Warren County Middle School

Business And Information Technology Program“ A Different Approach”

Objectives

• Implement a Middle School Business and Information Technology Curriculum that would provide students with the foundation of knowledge they need to succeed in environments that require the use of computers and the Internet.

• Validate our programs using globally recognized standards and assessments.

• Introduce the Middle School students to globally recognized certifications and the process involved.

www.certiport.com

IC3 Global Standard 3

New Curriculum

• Computer Fundamentals Identify types of computers, how they process information, and the purpose and function of different hardware components Identify how to maintain computer equipment and solve common problems relating to computer hardware. Identify how software and hardware work together to perform computing tasks and how software is distributed and upgraded Identify different types of application software and general concepts relating to application software categories Identify what an operating system is and how it works, and solve common problems related to operating systems Use an operating system to manipulate a computer’s desktop, files and disks Identify how to change system settings, install and remove software

• Key Applications Be able to start and exit an application, identify and modify interface elements and utilize sources of online help Perform common file-management functions Perform common editing and formatting functions Perform common printing/outputting functions Be able to format text and documents including the ability to use automatic formatting tools Be able to use word-processing tools to automate processes such as document review, security and collaboration Be able to modify worksheet data, structure and formatting Be able to sort data, manipulate data using formulas and functions and create simple charts Be able to create and format simple presentations

New Curriculum

• Living Online Identify network fundamentals and the benefits and risks of network computing Identify different types of electronic communication/collaboration and how they work Identify how to use an electronic mail application Identify the appropriate use of different types of communication/ collaboration tools and the “rules of the road” regarding online

communication (“netiquette”) Identity information about the Internet, the World Wide Web and Web sites and be able to use a Web browsing application Understand how content is created, located and evaluated on the World Wide Web Identify how computers are used in different areas of work, school and home Identify the risks of using computer hardware and software and how to use computers and the Internet safely, ethically and legally

New Curriculum

Advantages Validates Internet and Computing Skills with an Internationally recognized standard for digital

literacy and reflects the most relevant skills needed in today’s academic and business environment. Computerized performance based Instruction Unlimited practice assessments available to the students (Practice tests emulate the actual assessment)

Computer based online assessment with instant results. Unlimited testing opportunity for students. Digital portfolio available to students for lifetime that Includes all Certiport assessment results Allows flexibility with testing and provides accommodations provisions for special needs. Aligns with current Business and Information Technology course blueprints. Introduces students to the certification and/or credential process. Use these assessments to determine the students computer literacy skills and complete the

required report to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Curriculum

• Purchased this reference book:

Different formats available from

multiple vendors:• Printed Materials• Online courses• Multimedia

Implementation

6th Grade: Keyboarding (18 weeks)

----------------------------7th Grade:

Key Applications (18 weeks)Students take KA exam before the end of the

course

----------------------------8th Grade:

Computer Fundamentals and Living Online (9 weeks each)

Students take the CF and LO exams before the end of the course

2010 – 2011 8th Grade

Original Plan:6 weeks of each module

Actual Progress:Students move forward as they pass

the certification testMany students needed more than 6

weeks per module

Official Testing Center

• Certiport Testing Center– Application

Process– Tech

Specifications– Test

Administration– Cost : Free

• Exams– School Pricing– Unlimited Exams: 1500– Practice Exams: 500– Cost: $3000 per year

Results

7th Grade

Key Applications

• Total of 189 students enrolled in classes in 2010 -2011

• Tested 93 students• Total of 63 students passed

the exam• High Score

– (956 out of 1000)

8th Grade

Computer Fundamentals, Key Applications and Living Online

• Total of 178 students enrolled in classes in 2010-2011

• Tested 106 students• Total of 100 students passed at least one

exam• 38 students are IC3 certified• Total of 48 students passed only two exams.• Total of 14 students passed only one exam.• Students passing individual exams

– Computer Fundamentals: 80– Key Applications: 68– Living Online: 75

Detailed Results

• http://www.warrencareertech.org/ic3-report.html

Students Access to Digital Transcriptwww.certiport.com

Students Certificates

Students Success!

Contact Information

Ernie ConnerDirector of Career and Technical EducationWarren County Schools109 Cousin Lucy’s LaneWarrenton, North Carolina 27589Email Address: econner@warrenk12nc.orgPhone: 252-257-3184Website: http://www.warrencareertech.org