Business Computer Applications 11 - Technology Applications

PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is expected that students will:

• compare and use electronic and non-electronic information resources and tools to solve business problems and accomplish business objectives
• select and apply electronic communications, word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, and presentation software to complete business tasks
• demonstrate effective use of web sites for personal and business use
• apply appropriate techniques when sending e-mail messages
• demonstrate the ethical use of software, the Internet, and other electronic communications
• assess both the value and limitations of computers and related technology
• analyse ethical and legal issues associated with computers and related technology

SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES

• Assign each student an e-mail address. Then have students use the Internet to compile a variety of distribution lists based on different criteria (e.g., interest in model railroading, membership in a professional society).
• Invite the class to establish a model business-assistance company that offers word processing, data processing, and desktop publishing services. Have students choose appropriate software and develop a system to complete jobs efficiently. Challenge them to promote their services, including investigating how the Internet might be used, and to complete several business tasks for clients.
• Give the class a very small budget for a business and ask them to research and list the costs of essential office equipment. Then hold a class discussion to decide which equipment should be considered a purchasing priority. As well, discuss which tasks could be accomplished manually.
• Ask students to locate and read a variety of printed and electronic articles that deal with ethical and legal issues related to computer use. Suggest that they keep journals of the articles they find, comparing electronic with printed sources. Have students summarize the articles and use desktop publishing software to publish a newsletter on computer ethics and the law.
• Have students examine the role of law and ethics as applied to the use of electronic business communi- cations. Present students with case studies and have them explain and evaluate behaviours identified in the studies.

SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

• Observe as students use software to produce documents. Record evidence that they:
  • select software appropriate for the task
  • use the software with facility
  • identify shortcuts within the software
  • seek assistance when needed (peer, teacher, manual, help function)
• Invite students to develop criteria to evaluate software for purchase (e.g., ease of use, compatibility with other applications, ease and availability of training, documentation, cost, "upgradability," convenient help function). Have students use the criteria to evaluate one word processing, one database, and one spreadsheet program and then compare these to an integrated package.
• Observe students as they work at computer workstations. Look for evidence that they:
  • label, store, access, back up, and use files and disks appropriately
  • create and use appropriate filenames and directories to organize information in a logical way
  • manage time effectively
  • demonstrate awareness of ethical, legal, and security measures in handling software and hardware (copyright, privacy, confidentiality)
  • respond to problems and accept responsibility for finding solutions
• As students participate in business meeting simulations, note the extent to which they:
  • observe appropriate meeting conduct (e.g., speaking in turn, following the agenda)
  • present relevant information clearly and professionally
  • listen actively to others
  • ask questions to clarify others' ideas and suggestions

• Desktop Publishing Practical Exercises, Second Edition
• Exploring Desktop Publishing: A Projects Approach
• Pitman Office Handbook, Third Edition

• Target Marketing? Bullseye!

• Business Desktop Publishing Applications
• Database Applications, Third Edition
• Desktop Publishing Activities
• Excursions International: A Computer Applications Simulation, Third Edition
• A Guide to Microsoft Office 97 Professional for Windows 95

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