Information Technology Access and Skill Requirements
Effective Fall 2000
Adopted by the Robinson College of Business 11/10/99

Access Requirements

Because information technology is an integral part of business decision making, courses in the Robinson College of Business frequently incorporate assignments that require computing skills. Consistent with GSU policy (available at http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwist/studentUse.html), RCB requires students to be responsible for providing computer and Internet access for all RCB courses and programs. For a list of possible hardware and software configurations and Internet service providers, see the web page at http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwdls/require.htm.

Students may consult the GSU Student Financial Aid Office for information about possible funding opportunities for computer and Internet access expenses.

Hardware and Software Requirements

GSU has standardized on the Microsoft Office Suite in the student computer labs. For current information about hardware and software configurations, see the web page at http://www.gsu.edu/~wwwdls/require.htm.

Skill Requirements

Although students can expect to enhance their information technology skills as they work toward their degrees, the college expects all students to have certain basic skills before enrolling in any business course. These basic computing skills are defined as:

Computing Skill Prerequisite (CSP) 1, Basic Microcomputing Skills: Understand the computer and its components; turn on the computer; use command-oriented, windows-based, and LAN operating environments to accomplish tasks such as formatting floppy disks, creating and navigating through directories and subdirectories, creating and deleting files, copying and renaming files, using help screens, loading application software, exiting from application programs and operating environments in an orderly manner, and using appropriate measures to check for and prevent the spread of computer viruses.

When courses require additional computing skills, these Computing Skill Prerequisites (CSPs) are listed by number in the catalog with the course description. Students are expected to acquire the required computing skills through whatever means they deem most appropriate before enrolling in a course. The GSU Information Systems & Technology (IS&T) University Educational Training Services (UETS) offers basic and intermediate classes regularly (some free and some for a fee) and has self-paced tutorials. The UETS course schedule is available at http://uets.gsu.edu/training/schedule.html (404-651-2686). Instruction is also available through commercial training and through printed and tutorial programs, including those furnished by software companies. GSU's Division of Continuing Education offers courses for modest fees (http://www.theexplorer.org, 404-651-3456).

The CSPs listed in the catalog for a particular course are required for all sections of the course. Students can be tested for CSP expertise as listed in the catalog for individual courses; students found to have insufficient CSP expertise can be disenrolled from the course. Individual instructors may require additional CSPs beyond those published in the catalog by announcing the requirments on the syllabus and providing guidance or instruction for students as to how they can acquire the additional skills. The following table defines the skills incorporated in each CSP.

Computer Skills Prerequisites (CSPs)

CSP

Skills

CSP 1

Basic Microcomputing Skills

 Understand the computer and its components; turn on the computer; use command-oriented, windows-based, and LAN operating environments to accomplish tasks such as formatting floppy disks, creating and navigating through directories and subdirectories, creating and deleting files, copying and renaming files, using help screens, loading application software, exiting from application programs and operating environments in an orderly manner, and using appropriate measures to check for and prevent the spread of computer viruses.
CSP 2

Basic Microcomputing Spreadsheet Skills		 Load the spreadsheet software; create, organize, and navigate through spreadsheets; format the spreadsheet or a block of cells; enter and edit formulas, values, and text; copy, move, and protect cells; insert and delete columns and rows; save and retrieve files; and print spreadsheets; use financial, statistical, and mathematical functions; create and print charts and graphs, create data tables, invoke existing macros, and use help screens.
CSP 3

Advanced Microcomputer Spreadsheet Skills		 Use advanced spreadsheet features such as database commands and functions; create macros; create menu systems and develop customized applications.
CSP 4

Basic Microcomputer Database Skills		 Load database software, create databases; enter and edit data; add and delete records; list, query, and generate reports using the database; use help screens.
CSP 5

Advanced Microcomputer Database Skills		 Link databases through keys; create input screens; develop customized applications.
CSP 6

Word Processing Skills		 Load the word processing software; create, format, edit, and save documents; copy and move text; adjust margins, indents, and line space; adjust fonts and styles; import tables and graphs from spreadsheet applications; use spell-checking, and use help screens.
CSP 7

Basic Internet Usage		 Send and receive e-mail messages including attachments of files; transfer files with FTP, compress and uncompress files with utility programs; use search engines to locate documents and find information on the web; navigate the web with a browser including copying/pasting/saving web information; download and set up web browser plug-in programs such as electronic document readers and audio/video players; use web-based clients such as library catalog systems to find specific information
CSP 8

Advanced Internet Usage		 Create formatted html pages with tags including links within and between pages; publish pages to a web site; create image files and embed them in html pages.