Information Technology

Principles of Information Technology 

Principles of Information Technology prepares students to succeed in the workplace. Students begin by establishing an awareness of the roles essential to an organization's success, and then work to develop an understanding of professional communications and leadership skills. In doing so, students gain proficiency with word processing, email, and presentation management software. Students will also be able to demonstrate digital literacy through basic study of computer hardware, operating systems, networking, the Internet, spreadsheets, and database software. 

This course allows students to explore careers in information technology and business while learning skills applicable to any professional setting. Through a series of simulation software, students will create, analyze, and critique reports, letters, project plans, presentations, and other professional communications. Students will learn what to expect in the field of Information Technology and begin exploring career options in the field. Regular engagement in active learning ensures students can continually refine the skills necessary to prepare them for work. In addition, students will evaluate the qualifications required for specific careers so they can identify opportunities that are of interest to them. 

Principles of Information Technology is a full-year introductory Career and Technical Education course applicable to programs of study in business, management and administration, information technology, and other career clusters. Students who successfully complete the course will be prepared to pursue the Microsoft® Office Specialist certifications in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint*. 

*Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. 

TEKS (What you learn)

1. The student demonstrates professional standards/employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to identify and demonstrate work behaviors and qualities that enhance employability and job advancement such as regular attendance, attention to proper attire, maintenance of a clean and safe work environment, pride in work, flexibility, and initiative.

2. The student identifies various employment opportunities in the IT field. The student is expected to research careers of personal interest along with the education, job skills, and experience required to achieve personal career goals; and describe the functions of resumes and portfolios.

3. The student uses evolving and emerging technologies to exchange information. The student is expected to send and receive text information and file attachments using electronic methods such as email, electronic bulletin boards, and instant message services; and explain issues concerning computer-based threats such as computer viruses, malware, and hacking; and explain issues concerning Internet safety such as identity theft, online predators, cyber-bullying, and phishing. 

4. The student demonstrates knowledge of the hardware components associated with information systems. The student is expected to identify major hardware components and their functions; use available reference tools as appropriate; and connect and use a variety of peripheral devices such as mouse, keyboard, microphone, digital camera, and printer.

5. The student demonstrates knowledge of the different software associated with information systems. The student is expected to differentiate between systems and application software; explain the purpose of file types across software products; and apply proper file management techniques such as creating, naming, organizing, copying, moving, and deleting files.

6. The student analyzes network systems. The student is expected to  identify hardware associated with telecommunications and data networking such as servers, routers, switches, and network connectors; identify and describe various types of networks such as peer-to-peer, local area networks, wide area networks, wireless, and Ethernet; and explain troubleshooting techniques for various network connection issues. 

7. The student applies word-processing technology. The student is expected to identify the terminology associated with word-processing software; edit a variety of text documents using functions such as pagination, appropriate white space, tab settings, and font style, size, and color; and create professional documents such as memorandums, technical manuals, or proposals using advanced word-processing features.

8. The student applies spreadsheet technology. The student is expected to identify the terminology associated with spreadsheet software; and perform sorting, searching, and data filtering in documents.

9. The student explores database technology. The student is expected to identify the terminology associated with database software and database functions; explore the application of databases; identify and explain the purpose and elements of a query language; identify and explain the purpose of fields and records; and describe the process of constructing a query, including multiple search parameters.

10. The student applies presentation management technology. The student is expected to identify the terminology and functions of presentation software; and create, save, edit, and produce presentations incorporating advanced features such as links, hyperlinks, audio, and graphics.

11. The student understands and demonstrates legal and ethical procedures as they apply to the use of information technology. The student is expected to explain and demonstrate ethical use of technology and online resources; adhere to intellectual property laws; explain the concept of intellectual property laws, including copyright, trademarks, and patents and consequences of violating each type of law; examine the consequences of plagiarism; demonstrate ethical use of online resources, including citation of source.