This learning resource list is meant to be a guide only and is by no means a complete list. The ICT Skills Self Assessment will be available to incoming SIS students in the summer before orientation.
- Basic Knowledge of Computers
- Basic Computer Tasks
- Using different types of productivity software
- Using electronic forms of communication
- Internet Skills
- Moving Files
Basic Knowledge of Computers
There are many books on basic computing at your local library or bookstore. An example is "Computer Basics Absolute Beginner's Guide ," (6th Edition) (Paperback) by Michael Miller.
You may find these electronic resources helpful:
- Basic computer hardware components and terminology
- Basic concepts and functions of an operating system
- Start up, log on, and shut down a computer system properly
- Manage the file structure of a computer
- Check for and install operating system updates
- Use Help and know how to troubleshoot routine problems
Basic Computer Tasks
- Use a mouse pointing device and keyboard
- Minimize, maximize and move windows
- Identify common types of file extensions
- Check how much space is left on a drive or other device
- Backup files
- Download and install software on a hard drive
Using different types of productivity software
Students at UT can access OIT's Computer Based Training. There are several "Getting Started" courses on basic Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, among the many hundreds of courses offered. The website In Pictures offers tutorials of many software programs using easy to follow screen shots.
UTK offers IT Acadedy training for Microsoft Office and Office 365, through the Office of Information Technology. Many libraries and community colleges also offer computer training classes. Most libraries have how-to books for using productivity software. There are several books at UT's Hodges Library on using Microsoft Office and Office 365.
- Word processing (examples: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Writer )
- Presentation (examples: PowerPoint, Prezi, Impress)
- Spreadsheet (example: Excel, Calc)
- PDF reader (example: Adobe Reader)
- Compression software (examples: WinZip, Stuffit, 7-Zip)
- Create various types of documents and save them in a desired location:
- Retrieve an existing document from a saved location
- Select, copy, and paste text in a document or desired location:
- Print a document:
- Name, rename, copy and delete files:
Using electronic forms of communication
There are many OIT Online Training Courses covering electronic communications. One course is titled Essentials of Electronic Communication. All incoming SIS students are provided with a Volmail/Outlook email account.
- Compose, send, reply and forward e-mail messages
- Add attachments to an e-mail message
- Retrieve attachments from an e-mail message
- Organize e-mail folders
- Familiarity with electronic discussion lists
Internet Skills
There are several OIT Computer Based Training Courses about using the Internet. One course is titled Internet Fundamentals.
- Set up an Internet connection and connect to the Internet
- Working knowledge of the the Internet and World Wide Web
- Use a browser effectively
- Use search engines and directories effectively to find information
- Download files and images from a Web page
- Effectively navigate the hyperlink structure of the Web
- Keep your information safe while using the Internet
Moving Files
There are many books on the subject of SSH and STFP. "SSH, the secure shell: the definitive guide," by Daniel J. Barrett and Richard E. Silverman, is an example that is available at Hodges Library.
- Purpose of Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)
- Log in and connect to a distant server using a Secure Shell client (SSH)
- Transfer files by uploading or downloading using SFTP and SSH
- Copy files from a hard disk to storage devices (example: USB drive or the Cloud) and visa versa