Suggested Objective a: Examine School Handbook, the Technology Acceptable Use Policy, and Other Safety Procedures for Building Level Situations

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.

Lab procedures & guidelines revised.docx

Suggested Objective b: Preview Course Outline and Its Relevance in Today's Workforce

Information and Communication Technology I (ICT I) is an innovative instructional program that prepares students to effectively use technology in learning, communication, and life. Students in Information and Communication Technology I complete study in interpersonal and self-directional skills, basic technology operation and technology concepts, ethical issues in technology, keyboarding, technology communication tools, technology resource tools, multimedia presentation applications, word processing applications, and social media.

Unit Number	Unit Name
1	Orientation, Ethics, and Internet Tools
2	21^st Century Learner Toolbox
3	Computing Fundamentals and Operating Systems
4	Keyboarding
5	Word Processing
6	Multimedia Presentations
7	Social Media

Introduction

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is an instructional program that prepares individuals to effectively use technology in learning, communication, and life skills. The complete program is composed of two courses, ICT I and ICT II. In ICT I, students will gain experience in word processing, career exploration, and effective use of social media. These foundational skills will not only prepare students for ICT II but it will also provide them with the basic tools for becoming successful in the future workforce. 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
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).

Curriculum

The following national standards were referenced in 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)

Based on the previous information, the ICT I curriculum will be filled with opportunities to develop workforce skills. Widely used teaching strategies such as cooperative learning, problem-based learning, and demonstration will also be included. These will help to prepare students for the hands-on environment they will likely experience upon entering the workforce. The curriculum document will be updated regularly to reflect the needs of the information and communication technology workforce.

Suggested Objective c: Recognize Appropriate Safety Measures Related to Technology in the 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

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.

U1_C1_Computer_Safety_and_Care.ppt

LAB Rules.pptx

Computer Safety and Care.doc

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

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:

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Architecture and Construction

Arts, A/V Technology and Communications

Business Mangement and Administration

Education and Training

Finance

Government and Public Administration

Health Science

Hospitality and Tourism

Human Services

Information Technology

Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Manufacturing

Marketing

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

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

CEV Multimedia: Introduction to Career Clusters DVD Lesson Preview

Introduction to Career Clusters

Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Career Cluster

Architecture and Construction Career Cluster

Arts, AV Technology, and Communication Career Cluster

Business Mangement and Administration Career Cluster

Education and Training Career Cluster

Finance Career Cluster

Government and Public Administration Career Cluster

Health Science Career Cluster

Hospitality and Tourism Career Cluster

Human Services Career Cluster

Information Technology Career Cluster

Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security Career Cluster

Manufacturing Career Cluster

Marketing Career Cluster

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Career Cluster

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics Career Cluster

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.

PathwaysBooklet.pdf