Information and Communication Technology in Business
Grade 9 or 10, Open (BTT1O, BTT2O)
Course Summary: This introduction to information and communication technology in a business environment is designed to build a foundation of digital literacy skills necessary for success in a technologically driven society. Includes an emphasis on digital literacy, effective electronic research and communication skills, and current issues related to the impact of information and communication technology.
Youthrive Coverage: 75%
Explicit Teaching Coverage: 50%
Experiential Learning: 15%
Reflective Journaling: 10%
(Total may add up to more than 100%, as multi-coloured dots are counted towards both colour categories.)
Connecting Youthrive to Specific Expectations
(Each dot represents one specific expectation as listed in the curriculum document, e.g., there are sixteen specific expectations within the Business Fundamentals strand, sub-divided as shown in the purple section. Colour key follows chart.)
Colour Key:
Explicitly taught by mentors as part of weekly lesson plans. (Most explicitly taught material is also learned experientially).
This expectation is mainly addressed through experiential learning based on students’ participation and engagement in Youthrive. (It may also be explicitly taught).
Reflective learning through journaling activity.
Not addressed.
STRAND: Digital Literacy
Terminology
Identify types of devices and tools used in information and communication technology.
Define key terms associated with information and communication technology.
Use current information and communication technology terms appropriately.
The Computer Workstation
Explain the basic functions of the components of a computer and its peripheral devices.
Explain the purpose of an operating system.
Identify common user interface elements and describe their functions.
Compare stand-alone and networked computer environments.
Demonstrate efficient use of a computer workstation.
File Management
Apply appropriate conventions when naming files and folders.
Organize files and folders in a logical manner.
Identify and access appropriate drives to facilitate data storage and retrieval.
The Internet
Identify different ways to connect to the Internet.
Compare the functions of different types of devices that can connect to the Internet.
Compare the services provided by a variety of Internet service providers.
Electronic Research
Identify the types of electronic tools that can be used for research.
Use the features of a web browser to facilitate electronic research.
Use the features of a variety of search engines to locate information.
Evaluate websites for usefulness, accuracy, validity, bias, appropriateness, and currency.
Use an accepted citation format (e.g., MLA, APA) to acknowledge electronic sources.
STRAND: Productivity Software
Word Processing
Perform word processing tasks using common software features.
Use word processing software to produce properly structured and formatted business documents.
Use support tools and features to enhance their ability to use word processing software applications.
Spreadsheet
Input, organize, and format data in a spreadsheet.
Use formulas and functions.
Produce spreadsheet documents.
Use software to produce charts that visually represent spreadsheet data.
Define common database terminology.
Database
Use common database software features to locate and organize information.
STRAND: Design Software
Presentations
Identify guidelines for designing an effective electronic presentation.
Create electronic presentations for specific purposes and audiences.
Use software features to enhance presentations.
Use effective presentation skills when delivering an electronic presentation.
Desktop Publishing
Use desktop publishing features to enhance publications.
Use desktop publishing software to design and create a variety of publications for specific purposes and audiences.
Web Page Development
Compare the purposes and target audiences of a variety of websites.
Identify guidelines for developing effective websites.
Design and create web pages for specific purposes and audiences.
STRAND: Business Communications
Business Communications Standards
Identify characteristics of effective business documents and communications.
Compose effective business documents and communications.
Edit, revise, and proofread to produce well organized and grammatically correct business documents and communications.
Collaborate with peers to develop and enhance business communications, and recognize how collaboration can improve productivity.
Use presentation skills when communicating business-related information for specific purposes and audiences.
Electronic Communication
Describe the tools used to communicate electronically in business.
Demonstrate effective use of e-mail software.
Use etiquette appropriate to the audience and purpose when communicating electronically.
Portfolio
Identify the skills and competencies needed to work effectively in an information and communication technology environment;
Assess their personal competencies and skills in information and communication technology.
Create and maintain a portfolio by selecting samples of their work, including business communications, that illustrate their skills and competencies in information and communication technology.
STRAND: Ethics and Issues in Information and Communication Technology
Legal, Social, and Ethical Issues
Describe legal issues related to information and communication technology.
Analyse ethical issues related to information and communication technology.
Describe the impact of access and equity issues relating to information and communication technology.
Explain the purpose and content of an acceptable use agreement.
Privacy and Security Issues
Describe privacy and security issues related to information and communication technology.
Explain the importance of keeping information secure and confidential.
Analyse the form and potential impact of computer viruses.
Explain how anti-virus software applications in a business environment enhance system security.
Health and Environmental Issues
Describe an ergonomically correct work environment.
Assess the personal health risks associated with the use of information and communication technology.
Explain the impact of information and communication technology on the environment.
Connections to School Board
and
Ministry of Education Mandates and Priorities*
Including Environmental Education as a Part of All Courses
Students will learn about select United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that can be addressed through business decisions.
Students will be graded on their abilities to incorporate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the 4Rs into their business decisions.
Students will learn about the 4Rs
Cross-Curricular Learning
JOURNALING: Several of the guided questions for the optional weekly journaling activity ask for evidence, examples and connections that will benefit students’ skills in writing and literacy, ethics, and marketing.
WEEKLY TASKS: Weekly tasks require students to work collaboratively and develop their writing, planning, and communication skills, all of which are transferable to many subjects.
Basic bookkeeping skills are taught explicitly and learned experientially.
Reflective Learning
In addition to the mentors engaging the students in discussions about the power of consumerism, EDII and other important topics, several of the guided questions for the optional weekly journaling activity ask students to consider, revisit, and plan how to improve what they have learned and their experiences as a team member.
Support for students with IEPs and students learning English
The purchased Youthrive package includes a printable Glossary of Terms for students to access before the program begins so they can prepare for this exciting adventure in entrepreneurship. The glossary is also available for students to refer to throughout the ten weeks of lessons.
