Unit 1 Competency 1 - Identify school policies, program policies, and safety procedures related to Information and Communication Technology II (ICT II).

Suggested Objective a:  Preview school handbook, the technology acceptable use policy, and other safety procedures for building level

There are many rules and procedures that are to be followed in the ICT computer lab.  We will discuss school handbook, specific classroom lab procedures for this course, and some safety procedures that are school wide.  School wide safety procedures include fire and tornado drills. Click the link to open a Word document of procedures and guidelines we will follow.  Feel free to make notes as we discuss each item.

  Download Lab procedures & guidelines revised.docx

 

COMPUTER LAB RULES:

 

1. Follow all directions given and bring necessary supplies to class.
2. Bringing food (gum and candy), drinks, or computer disks into the lab is not allowed.
3. Do not "roll" around the classroom or "spin" in their chairs.  Adjust your chair only once during the class period.  Do not lean back in the chairs.
4. No personal grooming is allowed in the computer lab.
5. Talking or keyboarding while the instructor is talking is not allowed.  Raise hand for permission to speak.
6. Cheating of any type will not be tolerated and will result with a "0" grade.
7. Keep the floor area around your work station clear.  Notebooks and purses must be kept in assigned area.
8.

Do not engage in "practical jokes" in the classroom.
9. Take proper care of the equipment assigned to you.
10. Check your station upon arrival and report any equipment malfunction or irregularity to the instructor immediately.
11. Work only on assigned tasks unless otherwise approved by instructor.

 

Suggested Objective b: Preview course outline and its relevance in today's workforce

Information and Communication Technology II (ICT II) is an innovative instructional program that prepares students to effectively use technology in learning, communication, and life. Students in Information and Communication Technology II complete study in interpersonal and self-directional skills, basic technology operation and technology concepts, ethical issues in technology, technology communication tools, lab management and networking, financial literacy, spreadsheet applications, database applications, design applications, graphic design applications, web design applications, and career preparation. 

 

Unit Number  Unit Name
1 Orientation, Ethics, and Keyboarding Continuation (ongoing) 
2 Lab Management and Networking 
3 Financial Literacy 
4 Spreadsheet Applications
5 Database Applications
6 Design Applications
7 Graphic Design Applications 
8 Web Design Applications 
9

Career Preparation*

 *To be taught any time during the year in association with the next year’s course selection

 

Introduction

Information and Communication Technology II (ICT II) is an instructional program that prepares individuals to effectively use technology in learning, communication, and life skills. In ICT II, students will build upon the skills they learned in ICT I and expand them to applications such as spreadsheets, databases, graphic design, and web design. Upon completion of the two year ICT program, students will have the competencies needed to complete the Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) certification.  The IC3 is a global, standards-based certification program for basic computing and Internet literacy. The IC3 Program consists of integrated assessment and learning experiences that culminate in certification. The certification helps participants learn and demonstrate computer and Internet literacy through a worldwide industry standard. To become IC3 certified, one must pass the following three exams: (a) Computing Fundamentals, (b) Key Applications, and (c) Living Online (Microsoft Certification, 2005).

Needs of the Future Workforce

The information and communication technology industry is a rapidly growing and ever-changing field. Students will learn basic skills that will serve as the foundation of their knowledge. The workforce will require them to use these skills and adapt them to various specialties. As seen in Table 1.1, the information and communication technology workforce is equally competitive as it is abundant in opportunities for upward mobility (MDES, 2013).

Table 1.1: Current and Projected Occupation Report

Description

Jobs, 2008

Projected Jobs, 2018

Change (Number)

Change (Percent)

Average Hourly Earning

Computer Operators

990

860

-130

-13.1

$17.60

Computer Programmers

1,380

1,340

-40

-2.9

$26.51

Computer and Information Systems Managers

1,130

1,340

210

18.6

$38.49

Data Entry

1,840

1,740

-100

-5.4

$11.69

Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants

6,650

7,640

990

14.9

$18.17

First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Office and Administrative Support Workers

12,250

14,010

1,760

14.4

$21.56

General and Operations Managers

15,650

16,160

510

3.3

$45.82

Graphic Designers

1,230

1,360

130

10.6

$16.86

Word Processors and Typists

730

720

-10

-1.4

$12.68

Source: Mississippi Department of Employment Security; www.mdes.ms.gov (accessed February 18, 2013).

 

The following national standards were referenced in each course of the curriculum:

  • 21st Century Skills and Information and Communication Technologies Literacy Standards
  • Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
  • National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S)

 

Suggested Objective c:  Recognize appropriate safety measures in relation to technology in the computer lab and Internet usage

 

Computer Lab

It is important to maintain safety in a computer lab.  This safety applies to people as well as to the computers.  Click the link below to visit the GCF Learn Free website to learn more about computer safety and maintenance.  Many pages have videos or other activities to complete.

Computer Basics - Computer Safety and Maintenance Links to an external site.

  • Page 1 of the GCF page discusses the importance of keeping the computer clean.  Five tips are provided for cleaning the keyboard. Be sure to watch the video on page 1. 
  • Page 2 discusses cleaning the mouse. Four steps for cleaning a mouse are provided.  Look closely at the pictures.
  • Page 3 demonstrates how to clean the monitor.  There are three important steps in cleaning a monitor.  The most important thing to remember is never to spray glass cleaner or other liquid on the monitor!
  • Page 4 provides tips for cleaning other computer surfaces and the importance of keeping the computer cool.
  • Page 5 has information for protecting the computer from viruses and other "bad" software.  Click the links to learn more about protecting the computer from internal threats.
  • Pages 6 and 7 have information for backing up the computer and all information stored on the drives.  Make sure that you save your work.  You do not want to redo work.
  • Page 8 warns of the importance of creating a safe workspace.  Watch the video on this page.  Even sitting incorrectly at a computer can cause injury!
  • Page 9 asks questions to help you recall important points for computer safety and maintenance.  If you do not know the answer to a question on this page, look back in the section to refresh yourself on what was stated.  It is imperative that you understand the importance of safety and maintenance in the computer lab.

Look at the PowerPoint and Word documents below.  They contain information for computer safety and maintenance expectations as well.  You will be tested on the information.  Learn it well!  You MUST earn a 100 on the safety quiz before you can proceed with the course.

Download Computer_Safety_and_Care.ppt

Download LAB Rules.pptx

Download Computer Safety and Care.doc

Download Class Lab Rules.docx

 

(The first PowerPoint and Word documents are provided by Mary Dunaway.  The second PowerPoint and Word documents are provided by Dianna Gallagher.)

  

Suggested Objective d:  Provide an overview of career pathways and careers related to each pathway

 

Crosshairs - Career

There are 16 national career clusters.  As you investigate each of the clusters as given below by clicking on their respective links, notice the many files that can be opened and examined for more information on careers in the cluster.   Take time to explore each closely.  The 16 clusters are as follows:

  1. Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Links to an external site.
  2. Architecture and Construction Links to an external site.
  3. Arts, A/V Technology and Communications Links to an external site.
  4. Business Mangement and Administration Links to an external site.
  5. Education and Training Links to an external site.
  6. Finance Links to an external site.
  7. Government and Public Administration Links to an external site.
  8. Health Science Links to an external site.
  9. Hospitality and Tourism Links to an external site.
  10. Human Services Links to an external site.
  11. Information Technology Links to an external site.
  12. Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Links to an external site.
  13. Manufacturing Links to an external site.
  14. Marketing Links to an external site.
  15. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Links to an external site.
  16. Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Links to an external site.

Look at the videos below to aid your understanding of the 16 Career Clusters.

CEV Multimedia:  Introduction to Career Clusters DVD Lesson Preview Links to an external site.

 

Introduction to Career Clusters Links to an external site.

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Architecture and Construction Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Arts, AV Technology, and Communication Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Business Mangement and Administration Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Education and Training Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Finance Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Government and Public Administration Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Health Science Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Hospitality and Tourism Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Human Services Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Information Technology Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Manufacturing Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Marketing Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Career Cluster Links to an external site.

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster Links to an external site.

The booklet below will tie all of the career clusters together for you.  This booklet includes many student organizations that are available for each of the cluster areas.  These organizations provide you an opportunity to compete in these different areas to see if the area is one you would enjoy as well as simply provide basic information.  Click the link to look at the booklet.

Download Career Pathways.pdf

Download PathwaysBooklet.pdf