BECA COURSE ONE

Technology in the Nicaraguan workplace is on the rise, and knowledge of computers and their applications is becoming a prerequisite for many employers.

BECA Course One addresses this demand and is tailored to develop practical skill sets in Keyboarding, Microsoft Word, Windows, and Internet. Offered at all of our partner schools, this introductory standardized computer course -- offered in both three-month (daily) and six-month (weekends) durations -- will be the first time many of our becados have ever sat down at a computer. Most importantly, it is the first opportunity for becados to demonstrate their commitment to education and the BECA program.

MODULE	HOURS
BECA.org	6
Career Plan	10
Keyboarding	30
Microsoft Word	30
Windows + Internet	44
Total Course Hours	120

BECA.org (6 Hours):

The BECA module teaches and trains becados on how to navigate the BECA website, how the BECA website works, and how to write their weekly blogs. This module of the course is critical for becados to understand the entirety of their scholarship, and how to connect with their sponsors throughout their journey.

Career Plan (10 Hours):

To further prepare our becados for success outside of the classroom, the Career Plan module focuses on developing individuals. The Career Plan module guides our becados through a process of self-reflection, and setting practical and achievable long-term goals that will lead to economically sustainable careers.

The Career Plan module entails discussion and training relating to:

     . Personal interests
     . Professions and Careers
     . Academic Requirements
     . Employment in Nicaragua

Keyboarding (30 Hours):

Proper typing skills lead to greater production and efficiency in the workplace. That is why BECA Course One offers students thirty hours of keyboarding instruction, which consists of theoretical discussion heavily supplemented with practice. By the end of the Keyboarding module, becados are expected to type at least 20 Words per Minute with 100% accuracy.

Microsoft Word (30 Hours):

The most widely-used word processor in the world, Microsoft Word is a program worth learning. BECA Course One teaches students the fundamentals of Microsoft Word in order to best prepare them for the professional workplace.

Some the skills becados are expected to learn in the Microsoft Word Module include:

Formatting of Fonts, Text Sizes, Styles, and Colors
Insertion of Columns, Symbols, Images, and Hyperlinks
How to copy, cut, and paste sentences, sections of text, graphs and tables
How to save documents by different names
Adjustment of margins and properties of Printing

Windows and Internet (44 Hours):

Windows can be found on nearly every pesonal computer in Nicaragua. Therefore, BECA Course One teaches becados the basics and fundamental knowledge of the operating system.

Some the skills becados are expected to learn in the Windows Module include:

Initiation, Hibernation, and Shutting Down Windows sessions
How to create, delete, and modify archives, folders, and icons
How to format, save, and burn documents / folders to discs and CD's
Modification of the Control Panel (i.e. Printer Set Up, Screen Modifications)
Management of the Explore Menu

For many of our becados, this is their first introduction to the Internet. BECA Course One teaches students what they need to access the Internet and what they can do using the Internet.

Some the skills becados are expected to learn in the Internet Module include:

How to create an email account
How to write, respond to, and forward emails
Web-site Navigation (i.e. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox)
Download Internet Files and Documents

Students who excel academically and honor their commitments during BECA Course One will be eligible to apply for BECA Intensive. Student commitments include 100% attendance, promptness, a social service project in their community, and connecting with sponsors through weekly blogs.