Big Ideas

Big Ideas

Services and products can be designed through consultation and collaboration.
Business creates opportunities to enable change.
Tools and technologies
tools that extend human capabilities
can be adapted for specific purposes.

Content

Learning Standards

Content

computer peripherals
input/output, mouse, scanner, printer/fax/copier, alternative input devices such as virtual keyboard, stylus, tablet
basic operating systems and software operations on multiple platforms
industry-standard business application
for example, word processing, spreadsheets, digital presentation software suites, databases, digital printing
software
efficient
fast data processing, easy information retrieval
integration of multiple software components
for example, spreadsheets, text documents, calendars, databases
within all aspects of business application suites
business approach to creating and formatting documents
for example, business letters, research documents, flyers, spreadsheets, tables, graphs, charts, posters
and using custom tools for enhancement, including:
  • e-mail protocol and etiquette
  • header, footer, table of contents, mail merge, font, word art, text box
  • business protocol, formality, and tone in business documents and applications
  • formulas and functions in a spreadsheet
  • design, creation, and manipulation of databases and database objects
    for example, tables, fields, records, views, queries, forms, reports
  • calendar scheduling, viewing, and syncing, including resource scheduling in shared calendars
  • narration, custom animations, and effects in presentation software
  • notetaking and note-management software
  • brochures, flyers, calendars, publications, and other business communications
meeting protocol and etiquette
for example, organizing and conducting a meeting, creating an agenda, gathering input, determining intended outcomes, facilitating consensus, taking minutes, publishing minutes
file management
manipulating electronic files and folders in local, networked, and cloud-based environments
techniques
cloud-based computing and work applications
interpersonal and public relations skills
for example, professional communications, collaboration, follow-ups, and courtesies; technological or visual supports to accompany marketing or demonstrations at meetings and conferences; social media and networking
to promote products or services and to interact with potential customers/clients
industry best practices
career options and opportunities in various business sectors

Curricular Competency

Learning Standards

Curricular Competency

Applied Design

Conduct research
for example, of the business requirements, including formats, timelines, deliverables, and audience
to determine the product best suited to the application
Choose a direction and point of view
for example, what shape will the document/spreadsheet/presentation/database take?
for the task at hand
Identify
for example, document the recipients, establish information transfer protocols
potential users, intended impact, and possible unintended negative consequences
Make decisions about premises and boundaries
 for example, platform-based or cloud-based; security requirements
that define the task at hand
Identify gaps to explore
for example, how the business application can be creatively developed to best suit the recipient/client; positives/negatives of stand-alone applications versus networked/web-based
options with the goal of enhancing the potential of the product
Generate ideas, individually and collaboratively, to contribute to the creation of a business product
Prioritize ideas for drafting a sample product for the task
Identify, critique, and use a variety of sources of inspiration and information
Outline and design a draft approach
for example, the data and features to be included in the business application being created
based on research, premises, and boundaries
Create and use complex business applications to support business and client needs
Record and track
for example, track versions, back up data, track edits
iterations of work generated
Obtain and evaluate critical feedback from multiple sources
for example, those who can provide feedback that will support the development of a better-designed business application
, both initially and over time
Based on feedback received and evaluated, make changes to business application products or processes as needed
Engage in problem-solving practices by applying appropriate skills to discover optimal solution(s) based on prevailing circumstances
Identify tools, technologies, materials, processes, and time needed for development and implementation
Use project management processes
setting goals, planning, organizing, constructing, monitoring, and leading during execution
when working individually or collaboratively to create processes or products
Share progress to increase feedback and collaboration
Create projects that use integrated business software applications
Critically evaluate their ability to work effectively, both individually and collaboratively

Applied Skills

Choose an appropriate form, scale, and level of detail
present the ideas developed after looking at best practices, and make the presentation succinct
for communicating outcomes in a clear and concise manner
Identify and critically assess skills needed related to current or projected tasks, and develop specific plans
for example, explore opportunities and options for professional development and certification
to learn or refine skills over time
Evaluate safety issues
for example, viruses, phishing, privacy (digital); ergonomics, lifting, repetitive stress injuries (physical)
for themselves, co-workers, and users in both physical and digital environments
Evaluate and apply a framework for problem solving

Applied Technologies

Explore existing, new, and emerging tools, technologies, and systems and evaluate their suitability for the task at hand
Evaluate impacts, including unintended negative consequences, of choices made about technology use
Analyze the role and personal, interpersonal, social, and environmental impacts of technologies in societal change
Identify appropriate tools, technologies, materials, processes, and time needed for production, and where/how these could be made available
Use tools and technologies for efficiency
Use business productivity software to manipulate data and find solutions to business problems
Resolve simple problems that may be encountered while using a computer and undertake basic troubleshooting