1. Information Technology
BTE363/364

2. Changes in Curriculum
• Courses have evolved from emphasis
on “how to” and hands-on to
understanding concepts & ways to use
technology to solve problems

3. Question of Tool or Content
• Information technology can be viewed
as either
• Examples???

4. High School Curriculum
• NBEA National Standards emphasize
information technology as a tool
• Courses include
– Keyboarding and document formatting
– Computer applications
– Advanced applications classes in
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Desktop publishing
Database management
Web page design
Programming
Networking
Systems management

5. College Curriculum
• Courses may have different titles
• Content tends to be similar
– Mix of information technology (software
skills) & management information systems
(conceptual knowledge)

6. 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

7. 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

8. Generic Strategies
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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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.)

16. 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

17. 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 selfdirected software aids

18. The End!