Fundamentals of Technology

Course Syllabus

Business and Computer Technology 9-12

Rationale and Course Description

This course introduces students to the basic skills, principles, techniques, technology, and attitudes necessary for success in today’s fast-paced, international business world. The integration of state-of-the-art personal computing and business skills is integrated throughout the program. Students receive comprehensive training in the Core business skills such as computer awareness, Internet research, communication, presentation skills, human relations, customer service, global economy, job application and interview, operating systems, windows environment (GUI), Internet fundamentals, and local area network to solve business applications involving word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, desktop publishing, multimedia, presentations, and other skills needed by successful business professionals. The content in this course aligns to the Business & Information Technology Core Skills Standard list. This course may be certified to meet the computer science credit listed in the current college entrance requirements.

How will students learn?

Students are expected to meet all of the course goals listed and be able to demonstrate their understanding of the underlying concepts. The instruction will be conducted through the use of various instructional strategies including lecture, textbooks, handouts, hands-on exercises using manipulatives, collaborative learning groups, “Being There” experiences, service learning projects, leadership activities, and special projects assigned by the instructor. Students will work independently and in teams to enable them to learn how to complete projects by themselves and as a team member. Assignments will require students to draw upon academic skills in reading, writing, and math.

Content Outline

Students will learn how to:

Understand computers
Use operating systems
Perform application maintenance
Perform fundamental business applications
Troubleshoot personal computers
Use connectivity software to perform business related tasks as an end-user
Apply communication strategies necessary and appropriate for effective business relations
Demonstrate basic academic skills for employees in business
Use the principles of planning, management, and organization
Demonstrate knowledge of leadership
Discuss global economy
Complete an employment process

How will students be assessed?

Students will be assessed through projects, daily work, tests, quizzes, time management, and attendance.

Major Projects/Products

Students will be expected to:

Demonstrate knowledge of safety in the workplace
Work through the “Practical PC” textbook
Complete “Keep it Short and Simple” Project
Complete “Working in a Global Economy” Project
Complete “Take This Job and Love It” Project
Complete “Time Management Planner”
Complete a job shadowing activity
Complete a student portfolio for employment
Participate in leadership activities through business student organization

Learning Resources

Students will use the Practical PC textbook, Basic Letter and Memo Writing textbook, Internet, OKCIS software, and various other resources in this course.

Grading Policy

Make-Up Work Policy

Use principles of planning, management and organization.
1.1	Perform fundamentals of operating systems.
1.2	Practice time management and follow work schedule.
1.3	Identify and implement planning tools.

Identify, plan, and prepare for a future career.
3.1	Complete an employment process.
3.2	Compare and evaluate careers and training opportunities.

Apply professional customer service and communication skills.
5.1	Apply business and work ethics.
5.2	Demonstrate professional interpersonal skills.
5.3	Practice awareness of safety and security measures.

Demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.
6.1	Perform the fundamentals of work processing software.
6.2	Perform the fundamentals of spreadsheet software.
6.3	Perform the fundamentals of database software.
6.4	Perform the fundamentals of presentation software.
6.5	Perform the fundamentals of operating software.
6.6	Perform the fundamentals of graphics software.
6.7	Troubleshoot and maintain personal computers.
6.8	Use basic terminology common in the computer and computer networks.

Unit Title:	Suggested Length:
Business Communication and Customer Service	2 weeks
Standard & Benchmarks:
Business and Computer Technology 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 6.1
Content:
Students will acquire knowledge about various business documents used in the world of work and customer service skills needed.
Suggested Student Performance/Product:
Students will produce necessary documents for several business situations such as memos, good news letters, bad news letters, letters of inquiry, and persuasive letters. Customer service skills will be incorporated in to each of the documents.
Suggested Resources:
KISS Project (available on BlackBoard site), Basic Letter and Memo Writing Textbook, and Internet
Pre-AP Extensions:

Standards and Benchmarks

Standard 1

Standard 2

Standard 5

Standard 6

Content Outline

Course Syllabus

Pacing Calendar

Demonstrate knowledge of leadership.
2.1	Demonstrate awareness and skills of being an effective team member.

Demonstrate knowledge of finance and commerce in a global economy.
4.1	Use a spreadsheet software to perform financial document.

Unit Title:	Suggested Length:
Employment Process	9 weeks
Standard & Benchmarks:
Business and Computer Technology 3.1, 3.2, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, and 6.6
Content:
Students will evaluate various careers and aspects of applying for jobs in those careers.
Suggested Student Performance/Product:
Students will compose a report and/or presentation on the career of their choice after researching careers, interests, and aptitudes. Based upon the chosen career, students will prepare necessary documents and portfolio to apply for positions in that career area. Students will participate in mock interviews during this unit as well.
Suggested Resources:
OKCIS software and Internet
Pre-AP Extensions:

Unit Title:	Suggested Length:
Global Economy	6 weeks
Standard & Benchmarks:
Business and Computer Technology 4.1
Content:
Students will demonstrate knowledge of finance and commerce in a global economy.
Suggested Student Performance/Product:
Students will research doing business in an international market through the “Working in a Global Economy” team project.
Suggested Resources:
“Working in a Global Economy” project (Available on BlackBoard site), Internet, and Basic Letter and Memo Writing Textbook
Pre-AP Extensions:

Unit Title:	Suggested Length:
Introduction to Computers	1 Semester
Standard & Benchmarks:
Business and Computer Technology 1.1, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, and 6.8
Content:
Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic computer terminology, hardware, and software needed in the business world.
Suggested Student Performance/Product:
Students will successfully complete the Practical PC textbook including quick checks, quizzes, and tests.
Suggested Resources:
Practical PC Textbook and Internet
Pre-AP Extensions:

Unit Title:	Suggested Length:
Leadership Development	1 semester (integrated in to curriculum)
Standard & Benchmarks:
Business and Computer Technology 2.1
Content:
Students will demonstrate leadership skills by participating in the business student organization.
Suggested Student Performance/Product:
Students will participate in local installation ceremony, fall and spring leadership conferences, and state and national competitions. Students will also participate in various service learning projects throughout the school year.
Suggested Resources:
Internet and Business Professionals of America publications (event guidelines, conducting ceremonies handbook, special recognition guidelines, etc.)
Pre-AP Extensions:

Unit Title:	Suggested Length:
Safety in the Workplace	1 week
Standard & Benchmarks:
Business and Computer Technology 5.4 and 6.7
Content:
Students will demonstrate knowledge of workplace safety.
Suggested Student Performance/Product:
Students will pass Safety test as mandated by State Department of CareerTech with 100% accuracy.
Suggested Resources:
Safety Exam (available on BlackBoard site), Internet, OSHA regulations, and TPS safety regulations
Pre-AP Extensions:

Unit Title:	Suggested Length:
Time Management	1 Semester (integrated in with curriculum)
Standard & Benchmarks:
Business and Computer Technology 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3
Content:
Students will demonstrate time management and organizational skills by completing various tasks offered through a time management planner.
Suggested Student Performance/Product:
Students will accumulate points based on their chosen activities from the time management planner.
Suggested Resources:
Time Management Planner and Internet
Pre-AP Extensions:

Standard 1: Use principles of planning, management, and organization.
1.1	Perform fundamentals of operating systems.
Standard 3: Identify, plan, and prepare for a future career.
3.2	Compare and evaluate careers and training opportunities.
Standard 5: Apply professional customer service and communication skills.
5.3	Practice awareness of safety and security measures.
Standard 6: Demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.
6.1	Perform the fundamentals of work processing software.
6.5	Perform the fundamentals of operating software.
6.7	Troubleshoot and maintain personal computers.

Standard 2: Demonstrate knowledge of leadership.
2.1	Demonstrate awareness and skills of being an effective team member.
Standard 5: Apply professional customer service and communication skills.
5.1	Apply business and work ethics.
Standard 6: Demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.
6.2	Perform the fundamentals of spreadsheet software.
6.6	Perform the fundamentals of graphics software.