passed away. We invite you to join the funeral in the room that has been prepared in the gym.”

At first they all got sad for the death of one of their colleagues, but after a while they started getting curious to know who was that man who hindered the growth of his colleagues and the company itself.

The excitement in the gym was such that security agents were ordered to control the crowd within the room.

The more people reached the coffin, the more the excitement heated up.

“Who is the guy who was hindering my progress?”

“Well at least he died.”

Eventually the coffin was opened and inside the coffin was a mirror.

Everyone who looked inside it could see himself.

There was also a sign next to the mirror that read:

“There is only one person who is capable to set limits to your growth: IT IS YOU…”

You are the only person who can revolutionise your life.

You are the only person who can influence your happiness, your realisation and your success.

You are the only person who can help yourself.

Life does not change…
When your boss changes,
When your friends change,
When your parents change,
When your partner changes,
When your company changes…

Your life changes when YOU change,
When you go beyond your limiting beliefs,
When you realise that you are the only one responsible for your life.

Examine yourself, watch yourself, handle yourself well in front of others.

Don't be afraid of difficulties, impossibilities and losses.

Be a winner, build yourself and your reality.

It is not what happens to us, it is the way we choose to handle life that makes the difference.

With your academic successes doors are opening for you at this very moment. All you have to do is find them and step into the future.

I wish you all the best for the future.

Thank you

You can look at more photos of the graduation by clicking on the link below.

link:

Graduation photos'

Malwande Ngobese - ICDL superstar

john — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 12:07:19 +0000

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Malwande Ngobese offers some insight into studying at Computer Skills for Africa. His results have been astounding.

In this interview we asked Malwande to answer some questions about Computer Skills for Africa (cs4a). He graciously obliged.

What were the obstacles that would have prevented you from attending ICDL Formula 6?

The only obstacle that would have prevented me from attending ICDL Formula 6 was that cs4a was very hard to find. In my opinion cs4a is not well located and therefore not many people know about it. Besides the location, cs4a is also not well marketed, in the sense that when people talk about other schools which offer computers, they quickly acknowledge them; but with cs4a people had a hard time to acknowledge its whereabouts and even its existence even after I explained it to them and gave them directions. So, I highly recommend that cs4a invests in their advertising

What did you find out as a result of attending ICDL Formula 6?

As a result of attending ICDL Formula 6, I found that the course package met my level of requirements. At other schools they only offered managing files, using windows xp, word processing (Microsoft Word), Presentations (Microsoft PowerPoint), and Internet and email. Cs4a not only offers those which I've mentioned, but also includes basic concepts of IT, spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel), and Databases (Microsoft Access). These all fall under ICDL.

Cs4a also offers beginners courses for people who've never worked with computers, and they also offer Advanced courses for people who want to improve their skills.

What specific feature did you like most about ICDL Formula 6?

The feature that I liked about ICDL F6, is that the software is updated, which in turn provides many features which are user friendly. Other schools still use Microsoft Office/Works 2003. Cs4a has software from Office 2003 and Office 2007, and gives you the choice of using whichever one you want.

What would be three benefits about ICDL?

Cs4a has friendly and skilled educators, so as a student you improve and gain knowledge, but you also enjoy learning while you learn.
Cs4a is also accredited with the ISETT SETA, which means the level of learning is up to standard.
ICDL is an internationally recognised qualification which can be an advantage when you're looking for a job anywhere around the world.

Would you recommend ICDL Formula 6? If so why?

I recommend ICDL F6 only to those who know how to teach themselves and don't require to be taught. If you cannot teach yourself the ICDL F4 is for you: you will get taught by an educator whereas with ICDL F6 you only have the privilege of asking and educator for help if you get stuck. I also recommend ICDL F6 because it's very affordable, and its costs include a curriculum to help you study, and it also includes 7 exams, which doesn't give the student any hassles.

link:

Directions to cs4a

ICDL Formula 6

Malwande Ngobese on Facebook

How to use styles without pain

john — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 12:43:04 +0000

How to use styles without pain

I use Microsoft Word to publish our High School Curriculum. It’s great because I use a single programme to add content
and style to a document. It’s terrible because the styles are not always consistent.

To add content word wins every award you can think of. To add style Word fails miserably. If you know about Microsoft
Words’ style problems, you know pain. This document will attempt to help you through Microsoft Words’ style misery.

Create the style template

We need to create a style template so we can see how styles work in Microsoft Word. Determining what style to use is
beyond the scope of this how to. We will create a Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3, body text, numbered list, and bulleted list. Find out more about beautiful typography here.

Heading 1

Open a new blank document
Type Heading 1
Change the formatting to the following:

Century Schoolbook
48 pts
Paragraph spacing before: 0 pts
Paragraph spacing after: Auto
Left Indent: 1.59 cm

Heading 2

Type Heading 2
Change the formatting to the following:

Century Schoolbook
36 pts
Paragraph spacing before: 0 pts
Paragraph spacing after: Auto
Left indent: 1.59 cm

Heading 3

Type Heading 3
Change the formatting to the following:

Century Schoolbook
18 pts
Paragraph spacing before: Auto
Paragraph spacing after: 0 pts
Left indent: 1.59 cm

Body Text

Type lorem(1), and press enter. Word will create one paragraph of dummy text for you.
To see more information about Lorem ipsum follow this link.
Change the formatting to the following:

Calibri
10 pts
Paragraph spacing before: Auto
Paragraph spacing after: Auto
Left indent: 1.59 cm

Numbered List

We would like to make our list look like the lists prescribed here.
Words’ default behaviour with lists is to indent them. We would like to use hanging punctuation for all our lists. Mark Boulton has an excellent tutorial as to why you need to use hanging punctuation.
Type the following:
List 1
List 2
List 3
Select all and add numbering.
Change the formatting to the following:

Calibri
10 pts
Paragraph spacing before: 0 pts
Paragraph spacing after: auto
Left indent: 0.95 cm
Hanging by: 0.63 cm

Bulleted text

Use hanging punctuation again.
Type the following:
Bullet 1
Bullet 2
Bullet 3
Select all and add bullets
Change the formatting to the following:

Calibri
10 pts
Paragraph spacing before: 0 pts
Paragraph spacing after: auto
Left indent: 0.95 cm
Hanging by: 0.63 cm

Add Quick Styles to your document

Word 2007’s quick styles make it easy to
add styles to a document. Simply right click on some text and save it as a new quick style. You need to modify each style as well to include certain parameters.

A style based on the normal template will not work. You need to change the styles’ based on property or your style
will have many problems.

Add Heading 1 style

Right click on Heading 1. Paragraph styles don’t require you to select the entire paragraph.
Select Styles and then click on Save selection as new quick style…
Change the name of the quick style to Example Heading 1. You can call it anything as long as it does not yet exist.
Select Modify… We need to change some more parameters.
Change Style based on to Heading 1.
Your styles settings will change. Change the font and paragraph settings to match the settings as above. You will need to change the font effects and paragraph spacing. The style changes because we based the style on Heading 1,
and therefore will change to heading 1’s style formatting.
Click on Ok.
Repeat the steps to add the style for Heading 2, Heading 3, Body text, Numbered List, and Bulleted List.

You will need to choose Body text for your paragraph settings. Choose List for your numbered list. Choose List bullet for your bulleted list.

In this document you can create consistent formatting. Great, but how do you create a style for all documents?

Save the quick style

You can save quick styles and use them for all documents. You need to make some adjustments to your quick styles.

Right click on the quick style in the quick style gallery, and select Modify…
Select New documents based on this template.
Click on Ok.
Change all the styles.
Remove the styles you don’t want from the style gallery. Right click on the style and select Remove from Quick style gallery.
Select Change Styles and then Style Gallery.
Select Save as quick style set.
Save the style set.

Your can select your new quick style set by selecting it from the Change styles list.

Share your quick styles

Share your quick styles with your colleagues by copying the quick style you saved earlier to C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data\Microsoft\QuickStyles

Do you want to learn more?

Styles and all their wonders form part of the Zero to hero series. You can learn all about styles in the Advanced Word
course. If you enjoyed this tutorial, sign up for our newsletter for more tips and tricks. You can purchase our High School Curriculum on Word for only R125. We graciously accept credit cards through 2checkout.com.

link:

What everyone ought to know about Word - from zero to hero

Word Manual

What everyone ought to know about Access — from zero to hero

john — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:25:35 +0000

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Overcome your deep database fears.

Discover your inner database strengths.

Learn to troubleshoot database problems and improve your productivity.

Learn how to use a database with confidence. You will learn Microsoft Access by
completing this course. Become the Database Hero in your workplace.

7 Reasons you should do this course

Produce better reports with deeper data analysis.
Produce higher quality management information.
Use advanced features in table, query, form and report design.
Use macros within the database application.
Import, export and link data.
Valuable statement of mastery of computer skills.
Increase your prospects for employment or promotion.

Costs

The course usually costs R2800, but if you sign up this yeare we will give you R300 off.
Giving you the opportunity to become a PowerPoint hero for only R2500.

What everyone ought to know about Access — from zero to hero

john — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:24:28 +0000

Overcome your deep database fears.

Discover your inner database strengths.

Learn to troubleshoot database problems and improve your productivity.

Learn how to use a database with confidence. You will learn Microsoft Access by
completing this course. Become the Database Hero in your workplace.

7 Reasons you should do this course

Produce better reports with deeper data analysis.
Produce higher quality management information.
Use advanced features in table, query, form and report design.
Use macros within the database application.
Import, export and link data.
Valuable statement of mastery of computer skills.
Increase your prospects for employment or promotion.

Costs

The course usually costs R2800, but if you sign up this yeare we will give you R300 off.
Giving you the opportunity to become a PowerPoint hero for only R2500.

What everyone ought to know about Word — from zero to hero

john — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:09:20 +0000

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Would you like to make your word processing documents more professional?

Learn how to use Microsoft Word like an office hero with our specially designed course. You
will learn the basics of Microsoft Word and then move on to advanced word processing as
outlined in the Advanced ICDL. International certification included.

7 Reasons you should do this course

Create and Manage large, complex word processing projects.
Illustrate sophisticated typographical, formatting and layout presentations, including tables, forms, and
graphics.
Use tools such as Macros
Work effectively on large collaborative projects.
Carry out more advanced mail merge operations.
Valuable statement of mastery of computer skills.
Increase your prospects for employment or promotion.

Costs

The course usually costs R2800, but if you sign up this yeare we will give you R300 off.
Giving you the opportunity to become a PowerPoint hero for only R2500.

link:

What everyone ought to know about PowerPoint - from zero to hero

What everyone ought to know about Excel - from zero to hero

ICDL Advanced

What everyone ought to know about Excel — from zero to hero

john — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:15:33 +0000

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Do you want to save time by using a spreadsheet?

Do you like solving problems?

Register for zero to hero excel and learn everything you need to know about using Microsoft
Excel. Become the office hero and help solve other peoples problems.

Students who register for Zero to hero will learn the basics of Excel and then proceed with the
Advanced ICDL course for Excel.

7 Reasons you should do this course

Produce higher quality information.
Pinpoint key information quicker and more easily.
Provide more sharply-defined analysis.
Produce more sophisticated reports.
Use advanced editing, data handling, functions and analysis features.
Use macros within the spreadsheet application.
Increase your prospects for employment or promotion.

Costs

The course usually costs R2800. From January 1 2010 we will offer you the chance to becom
a spreadsheet superstar for only R2500.

link:

What everyone ought to know about PowerPoint - from zero to hero

Youngest ICDL Expert in South Africa

Advanced ICDL