Information TechnologyBTE363/364

Changes in Curriculum• Courses have evolved from emphasis

on “how to” and hands-on to understanding concepts & ways to use technology to solve problems

Question of Tool or Content• Information technology can be viewed

as either• Examples???

High School Curriculum• NBEA National Standards emphasize

information technology as a tool• Courses include

– Keyboarding and document formatting– Computer applications– Advanced applications classes in

• Desktop publishing• Database management• Web page design• Programming• Networking• Systems management

College Curriculum• Courses may have different titles• Content tends to be similar

– Mix of information technology (software skills) & management information systems (conceptual knowledge)

Industry Certification• Software vendors offer certification

programs & “partnership” agreement with private training firms & schools

• Certification is based completion of courses and/or experiential work and passing examinations

• Web sites outline the requirements for certification and provide help

Strategies for Teaching• Vary among course & content• Emphasize critical thinking• Aid student in developing higher order

thinking & skills• Foster the ability to work cooperatively

with others

Generic Strategies• Specify objectives• Explore possible uses of software• Demonstrate features• Sequence instruction from simple to complex• Troubleshoot problems with students• Emphasize software has multiple ways to accomplish

same task• Use tutorials after a brief introduction• Use a variety of assessment tools• Prepare & use self-timed PowerPoint quizzes• Integrate examples from other disciplines & courses• Have alternative plans in case of technology failure• Use small group & cooperative learning; make group

heterogeneous

Word Processing• Emphasize terminology• Use case problems & constructivist approach

(problem solving)• Give a sample document & have students

replicate it• Require students to revise a document that

uses communication skills, proofreading, & computer skills

• Have students use word processing software to complete written assignments

• Use fill-in the blank assignments for terms & concepts

Spreadsheet Software• Beginning instruction should concentrate on applications

students are familiar with• Encourage students to use Help files• Cluster concepts such as cell formatting & number display• Have students plan & sketch out final product; anticipate

results of calculations• Explain formulas• Require students to use formulas & absolute values• Discuss other ways to solve problem using spreadsheet• Develop applications that draw from other areas of study• Have students duplicate tables from business magazines

or newspapers• Illustrate importance of proper scaling & data ranges using

examples• Integrate charts & graphs into word processing documents

or presentations

Database• If database software is not available, use table

feature of spreadsheets to teach concepts• Illustrate how data is handled manually• Explain how computers store data• Invite guest speakers such as database

administrators & take field trips• Integrate Internet• Use student information to create common database

table• Let students use car advertisements, sports data, etc.

to create a database• Use library search systems for illustrations

Graphics & Presentation Graphics• Start out with simple draw/paint software such

as Microsoft Paint• Teach students about file size• Teach students how to use the slide master

feature in PowerPoint• Use the Internet to find tips on multimedia

presentations• Discuss importance of intended audience• Use groups to develop a presentation• Teach students how to hyperlink

Internet Software• Develop business questions for students to

answer using the Internet• Use online financial calculators in a finance

class• Have students track stock prices• Have students access regional stock

markets, foreign companies, & governments• Compare company websites• Develop criteria for what makes a good

website• Discuss HTML using browser’s view codes• Develop unit on Internet maintenance

Desktop Publishing• Students must learn terms, concepts & problems

solving related to publishing & printing• Have students imports special characters as graphics• Have students use Word Art and autoshapes• Have students use the Windows Paint accessory• Have students use scanning software & photo editing• Have students create business forms• Teach flyers, business cards, letterhead, certificates,

logos, posters, nametags, etc.• Invite guest speakers; take field trips• Be flexible; allow students to do projects that interest

them

Web Design• Create units that emphasize concepts or

applications such as recording & editing sound, working with still & motion graphics, etc.

• Have students create different types of web sites

• Set up a website for a student organization• Have groups “beta” test other group’s website• Use online help to determine scripting

needed for some advanced tasks (hit counters, site searches, scrollable text, etc.)

Computer Networking• Use older machines for students to

cable & network 2 or more machines • Visit a company with a LAN• Invite speakers• Use the Internet to find available

hardware & software• Have students develop a proposal for a

LAN

Multimedia• Break class down into smaller units• Develop situation cards and use them for

small group brainstorming• Use a major project to bring small units

together• Encourage students to create separate

folders for each project to avoid linking problems

• Take advantage of shareware• Have students work in small groups• Take advantage of online help & other self-

directed software aids

The End!