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Business communication systems have many important aspects. These include the nature of business information, the proficiency with which technology is used to manage information, the interpersonal skills required to effectively share and present information, and the privacy of information and standards of conduct associated with holding and seeking information. Competency in these areas remains high on the list of employability skills and is very important in obtaining and keeping jobs.
Business Computer Applications 11 lends itself to a global approach to business communication including technological applications and presentation skills. The course provides students with opportunities to find a program stream in which they can best use their strengths.
Teachers may consider Business Computer Applications 11 as a foundation course in which to develop and assess skills in keyboarding, word processing, use of spreadsheets and databases, desktop publishing, communication, and presentation (e.g., oral, written, desktop, multimedia).
In Grade 12, students are offered two streams of business computer applications. Business Information Management 12 focusses on proficiency in the application of industry-standard word processing and desktop publishing software; Data Management 12 addresses proficiency with advanced spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.
All business communication systems courses will include instruction in the use of electronic communications.
Organizers used to cluster learning outcomes within the business communications courses are as follows:
Competency in both keyboarding and formatting is essential in order to operate a computer efficiently and productively. Students continue to develop touch-keyboarding methods while completing documents with correct formatting and set-up styles. Mail merge, importing, tables, fonts, and many other features are also covered. The prescribed learning outcomes include:
Effective business communication requires skills and competencies in reading technical information, writing, speaking, and listening; understanding non-verbal communication; and generating and using electronically stored and transmitted information. Students learn to use clear, unambiguous language suited to both the listener and the workplace. The prescribed learning outcomes emphasize:
Students need to develop skills that can be used in either a business or a personal setting. Students learn how to compose a variety of documents and how to present attractive, well-organized reports. The prescribed learning outcomes emphasize:
The ability to research, plan, develop, and present oral or written reports is essential for success in today's workplace. Students learn proper etiquette for sending written communications such as faxes or e-mail messages; how to communicate correctly and politely with others in person or when using the telephone for one-to-one or teleconference calls; and how to prepare and present business products to potential clientele using a variety of multimedia tools. The prescribed learning outcomes emphasize:
Leadership and teamwork are the means through which an individual contributes personally to his or her work. Based on the needs of the workplace, students choose and use appropriate software for completing given tasks or projects. They learn technical skills, self-esteem, personal management, and teamwork skills through the process of initiating, planning, and implementing these projects. The prescribed learning outcomes emphasize:
Business Computer Applications 11 includes aspects of three previous provincially approved courses: Keyboarding 11, Information Management 11, and Data Processing 11. In this course, students develop keyboarding proficiency while working with a wide range of software related to business. Students can build on their experiences in this course by taking Business Information Management 12 and/or Data Management 12. In all three courses, teachers are encouraged to create a problem-solving, learning environment that is conducive to critical and creative thinking.
It is recommended that, before starting Business Computer Applications 11, teachers assess students' keyboarding skills and, together with students on an individual basis, determine keyboarding objectives for the duration of the course and beyond, where appropriate. If students are collectively at a very low level in keyboarding proficiency, schools may wish to offer a Grade 9 or Grade 10 course emphasizing touch keyboarding based on the Business Education 8 to 10 Integrated Resource Package. A locally developed course at the Grade 11 level may also serve this purpose.
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Revised: October 8, 1998
