Information Technology

BTE363/364
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 browsers 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 groups 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!